B-P residents approve budget, capital project, and bus purchase proposition

By a vote of 454 to 154 (74.7%), residents of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District approved a $41,738,473 budget for the 2024-25 school year. Residents also approved a $37,845,000 capital project by a vote of 437 to 177 (71.2%), as well as a bus purchase proposition (478 to 130 votes, 78.6% approval rate). Incumbent Ed Szumowski, who was running unopposed, was elected to a fourth term on the Board of Education with 471 votes.

"The Board of Education and district leadership are thankful to the community for their support of the capital project that will serve generations of Broadalbin-Perth students," said Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson. "Our voters' continued support of the innovative programs offered for Broadalbin-Perth students will ensure them access to authentic learning opportunities as they discover their unique paths to college and careers."

The approved budget for the 2024-25 school year calls for a 1.145% spending increase from the 2023-24 school year and a tax levy increase of 0.97%, which is below the district's tax levy cap. The approved spending plan preserves all programs and increases Project Lead the Way course offerings.

The approved capital project will address health and safety concerns and infrastructure needs; expand classroom space for the district's construction and skilled trades program; and renovate and improve existing learning spaces. The owner of a district home with a full-market value of $100,000 will see a maximum increase of $33 on their September 2026 tax bill to help cover the local share of the project.

The approved bus purchase proposition will allow Broadalbin-Perth to purchase two 66-passenger buses, one 14-passenger bus, one van, and one large SUV. The state will pay for approximately 82% of the cost of the purchase, and there is no tax increase associated with the bus purchase.

In the third annual Kids Vote Too, B-P students in pre-K through grade 12 selected soft pretzels (61 votes) to be added to the menu at the BPES Snack Shack next school year. The other options were pizza rolls (59 votes) and nachos with cheese (37 votes).