Qualified voters of the Schuylerville Central School District will vote on a $38.6 million proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year on May 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the District Office Board of Education room. The $38.6 million proposed budget calls for a 1.50% spending increase and an estimated tax levy increase of 1.32%. State aid projections provide the ability to keep the district’s tax levy below the allowable tax cap of 3.60%. Tax rates for individual properties will be determined over the summer once equalization rates and assessments are available for the district’s seven towns.
The district’s five-year comparative spending plan exemplifies a continued effort to remain fiscally conservative for the taxpayers while maintaining academic programming and staffing.
“This budget proposal preserves the excellent education Schuylerville continues to provide each year, while maintaining a fiscally responsible approach to finances,” said Schuylerville Central School District Assistant Superintendent for Business, Christine Burke.
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development
At the start of the 2021-22 school year, the district added a Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development position to its staff using funds from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) grant. Taking into consideration the effects of COVID-19 and long-range planning for teaching and learning, the district felt it would benefit from having someone full-time to support instruction and professional development. This position has been added into the proposed 2022-23 budget as a permanent role, which will continue to provide the much-needed support for students and teachers, and to assist in navigating the ongoing changes in curriculum and education regulations.
“The positive impact we’ve seen on students and staff since the district added this position at the beginning of the school year made it clear to the Board of Education that we should advocate to make it a permanent role,” said Board of Education President, Michael Bodnar.
Land Purchase Proposition
Also on the ballot will be a land purchase proposition that, if approved, will authorize the district to acquire the property located at 36 Spring Street, Schuylerville, New York, at a cost of $199,900, plus reasonable and customary closing costs.
“Anytime the district can purchase land that is adjacent to school property is a great opportunity,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “The land purchase will allow the district to work with architects and the Department of Transportation to research a possible second outlet to reroute campus traffic and allow a better traffic flow in the future.”
Bus Leasing Proposition
As part of the May 17 budget vote, voters will also consider a proposition that would allow the district to renew a five-year bus lease agreement. If approved, the lease would replace: seven, 65-passenger buses; two, 65-passenger buses; two, 30-passenger buses; and one, 22-passenger wheelchair equipped bus for the 2022-23 school year. The proposition reflects the five-year total cost of $1,100,750 and will be budgeted annually over five years.
“The idea is to maximize our transportation aid dollars while maintaining an up-to-date fleet,” said Assistant Superintendent for Business, Christine Burke. “Leasing provides the perfect blend of this concept with the least impact to taxpayers.”
The district has a fleet of 41 vehicles, including 37 buses and four vans. The vehicles travel more than 390,000 miles a year, between daily runs, private school runs, sports trips, field trips and summer travel. Keeping an up-to-date fleet allows the district to reduce and simplify the parts inventory, eliminate large repairs (the buses are all warrantied for five years), and cut down on fuel usage due to the industry standards regarding emissions. After the five-year lease ends, the district has the option of purchasing the vehicles or entering a new lease to begin the replacement cycle.
Board of Education election
Voters will elect one person to a five-year term beginning July 1, 2022. The seat is currently held by Board of Education President Michael Bodnar, who is the sole person on the ballot. Click here for Mr. Bodnar’s candidate profile.
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the proposed 2022-23 budget will be held May 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Board of Education room. Click here to view the 2022-23 budget proposal presentation.