On Tuesday, May 21, residents of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District will vote on a proposed $38,074,070 budget for the 2019-20 school year. The B-P Board of Education adopted the budget proposal during its regular meeting on Monday, April 15.
The proposed budget represents a 3.9% spending increase and a tax levy increase of 3.9%, which is below the district’s calculated tax levy “cap.” A simple majority of voters (more than 50%) is required for budget approval. The proposed spending plan maintains staff and programs at current levels and expands opportunities for students.
The most significant spending increase in the budget proposal, $800,000, is for BOCES programs for additional students with special needs who are new district residents, as well as for 10 additional students to participate in career and technical education programs.
B-P will realize a net savings of approximately $240,000 from the retirement of eight teachers, after accounting for new hires to replace most of those positions. The district also reduced administration costs, decreased supply and equipment budgets, and discontinued some service agreements to save money.
B-P continues to invest in student safety
The proposed budget includes funds to continue the district’s commitment to improving student safety and school security through the hiring of two school resource officers (one at each campus) and the installation of additional security cameras.
“We’ve been investing in security technology for the past several years, and these systems play a significant role in helping us do everything possible to keep our kids safe,” said Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson. “We’ve also seen the positive benefits of having a law enforcement presence in our schools, so the addition of two full-time school resource officers was definitely a priority for this budget.”
Tomlinson said the proposed budget also includes funding to improve safety on district buses by maintaining separate bus runs for elementary and secondary students.
Voting information
Qualified residents of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District will vote on the proposed budget Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Polls will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the middle and high school gymnasiums. Additional information about voting is available on the district website, bpcsd.neric.org. Residents are invited to learn more and ask questions about the budget proposal at a public budget hearing starting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 in the Virtual AP Room at BPHS. Detailed information about the budget proposal and other ballot propositions will be posted on the district website in the coming weeks. An informational brochure will be mailed to all households in early May.