The Spencerport Board of Education has adopted a proposed budget of $48,710,696 for the 2001-2002 school year. In addition to student learning, the budget supports three main areas, according to Superintendent Phillip Langton. "Our goal is to address these three areas and maintain our educational program and help students meet the state learning standards," Langton says. "The proposed budget will support our efforts to increase student achievement." The three areas with the largest increases are: services for students with disabilities; employee benefits, especially health care; and debt service, which voters approved in last year's capital project vote.

Pending final numbers on the state budget, which may not be available until late summer, and equalization rates, the tax rate increase is expected to range from 3.20 percent to 8.84 percent, depending on the town.

Board members, along with Superintendent Langton, began working on the budget with the district's Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) in January, trying to minimize the tax impact while providing sufficient funds to operate the district. The BAC was made up of community residents, teachers, students and district administration representatives.

Residents who want more information can call Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler, 349-5111. In addition, a Budget Hearing and Candidate Information Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the Board of Education conference room in the Administration Building, 71 Lyell Avenue. Additional budget presentations will be scheduled. Copies of the budget will also be available for review at the Administration Building, at each of the district's schools and at the Ogden Public Library beginning on April 25.

The budget vote is Tuesday, May 15 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Administration Building, 71 Lyell Avenue.