District News
No staff cuts as Canajoharie BOE adopts $19.2 million proposed budget
April 20, 2012
Canajoharie Central School District residents will vote May 15 on a proposed $19,279,887 budget for the 2012-13 school year. The proposal carries a tax levy increase of 2.5 percent and includes a 2.43 percent increase in spending.
| 2012-13 Budget Summary |
| Proposed Budget: $19,279,887 |
| Budget Change: 2.43 percent or $456,547 |
| Tax levy increase: 2.5 percent |
Using a 4-percent increase in state aid, strategic use of fund balance and reserves, and reductions made in recent years, the board of education developed a proposed budget that stays under the district’s 2.8 percent tax levy limit and preserves educational and extracurricular programs.
“I’m relieved we are able to adopt a budget and maintain staff and programs while keeping the best interest of the taxpayers in mind,” said board president John DeValve.
“We’re fortunate to be in the position we are in
right now and we have to keep working to keep the school and the
programs as strong in the future.”
A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7, in the conference room at Canajoharie High
School.
Maintaining programs
The proposal positions Canajoharie to hold steady and maintain its current programs, said Superintendent Deborah Grimshaw. The spending plan holds most expenditures at 2011-12 levels, and addresses increases in state-mandated pension contributions and health insurance expenses.
Like many rural districts, Canajoharie is heavily dependent on the state for revenue and the 4 percent increase for 2012-13 comes after two years when the district’s state aid was reduced $1,090,535.
“We feel this budget allows us to maintain opportunities for students and be mindful of our community’s capacity (to pay taxes),” Mrs. Grimshaw said.
“The board developed the budget focused on working within the district’s tax levy limit and keeping expenditures stable. That goal has been met.”
Voting Information
Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. in the lobby of the high school. By law, all voters must be U.S. citizens, age 18 or older and residents of the district for at least 30 days prior to the vote. Advance registration is not required.