The Board of Education has adopted a proposed 2015-2016 school budget totaling $100,893,074 and representing a 1.60 percent budget-to-budget increase and a tax levy increase of 1.89 percent, which falls below the allowable tax levy limit.

As the proposed levy increase is below the district’s allowable limit, the budget requires a simple majority of voters (50 percent plus one) to pass, as per New York State’s tax levy cap law.

Through careful analysis and the efficient streamlining of costs, the proposed budget maintains all current instructional and non-instructional programs and reinstates athletics and clubs currently being funded through a generous grant from New York State Sen. Phil Boyle. The proposed budget also allows for the appointment of three new special education teachers, three new English as a Second Language teachers and one new grounds personnel member, as well as the increase of a psychologist position from part-time to full-time. In addition, the proposed budget includes the ability to transfer money to the capital fund in order to fund important and necessary buildings and grounds maintenance.

The Board of Education encourages community members to become informed about the proposed budget by reading the budget presentations, which may be found by clicking here. The community is also encouraged to attend the district’s budget hearing on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
     
Voting will take place on Tuesday, May 19 from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Residents north of Sunrise Highway will vote at Santapogue Elementary School, while residents south of Sunrise Highway will vote at the administration building.