Voters in the Shenendehowa Central School District will decide next month on a $163 million budget that raises taxes by one percent. Four candidates are running for two seats on the Board of Education, and the district wants to purchase 21 school buses to replace aging vehicles.
The budget for the 2015-2016 school year “preserves current programs and services, allows for some program enhancements, is under the tax levy cap and includes the lowest levy increase in 10 years,” the district said.
The plan carries a spending increase of $2.75 million, or 1.72 percent above last year; and a 1.55 percent increase in the total tax levy, which is under the district’s 3.17 percent allowable limit under the state’s tax cap. The spending plan would cost the owner of property valued at $250,000 an additional $47 a year in taxes, according to the district.
Shenendehowa presently employs 1,617 employees, including 732 instructors. The budget would add staff and invest in 800 Chromebooks and 350 iPads. It forecasts reductions in employee retirement costs, transportation and other areas. It expects $42,783,912 in state aid, up from $41,079,148 last school year.
Four persons are running for two seats on the seven-member Board of Education: Samuel Hazleton V of Clifton Park; incumbent Robert Pressly of Rexford; Christina Rajotte of Halfmoon; and Kerensa Rybak of Ballston Lake. Bios here. The seats carry three-year terms. Janet Grey will not seek a fifth term. The election comes in the wake of the board’s heated 4-2 vote to allow transgender students at Shenendehowa High School to apply to use gender-specific bathrooms of their choice.
District residents are also asked to approve a proposition to purchase 21 school buses for $2.1 million. Approving that measure would result in a .18 percent tax rate increase, according to the district. The vote takes place on May 19.