The Schuylerville Board of Education adopted a proposed $35.5 million budget for the 2018-19 school year at its regular meeting on Monday, April 9. The proposed budget calls for a 1.98 percent spending increase and an estimated tax levy increase of 2.042 percent, the first increase in three years. The proposed 2.042 percent tax levy increase is the district’s maximum allowable cap. This means, if the budget is approved, homeowners who qualify, will again be eligible for the state’s property tax relief credit.

“For the first time in three years, the district is asking for a tax increase to address growing security concerns and to help offset a minimal increase in state aid,” said Jack Macica, Board of Education President. “The state aid the district was allocated falls short of keeping up with fixed expenditure increases and the need for greater security measures. We feel we have done our best to deliver a budget that is fair to our taxpayers, while maintaining programs and prioritizing the safety and security of our students.”

Schuylerville’s budget proposal maintains current programs and services for students and includes funding to create a School Resource Officer (SRO) position. The position would put a police officer on campus full-time. The cost to fund an SRO would be shared with Saratoga County. The SRO would be fully trained and would be provided a vehicle and equipment through the county.

The proposed budget will go before the public for a vote on Tuesday, May 15. For details on the vote, click here.