After months of work, the Cazenovia Board of Education has approved the school district’s $30.1 million 2019-20 proposed budget.

The budget proposal preserves all programs, while accounting for declining enrollment with the reduction of 4.5 teaching positions — all of these positions were the result of either retirements or the shifting of job responsibilities.

“We feel this is a very responsible budget—responsible to student programs, responsible to the taxpayers, and responsible to the fiscal health of the district,” said Superintendent Matt Reilly. “Everyone worked hard on this: countless hours in countless meetings with multiple stakeholders, and we hope residents will support it.”

This was not an easy decision by the school board, which had lengthy discussions on the final proposal during its regular monthly board meeting. While board members agreed on the total dollar amount of the budget at $30.1 million, a robust discussion was had on what level to set the tax levy — with board members working to find the best balance between a reasonable tax increase, the maintenance of district program quality, and use of district fund balance.

The result was a budget proposal that represents a 1.52 percent spending increase over last year, a 4.75 percent tax levy increase, and the use of $500,000 in fund balance.

The district’s allowable tax levy increase by law was 6.78 percent, but district administrators and board members chose instead to seek a percentage increase more than 2 percent below the tax cap. Foremost in their minds was maintaining the outstanding district programming at a rate that is sensitive to taxpayers.

“We produce an incredible educational value here at Cazenovia and this budget will continue to do so with sensitivity to our taxpayers while fully funding all our programs,” Reilly said.

The district’s annual public budget hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, in the high school auditorium, during which Reilly and Assistant Superintendent Thomas Finnerty will explain the budget in detail and respond to public questions.

The budget vote will occur Tuesday, May 21, during which time residents will also elect two new school board members.

Information on the proposed budget will be posted on the district website at cazenoviacsd.com, under the “Business Office” tab.

Two board seats up for election in May

Two seats on the Cazenovia CSD Board of Education will be up for election this May. Nominating petitions for interested candidates can be obtained from District Clerk Janet Goris in the district office at 31 Emory Ave. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, qualified voters in the school district, able to read and write and residents of their districts continuously for one year. The deadline for submitting election petitions to the district clerk is April 22. For more information, call the district office at 315-655-1317.