The Brockport Central School District Board of Education unanimously adopted the proposed 2013-2014 budget during the April 9 meeting. The $72,077,829 budget projects a 2.22% tax rate increase. The budget was balanced utilizing $3.9 million of fund balance/reserves and a tax levy increase of 3.98% (1% of the tax levy increase is offset by the reclassification of Payments in Lieu of Taxes). The tax levy is less than Brockport’s tax levy limit (cap) of 5.56%.
The proposed budget includes no reductions to programs or staff and reflects the District’s new strategic plan.
In addition to the budget, three board trustee positions (two five year terms and one four year term) and a bus purchase proposition are on the ballot for May 21. Running for the three open Board seats are Michael A. Guerrieri and incumbents Lisa E. Ireland, Thomas E. Langelotti, and A. Gary Zimmer.
The Bus Purchase Proposition of $987,900 would mean an estimated average cost of $1.41 per year on a house valued at $100,000. Bus purchases receive 90% state aid (with an estimated net cost of $8,981 per bus after trade-in and state aid). These purchases allow the bus fleet to remain on a 10-year replacement cycle.
Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the budget at a Public Hearing on May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Fred W. Hill School Cafetorium. The District Vote including the 2013-2014 Proposed Budget, School Bus Purchase Proposition, and Board Election will be held on May 21 from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. in the Technology and Training Center (former bus garage). Please note the new, earlier time and change in location.
Board candidates will be available to answer questions during the PTSA Meet the Candidates Night on May 6 at 7 p.m. in the Oliver Middle School LGI. Candidate profiles and budget information will be published in the April/May issue of “Focus” which will be delivered to residents with the May 5 issue of the Suburban News and Hamlin Clarkson Herald and posted at www.bcs1.org/budgetinfo. For additional budget information, contact the Business Office at 585-637-1820.
