New estimated tax rate increase is 3.44 percent

The Spencerport School Board approved a new budget at its meeting May 13, based on the state budget recently passed by lawmakers in Albany. That budget provides Spencerport with more revenue than originally projected in the governor's proposed budget.

The school board voted to use over $540,000 to decrease the estimated tax rate. The estimated tax rate increase is 3.44 percent. The proposed new budget restores $463,000 in programs and services that were cut from the original budget proposal.

The restorations include: seventh- and eighth-grade summer school, elementary librarians, full-time elementary counselors, a flex nurse position, some enrichment activities, some athletic funding, some teacher aides, and part-time teaching assistants. "This is truly great news," says Spencerport Superintendent Phillip W. Langton. "However," he cautions, "all of these changes depend upon the legislature overriding the governor's veto. If that does not occur, the funds will not be available to restore programs, or to reduce the tax rate."

The budget hearing takes place Tuesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. in the board room at the Administration Building, 71 Lyell Avenue. Copies of the budget are available at the Administration Building, at each district school, and at the Ogden Farmers' Library, 269 Ogden Center Road.

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