AP BOE Budget and Board Voting

Averill Park BOE Adopts Spending Plan;

Prepares for May 20 Budget Vote

Tax Levy Increase Estimated at 2.96 Percent

The Averill Park Board of Education adopted a $53.5 million spending plan for the 2008-09 school year at a special meeting held Thursday night (April 3). Residents will vote on the spending proposal for $53,560,835 on May 20, 2008.

Voting can be done at the Averill Park High School located at 146 Gettle Road from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The proposal accounts for a spending increase of $2.1 million over the 2007-08 school year budget, an overall increase of 4.23 percent. However, the estimated local tax levy will only increase by 2.96 percent.

Budget highlights include:

• Continued support for district class-size guidelines at the K-to-5 grade level.
• Includes a comprehensive multi-year technology replacement plan.
• enhances district-wide health and safety services as well as additional custodial support for ensuring a high-quality educational environment.
• Provides academic support services including summer school, CARES, Alternative Learning and GED programs.
• Continues curriculum improvement and professional development activities to support teacher and student learning.
• Offers essential student connections to the school community through extra-curricular clubs, athletics, visual and performing arts and service learning.
• Provides quality home-to-school transportation for the majority of all students, as well as maintaining the district’s long-range bus replacement plan.

“The board of education and administration worked hard to develop a budget that will continue to deliver quality education and programs to our students,” said Superintendent Jo Moccia. “The proposed budget includes additional services and programs necessary to continue to support our students in a manner that will prepare them for the challenges of the 21st Century.” For more information on the actual proposal. Click Here

Among factors driving the budget increase are mandated programs, health insurance premiums, increase in Employees’ and Teachers’ Retirement System rates and contractual salary increases.

Proposition for vote:

Voting will include a proposition that would allow the district to purchase nine school buses at a total maximum estimated cost of $602,000. The purchase of new buses is consistent with long-term plan to replace older buses with new, reliable ones that result in significant savings in repair work. The purchases are also designed to maintain a safe, effective and efficient bus fleet.

Board of Education Election

Candidates for one seat on the Averill Park Board of Election can file petitions to be included on the May 20 ballot to fill the expiring term of a current board member. Applicants must submit a proper petition to the district office prior to April 21st at 5 p.m. to be included on the ballot. After the filing deadline, names of candidates for the position will be released.

Voting Location

All voting will be conducted at the Averill Park High School at 146 Gettle Road in Averill Park on Tuesday, May 20th between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m