The Dunkirk Board of Education sits at its April meeting as District Superintendent Brian Swatland, right, speaks.

The Dunkirk City School District finalized 2026-27 budget plans during its Board of Education meeting.

The meeting had a sad tone, with the recent passing of School 5 Principal Danielle Russell repeatedly mentioned.

Superintendent Brian Swatland asked for and received a moment of silence at the start of the meeting in Russell’s honor. “She was a friend to a lot of us, a colleague, a mentor,” he said. “Somebody we looked up to, who did an amazing job at School 5.”

Swatland praised School 5 for “supporting the students and being there for each other” after Russell passed away.

Board of Education President Kenneth Kozlowski later offered condolences to Russell’s family on behalf of the board. The board also approved a resolution of respect for her.

“I guess we honor her by remembering her passions — whether it was our bilingual program, or School 5, or the special education kids she had a special place in her heart for,” Kozlowski said.

As for the proposed $61.3 million budget, it calls for a 2% property tax increase. Swatland said it contains a 1.86% increase in spending from the 2025-26 budget.

Kozlowski called it a “big increase, but a modest increase,” given soaring insurance costs.

With the state budget overdue, Swatland acknowledged that the district is still not sure what its aid revenue will be for 2026-27.

The board adopted the property tax report card that is supposed to be sent to district residents. A public vote on the budget is set for May 19.

In other business, the board heard a report from student representative Giada Kirell. She mentioned a student council leadership growth trip to Disney World in Florida; a tubing trip for seniors; the varsity basketball team’s recent success; and upcoming events such as prom, senior trip, and graduation.

The board also heard presentations on how the district prepares students for life after school, and an annual counseling plan.