The Board of Education adopted a proposed $24,520,229 budget for the 2019-20 school year at their April 17 meeting. The Board adopted the proposed budget after receiving feedback on local educational priorities during the community budget forum, monthly board meetings and from district residents and staff.
The proposed budget calls for a spending increase of 2.93 percent ($697,275) over this school year’s budget. Adjustments to employee salaries and benefits per negotiated agreements account for most of the budget increase. The proposed budget includes a state aid increase of $586,836 (5.13 percent) over the current school year’s budget.
The proposed budget would provide additional funding for the district’s college and career readiness program, development of cultural awareness programs for students and staff, and professional development for teachers
in the state’s learning standards. Additional funding would be provided for elementary supplies and advanced online data safety software.
The proposed 2019-20 budget would increase the tax levy by $200,605 (2.37 percent) and decrease reliance on the district’s fund balance. The 2.37 percent tax levy increase is below the district’s 3.68 percent maximum levy limit (“cap”), which means approval of the budget requires a simple majority vote of 50 percent plus one vote.
School tax rates, which determine the amount of money property owners pay per $1,000 of assessed value, will be set in August after the district receives town property assessments and state equalization rates.
Board of Education elections & propositions
In addition to voting on the proposed budget on May 21, district residents will elect candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education. They also will consider propositions to allow the district to purchase two school buses, two vans and a Suburban SUV using its transportation capital reserve fund and to levy taxes for the Schoharie Free Library.
Visit the Budget webpage for information about the current year’s budget and voting information