UPDATED 5/19/2010
Residents in Niskayuna voted to pass the $76.4 million 2010-11 school budget on Tuesday, May 18, with board of education members Debbie Gordon, David Hudson and President Jeanne Sosnow retaining their seats.
The $76.4 million budget includes at 2.64 percent increase from the 2009-2010 budget and a tax levy increase of 2.40 percent, with homes assessed at $250,000 seeing an increase of $97 from last year’s levy for a total of $4,189 for the 2010-11 school year, according to information from the district. The budget reflects a decrease in aid from the state level, presenting a $2.1 million revenue shortfall for the district. The district reduced $2.4 million in expenditures in the baseline budget , including 24.5 full-time equivalent positions including 13 teaching assistant positions, two administrator positions, four faculty positions and three clerical support staff positions, according to the district’s Web site.
Alongside cuts to make up the $2.1 million shortfall from state aid, the district was able to add programs to the budget to move it forward, including the foreign language program for third-graders, the Explorer Program for high ability students at the elementary school level and new high school elective courses in math, English, science and technology.
The proposed budget passed with 1,908 votes in favor and 1,235 votes against. Voters also approved a proposition to purchase 11 buses with 1,887 votes in favor and 1,240 votes against.
Although the budget passed, some residents said they were concerned about the increase.
I’m relatively new to the area, and I want to be involved in the process of not being so taxed, said Tim Massie, 27. `I want to be a part of reducing taxes, not increasing them. We should be keeping teachers and not buying buses that we don’t need.`
Niskayuna Superintendent Kevin Baughman said in a release that the district is happy for the support from the community.
`The Board of Education, administration and staff greatly appreciate the support of our school community,` said Baughman. `During difficult economic times, it is critical that we strike a careful balance between the educational needs of our students and the ability of our community to continue to support education.`
Alongside the budget, board of education members Debbie Gordon, David Hudson and Jeanne Sosnow ran unopposed for re-election. Of the votes, Hudson received the most with 2,467; Sosnow came in second with 2,431 votes; and Gordon received 2,412 votes. All three will retain their seats on the board of education for another three years.
Sosnow said they are pleased with the outcome of the budget, and she thanked the voters who came out in support of the budget.
`I think that shows that the Niskayuna community are in favor of support and were paying attention to the issues,` she said.
The Niskayuna Board of Education will meet again Monday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at the Van Antwerp Middle School. The board will meet for a reorganizational meeting on July 13 to discuss the 2010-11 school year.
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