The Minisink Valley Board of Education unanimously adopted a proposed $105,823,385 budget for the 2022-23 school year, which maintains all current student programs and services, at its April 21 meeting.
This proposed budget increases spending by $3,573,216 from the current year, and includes a 3.89 percent tax levy increase.
The proposed 3.89 percent increase in the tax levy – total amount of money to be raised through property taxes – is within the New York State tax cap requirement. The proposed budget needs a simple majority to be approved.
“This proposed budget is extremely respectful of taxpayer dollars, and was developed in a prudent and pragmatic way,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “This budget’s increases are due to contractual obligations, mandated services and to further continue the district’s very important 1:1 student Chromebook initiative.”
Also on the May 17 ballot is Proposition 2, which asks voters to decide on the purchase of 15 school buses in the amount of $2,282,155. This continues the district’s 10-year replacement bus plan which resumed last year after being put on hold for the prior two years.
State aid will cover $1,711,616, or 75 percent of the total cost. The net cost to the district, after state aid is applied, is $570,539.
Additionally, residents will elect four members to the Board of Education, as follows: Three members for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025; and one member for the unexpired term caused by the resignation of a board member from on or about May 17, 2022 through June 30, 2024.
Candidates, in alphabetical order, are:
- William Cooper
- Joseph Flaherty
- Nakia Hickman
- Angela Koenig
- Vanessa Wight
Voters will cast ballots on Tuesday, May 17 from noon to 9 p.m. at two polling locations, depending on their polling district: The Intermediate School Gym A on the district’s Route 6 campus or Otisville Elementary School.
The annual budget newsletter will be mailed to all residents in early May. The district’s budget hearing will be held on Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Middle School auditorium.
Detailed budget information is also available at: 2022-23 school budget development.