2019-20 Budget Highlights
The 2019-20 proposed budget was adopted by the Board of Education at its April 4, 2019 meeting in the amount of $12,883,640. The budget development is a collaborative effort, relying on contributions from staff, teachers, supervisors, administrators, and the Board of Education. The proposed budget contains an increase of 2.83%, or $353,984. Revenue estimates include a tax levy increase of 2.0% which is less than the allowable tax levy limit of 2.17%. Because the district will be tax cap compliant, eligible home owners will once again receive a rebate check in the fall or winter of 2019.The 2019-20 proposed budget maintains all current programs and staffing. Additionally, we are pleased to offer additional opportunities for students in academics and extracurricular activities. Our teachers have developed exciting new courses which have been approved by the Board of Education including Public Speaking, The Making of Music, Agricultural Science, Natural Resources I, Studio in Art II, Weight Lifting, Conspiracy Theories, iPad Ensemble, Math for Personal/Financial Management, and Senior Seminar. The proposed budget will continue to support the Ski Club and Clay Target League Club, which began in 2018-19. Additionally, we will offer bowling as a club in 2019-20 for the first time. As our music program continues to grow with the addition of the Eagles Band at the Elementary School, the proposed budget supports this growth with funds for the purchase of new instruments to accommodate student interest in this program. We will continue to offer after school enrichment opportunities at the Elementary School. The Prekindergarten program will be entering its 3rd year and is fully funded by a New York State Grant. Enrollment is currently underway and children will be placed on a first come first serve basis.
In development of the budget, we also look to contain costs wherever possible. Based on trend data, the budget was reduced by $36,309 for tuition payments to better align with historical and projected expenses. Additionally, there were $31,522 in reductions to salary and benefits costs due to retirement breakage.
The district is also proposing the purchase of two school buses at a maximum cost of $210,000. This cost is offset by the trade in of two of our older buses. If approved, the purchase of these buses will not have a budgetary impact until 2020-21, and will also generate Transportation Aid over 5 years, offsetting approximately 80% of the cost of the buses. The district is continuing to work towards a 5 year replacement schedule for school buses to provide safe and reliable transportation to students every day, to minimize the cost of repairs, and to maximize the trade in value of old buses.
Please join us for the Budget hearing on May 14 at 6:30 PM in the High School Library. The Budget Vote will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 in the High School Lobby between noon and 8:00 PM.
