Spencerport holds budget hearing and candidate night

Spencerport residents can attend the Budget Hearing and Candidate Information Night Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in the Board of the Education Conference Room at the Spencerport Administration Building, 71 Lyell Avenue. In addition to a presentation explaining the proposed 2002-2003 school budget, board candidates will speak about their views and will answer questions.

The budget presentation will detail the district's proposed 2002-2003 budget of $50,335,097, a spending increase of 3.18 percent over the current budget. The proposed budget is $54,000 less than the legal "cap" for a contingency budget. "The school board decided to hold the line on spending," says Superintendent Phillip W. Langton. The budget proposal reflects reductions in teaching and support staff through retirements and resignations, and reductions in staff development and curriculum writing as well as supplies and equipment.

"We worked together to maintain our educational program," says Langton. "Under this budget, we would be able to maintain our commitment to our class-size guidelines and our existing programs. Also, the district will continue to align the curriculum to the state learning standards." If the district goes to a contingency budget, there would be program restrictions. In addition, community groups wanting to use district facilities and fields would be legally required to pay a fair market rental fee.

Four candidates running for three school board seats will be on the May 21 ballot. Incumbent David Dorofy, the current board vice-president, is running again. Other incumbents running are John Goehle and Laura McFarlane. The fourth candidate is Christine Geen. The candidates will each make a presentation about their qualifications for and interest in the school board on May 14. They will also be available to answer questions.

District residents this year will have a choice of three locations at which to vote on May 21. In addition to the Administration Building, residents can now choose to vote at Munn Elementary School, 2333 Manitou Road, or at Taylor Elementary School, 399 Ogden Parma Town Line Road. Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all three locations.

Residents who want more information on the budget can call Superintendent Phillip Langton, 349-5101 or Assistant Superintendent Fred Seiler, 349-5111. They may also contact any member of the Spencerport Board of Education. In addition, copies of the budget are available for review at the Administration Building, as well as at each of the district's schools and at the Ogden Public Library.