2008-2009 Budget
On Tuesday, April 22 the Board of Education adopted a $26,548,591 proposed budget for 2008-2009. This is an increase of 2.29% over the current budget, or $594,575. The budget calls for a 4.12% increase in the overall tax levy.
A major challenge in creating the 2008-2009 budget is the amount of state aid the district expects to receive. State aid was cut 2.87%, down $198,311, from the previous year. This reduction is largely a result of declining enrollment.
The community will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 20 at the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School gymnasium. The polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to the 2008-2009 proposed school budget, there will be four propositions on the ballot. These propositions include:
Proposition #1 – Capital Project
Voters are asked whether the district should go forward with a $6,035,000 Capital Project to address the safety issues and code requirements judged to be most important and that were in the original referendum from the January 22, 2008 vote. To see a list of the planned improvements, please click here. To see a PowerPoint presentation (in .pdf format), please click here.
These renovations and upgrades will impact all three of the district’s school buildings. This Capital Project will address critical areas such as replacing roofs, renovating portions of the elementary school’s 50-year-old heating and ventilation system, upgrading windows, doors, fire alarm systems and electrical work in all three buildings. With the help of the $456,014 in EXCEL Aid from the State, this referendum will have no impact on the tax rate when the debt service begins.
Proposition #2 – Capital Reserve Fund
Voters are asked whether to approve the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund which will help the district finance future construction projects. Voters will decide at future budget votes as to whether or not the district should put money in the fund. The maximum amount of money that can be put in the fund is $3,500,000 over the 10 year life span of the fund.
- Proposition #3 – Elective Terms of Board Members
Voters will decide whether future Board of Education members serve 3-year terms, instead of the current 5-year terms. This proposed change is in response to a voter survey last year where residents said they preferred shorter terms for Board members. If approved, the 3-year term would only apply to Board members elected in future elections.
- Proposition #4 – School Bus Purchases
Voters will decide whether the district should purchase two large school buses at a cost of $189,500 as part of the district’s bus replacement plan. The new buses would replace buses that are 11-years-old, keeping with the recommendation from the state Department of Transportation to replace buses transporting students at 100,000 miles or ten years.
To provide residents a detailed look at the proposed 2008-2009 budget, we are providing the following resources for your review.
If you have any questions, please contact School Business Administrator Diane Malecki by e-mail or by calling 392-1511.
Budget Resources
Draft #4 (Final) PowerPoint Presentation, April 23, 2008
Draft # 4 (Final) Budget Details, April 23, 2008
Draft #3 PowerPoint Presentation, April 8, 2008
Draft # 3 Budget Details, April 8, 2008
Draft #2 PowerPoint Presentation, March 25, 2008
Draft #2 Budget Details, March 25, 2008
Draft #1 PowerPoint Presentation, March 11, 2008
Draft # 1 Budget Details, March 11, 2008
Calendar for 2008-2009 Budget Process
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Chatham, NY 12037
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