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Lower than anticipated expenditures for services from BOCES in the current year will result in a reduction in aid of $46,223 next year while building aid will be increased by $96,775 based on new data from the state, a net increase of $50,552.
These and other changes resulted in a new tax cap of 4.07 percent, down from the 4.18 percent originally projected. The projected tax levy increase on the preliminary budget will decrease from 3.97 percent to 3.88 percent.
Rubbo also showed a budget increase of $208,529 to add the Therapeutic Support class in the Middle School discussed at the March 2 meeting. This class was proposed in lieu of sending identified students with special needs to out of district programs. To offset this increase, reductions of $148,920 were proposed from a variety of codes, including contractual lines in facilities, substitutes related to implementation of the new teacher and principal evaluation systems mandated by the state, reduction of three of the proposed 13 interns, and a change in pension projections.
A $50,000 out of district tuition savings would be realized by adding the new middle school program. The tax levy increase under this scenario is projected at 3.99 percent, still under the tax cap.
The Board will hear a report on Monday, March 18, on the results of an evaluation of safety needs of the district, which was completed in light of the Newtown tragedy. The preliminary budget includes $150,000 reserved for recommendations from this study.
Board members requested figures related to adding modifications proposed in the athletic program for a total of $46,958 and a second day for Student Assistant Services at PMHS for $13,500. They asked the administrations to review the budget and revenues for savings.
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