The Scotia-Glenville Board of Education held their public hearing on the 2010-11 budget on Wednesday, May 5, at the Scotia-Glenville Middle School.
The budget, which stands at $47.3 million, includes a 3.12 percent increase in the tax levy, with homes assessed at $160,000 paying $3,276 in taxes, an increase of $99 from the current year, according to information from the district.
The public hearing, which also included a Meet the Candidates night, showed an overview of the budget while members of the board answered questions from the public. Resident Nicole Broadhead asked if there was any way to save money, and jobs, with a decrease in spending on benefits for staff in the district.
`It may save someone’s job if everybody conceded and made some concessions in these situations,` said Broadhead.
Board of education president Pam Carbone said that they were unable to change or modify contracts since entering them four years ago, but would look at the contracts closely when they are reassessed in the coming year.
Superintendent Susan Swartz said communication between the school district and the residents are key, and that many of the residents in the community are coming into the conversations after months of discussions.
`It’s communication, its critical,` said Swartz. `I hope between the website and the budget mailings and forums that people have found the information they need. Its a lot to swallow in one night.`
The Scotia-Glenville Board of Education will meet again on Monday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at Scotia-Glenville Middle School.“