Dr. Mitch Ball, assistant superintendent for business for Gates Chili Central School District, presented an overview of the district’s proposed $139,776,252 budget, saying it prioritizes staffing, student services and long-term facility upkeep.

Ball said many core services are legally required, noting transportation and special education, while programs such as music, athletics, clubs, kindergarten and advanced placement are not mandated but remain essential to student development. "When we use the right tools in the right places, we can build something great for students, staff, and the entire community," he said.

The district employs nearly 900 full- and part-time staff, Ball said, adding that about a quarter of employees live in the local community. He estimated the district’s staffing supports more than $6 million in local sales and income tax contributions. Ball also said administrative restructuring produced more than $200,000 in savings for the coming year.

Ball described the district’s physical footprint as more than 820,000 square feet of buildings on about 230 acres, which he called community resources that include a pool, fitness center, outdoor fields and tracks. "These aren't just school spaces, they're community spaces too," he said.

He told viewers the district has two voter-approved capital projects underway to "improve and maintain our schools for years to come." No project schedules or contract details were provided in the presentation. Ball closed by saying future installments of the district’s budget series will describe revenue sources and how the district funds operations. "In our next episode, we'll talk about where the money comes from and how we power up this entire operation," he said.