MENANDS — The Board of Education adopted a $9 million spending plan for the 2019-20 school year that will increase spending by 3.5 percent, or $307,987, but stays within the state mandated property tax levy cap of 5.68 percent.
The budget, which increases the tax levy by 3.75 percent, or $253,000, would maintain all existing programs for students.
“Despite many challenges the district faces, it continues to be important to the Board of Education and administration to put forth a budget that keeps the interest of taxpayers in mind while continuing to provide the quality programming our community has come to expect from Menands School,” said Superintendent Maureen Long.
According to the district, 78.5 percent, or $7.1 million, of the total budget is earmarked for education programs which include teaching and instruction, computer services, guidance/health services, co-curricular activities, athletics, special education and transportation. That is up from the $7 million spent this year.
Just less than 10.3 percent of the budget, or $926,000, is earmarked under “capital” and includes building operation and maintenance and debt service. That is up from the $819,000 spent this year.
About 11.2 percent of the budget, or just more than $1 million, is earmarked for administrative costs such as business administration, BOCES, staff development and auditing and legal services. That is up from $951,000 spent this year.
The district is proposing to again transfer $815,000 from its fund balance and $50,000 from its reserve fund into the general fund to balance the books while keeping the tax rate in check.
State aid is projected to increase by 3.34 percent, from $853,000 to $881,000.
Also on the ballot when voters go to the polls on May 21 are:
• The $143,007 proposed budget for the Menands Public Library.
• One seat for the Menands Public Library Board of Trustees is open. There is one candidate running unopposed, Joe Kelley, who has been a trustee for 15 years.
There is a public hearing on the proposed school budget slated for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at Menands School.
