Spencerport district decreases projected tax rate increase

According to a press release submitted by the district, as a result of revised property assessment figures from town assessors, Spencerport Central School District has reduced its estimated tax rate increase. The district is now projecting a tax rate increase of less than one percent (.85%) - the lowest rate increase in eight years. Originally, the district expected a 3.24 percent increase.

"Gates, Ogden and Parma are all reporting that they anticipate significant increases in assessed value," Superintendent of Schools Phillip W. Langton stated in the press release. "With recent re-assessments - and new growth in the district - the actual tax rate increase will be much lower than we had originally forecast."

The district is presenting a $55,059,017 budget to voters on May 18, along with a separate bus proposition that will result in an earlier bus departure time for elementary students and that will restore activity buses. The budget maintains academic programs and provides additional teachers for classroom enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students and for full implementation of a Reading Recovery program for at-risk first graders.

Total assessed value in each town will not be final for several more weeks, but the district has taken a "conservative" approach, Langton stated in the press release.

Absentee ballots available
Applications for absentee ballots for the Spencerport Central School District school budget vote on May 18 are available at the office of the District Clerk, Spencerport Administration Building, 71 Lyell Avenue, Spencerport, NY 14559 or by calling 349-5111. District residents who are unable to vote because of college attendance, disabilities, illness, travel or other reasons listed as valid under election law, can request an absentee ballot application.

Applications must be received by the district at least seven days before the vote if the resident wishes to receive the ballot by mail. Residents who want to pick up their absentee ballots in person can apply through May 17. In all cases, the ballot must be returned to the district office no later than 5 p.m. on May 18. Ballots received later than 5 p.m. cannot be accepted under education law, regardless of postmark date.

The district is presenting a $55,059,917 budget to voters on May 18, along with a separate bus proposition that will result in an earlier bus departure time from school for elementary students and that will restore activity buses. The budget maintains academic programs and provides additional teachers for classroom enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students and for full implementation of a Reading Recovery program for at-risk first graders, according to a district press release.

In addition, three candidates, incumbent William Sweeney, and first-time candidates Rebecca Daniels and John Holko, are seeking two seats on the Board of Education.