School budgets up for vote Tuesday

CHENANGO COUNTY – Voters across Chenango County and the state will head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots on proposed 2008-2009 school budgets developed by local districts.

Many district administrators blame high fuel and insurance costs for budget increases this year.

Here’s a glance at local school budgets:

• Afton Central Schools voters will decide on a $14,108,903 spending plan for next year. That represents a 3.84 percent tax levy increase.

Overall, it’s a $628,813, or 4.66 percent increase over the 2007-08 budget.

School Board members and Superintendent Elizabeth Briggs say they “worked hard” to keep the budget below the cost of living index, which is 3.98 percent.

There will be cuts in some areas, including elementary summer school, travel/conferences, four aid positions, athletics, and some equipment and supplies.

There is one proposition on the ballot to purchase a 27-passenger bus with wheelchair capability at an amount not to exceed $96,000. State transportation aid will reimburse the school for 90 percent of the cost.

• Bainbridge-Guilford Central Schools is presenting a budget of $16,501,488 for 2008-09. That represents a 5.5 percent budget increase and a 1.9 percent tax levy increase.

The budget allows the district to continue present programs and adds one Math/Computer Technology teacher, Superintendent Karl Brown said, adding that there is funding to cover increasing special education enrollments and contractual obligations for faculty and staff.

Also on the ballot will be a proposal to spend $130,000 to finance the purchase of two school buses as replacements. The state aid for the principal and interest can be as high as 90 percent, meaning the local share is approximately $13,000 for two buses.

• Greene Central Schools 2008-09 budget is $22,045,124, a 6.27 percent increase over 2007-08, according to figures in the May newsletter. There will be no increase in taxes.

School Business Manager Mark Rubitski said major expense factors impacting this year’s budget include heating and diesel fuel, health insurance and special education costs.