Dear Tonawanda Parents/Caregivers and Community Members,
Our schools serve as an important source of pride and stability within the City of Tonawanda. Strong public schools help strengthen neighborhoods, support local families, preserve property values, and contribute to the long-term vitality of our community. The investment we make in education today helps prepare future leaders, skilled professionals, engaged citizens, and compassionate individuals who will continue contributing positively to our community for years to come.
Our students continue to thrive academically, socially and emotionally because of the collective efforts of dedicated educators, supportive families, and a community that values public education.
Beyond rigorous academic programming, we continue to invest in student wellness, mental health supports, school safety, counseling services, special education programs, athletics, music and the arts, extracurricular opportunities, and inclusive learning environments where every student feels welcomed, valued and supported.
The Board of Education has adopted a proposed budget for the 2026-2027 school year that reflects our continued commitment to balancing educational excellence with fiscal responsibility. The proposed budget totals $44,774,750 and represents an increase of approximately 1.02% over the current year’s budget. Careful planning and responsible financial management have allowed the district to remain within the New York State property tax cap while continuing to preserve the high-quality programs, services and opportunities our students deserve. The increase in the local tax levy will be 4.2% (2.3% operational revenue and 1.9% debt service for the new elementary school). This equates to an approximate annual increase in taxes of $48 for a home assessed at $100,000.
In addition, we continue to make thoughtful investments in our facilities to ensure students learn in safe, modern environments that will serve our community well into the future. The upcoming Middle/High School capital project represents another important step in maintaining and improving the spaces where our students learn, grow and succeed.
On behalf of our entire school system, thank you for your continued trust, partnership and support. We are proud of our students, grateful for our staff, and appreciative of a community that continues to believe in the importance of strong public schools.
I encourage all eligible residents to participate in the upcoming school budget vote and Board of Education election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the High School Wellness Gymnasium. Your voice and participation help ensure the continued strength and success of our schools and community.
Together, we will continue building a school district that reflects the pride, resilience and spirit of Tonawanda while creating outstanding opportunities for every Timberwolf student.
Sincerely,
Timothy A. Oldenburg, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools