Jeffrey R. Rabey, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent Depew Union Free School District
5201 S. Transit Road
Depew, NY 14043

Phone: (716) 686-5105
Fax: (716) 686-5101

Secretary to the Superintendent: Jessica Neischel
Phone: (716) 686-5104

Dear Depew School Community,

As we continue developing our budget for the 2025-2026 school year, I would like to share some important updates and insights regarding our district's financial planning and enrollment projections.

2025-2026 Budget Development

Our budget development process for the 2025-2026 school year is well underway. Key milestones include meetings with administrators and supervisors in January, the outlining of State Aid revenue by the Governor, and the calculation and submission of the tax cap this month. We aim to have the first draft of the budget ready by the end of the month, followed by a second draft in March. The final adoption of the budget is scheduled for April.  

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming budget hearing on May 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Depew High School Cafeteria. The budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Depew High School Gymnasium.

Our proposed district budget goals are centered around providing a fiscally prudent school budget that addresses the educational needs of our students while being mindful of the cost to district residents. We are committed to maintaining safe and well-maintained facilities, implementing a student-centered expenditure and revenue plan, and ensuring that our staffing plan meets higher academic standards and increased enrollment. Additionally, we will continue to identify and implement cost-saving measures to reduce the impact on taxes for our residents.

For more information, you can view our Budget Development Presentation from December on our website at depewschools.org/page/budget-and-election. The February presentation will be added after the February 25th Board of Education meeting.

Enrollment Study

Our District currently enrolls 1,804 students from kindergarten through grade 12. Our student population represents a diverse community with different backgrounds and circumstances.

Our enrollment projections indicate a slight increase in student enrollment over the past eleven years. Various models have been used to project future enrollments. While some models predict an increase in enrollment in the future, others suggest a potential decline. It is important to note that these projections are based on historical data and should be updated annually to reflect current trends.

Capital Project 2025

We are also excited about the Capital Project 2025 proposal, which includes approximately $8 to $9 million in scope with minimal tax impact. The project aims to address items not completed in the 2021 Capital Project due to escalating costs, such as bathroom renovations, air conditioning, track resurfacing, parking lot and site lighting improvements, and bus garage roof and masonry restoration.

As a reminder, the Capital Project 2025 will be part of the budget vote on May 20, with the design phase scheduled to begin this summer.

For updates on the proposed project, please visit depewschools.org.

Thank You, Depew School-Community

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our students, staff, and families for making Depew Union Free School District a wonderful place. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together this year!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey R. Rabey Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools