Preparations are currently underway for the proposed 2016-17 budget, with the first draft already presented to the Board of Education. During the Jan. 26 meeting, Michele Psarakis, executive director for finance and operations, and other administrators discussed state aid estimates, other revenues and the proposed tax levy. It is the district’s goal to remain within the allowable tax levy cap while maintaining current educational programs, clubs, and sports. “We are hoping the state will come through with additional aid to schools given the near zero allowable tax levy increase. Fully restoring the GEA for the 2016-17 year will help offset the low tax levy increase,” Mrs. Psarakis said.

The Board of Education encourages residents to become informed about the district’s proposed 2016-17 spending plan by attending the scheduled budget workshops and public hearings. Community members are encouraged to vote on May 17.

February 23        Discussion of Budget Draft #2 development and the Property Tax Levy Limit

March 1    Submit the 2016-2017 calculation for the Property Tax Levy Limit to the Office of State Comptroller, NYS Department of Tax and Finance and the NYS Education Department.

March 4    Board receives Budget Draft #2.

March 8    Presentation of Budget Draft #2.

March 15    Budget presentation at 7 p.m. in Board Room.

April 2    Legal notice of date, time, and place of School Budget Hearing and Annual Budget Vote.

April 8    Board receives final draft Budget.

April 12    Board’s final review and adoption of the 2016-2017 proposed budget.

April 13    Property Tax Report Card must be submitted to SED using the State Aid Management System (SAMS) by the end of the next business day following the budget adoption but no later than 24 days prior to Budget Vote.

April 26    Budget Statement and required attachments must be made available, upon request, at each school building and at the district office, public or free association library and on the district’s website at least 7 days before Budget Hearing date and at least 14 days before the Budget Vote.

May 3    Hold School Budget Hearing.

May 4    Mail budget notice to eligible voters after the Budget Hearing but no later than 6 days prior to Budget Vote day.

May 17    Annual Meeting - Uniform Statewide Budget Vote and Board of Education election.