Board of education approves budget; public hearing set for May 13

At its meeting on Thursday, April 25, the Warwick Valley Board of Education unanimously adopted a $95,089,284 proposed budget for 2019-20 that continues all current student programs and is below the tax cap.

The proposed 2.69 percent tax levy increase, totaling $1,648,633, is below the district’s calculated tax cap by $95,947. In all, the proposed budget would increase spending by 2.45 percent.

There will be a public hearing on the proposed budget during the Warwick Valley Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

ALSO ON THE BALLOT

• A no-cost referendum to purchase six school buses: Voters will also consider a proposition to purchase six school buses at a maximum cost of $607,380. The district would use $350,000 of its bus reserve fund to help offset the cost. About 57 percent of the cost — $347,168 — would be returned to the district in state transportation aid. Therefore, no additional taxes would be needed to purchase the buses.

• Three seats on the board of education: Voters will select from among four candidates to fill three seats on the Warwick Valley Board of Education.  Candidates, in order they will appear on the ballot, are as follows: Eilleen Gagliano, Keith Parsons and Denise Ginley.

SAVE THE DATE

Voters will cast ballots on Tuesday, May 21 at one of three locations. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Not sure where to vote? Contact Jen Bengel, elections coordinator at jbengel@wvcsd.org or call 845-987-3000 ext. 10530.

LEARN MORE

The annual budget newsletter will be mailed to all residents in early May. In the meantime, residents can learn more about the budget online at this link: https://warwickvalleyschools.com/budget/