That’s a goal that you haven’t heard in the past
Most of the goals for the school budget are familiar.
The district wants to maintain its programs and current staff levels. You’ve heard that before. What you haven’t heard in the past is a plan to have a tax levy increase of zero percent.
Harvey Sotland, the assistant superintendent for business, confirmed this goal at the March 28 Board of Education meeting. He appeared confident although he’s still waiting for information. Before the budget is finalized, he will need to know
– the number of staff members retiring
– the number of special-needs students and their requirements
– and the amount of state aid Cornwall can anticipate.
This year’s aid is due to include a portion of the Foundation Aid that has been owed to Cornwall and other districts for several years.
The timing is fortunate, because some expenses have increased. The first mentioned at the Monday night meeting was transportation. The district is in the second year of a two-year contract, which predated the increase in gasoline prices. The contract amount, however, will increase by the consumer price index.
The number of high school students choosing vocational education at BOCES has increased. For years, it hovered in the 60s. But this year, it jumped to 88. As a result, the allowance for BOCES has gone up by $245,000.
Consumers know about the rising cost of fuel. The school district isn’t immune to the increase, but the district benefits from being part of an energy consortium, which keeps its utility expense from being exorbitant.
The budget also includes a transfer to capital for smaller projects that won’t require a separate vote.
The money would be used for air conditioning at the middle school, the removal of asbestos and the replacement of a leaking roof at the administrative building, and the installation of backflow preventers in several buildings.
The cost of the project at the middle school will be offset by state aid. The work at the administrative building is not eligible for aid, but it’s necessary for the safety of the workers and the visiting public.
The next budget presentation is scheduled for April 7 at Lee Road School. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.
The Board of Education will adopt a budget two weeks later.
