Jordan-Elbridge BOE adopts $29.1 million proposed budget
On May 17, 2016, residents will vote on a proposed Jordan-Elbridge school budget of $29.1 million.
This proposed budget is a 0 percent increase on the tax levy, maintains all programs, and decreases spending by 0.24 percent.
Only a simple majority is required for approval as this proposed budget does not exceed the district’s tax levy cap of 4.6 percent.
For the past two years, district homeowners, who qualified for STAR, received a rebate check under the New York Property Tax Freeze Credit program. Superintendent James Froio said the district wanted to continue that momentum by presenting a budget with a zero percent tax increase.
“We have outstanding facilities and great programs, both of which are due to the incredible support shown by the Jordan-Elbridge community. Additionally, over the last four years, the district has enacted numerous cost saving measures which are starting to pay off. We are committed to maintaining excellence while keeping school taxes to a minimum,” Froio said
Those cost savings measures include: Saving $77,172 annually under an energy performance contract, eliminating district level administrative positions, reducing staffing levels through retirements, reducing special education costs and taking advantage of lower teacher retirement system (TRS) and employee retirement system costs (ERS).
District leaders have no plans to make faculty cuts but will evaluate the need to replace any retiring staff based on enrollment.
The district’s proposed budget also continues the practice of purchasing buses with cash instead of leasing or borrowing money, negating interest and financing costs.
In addition to taxes and state aid, the district will use $600,000 of its fund balance to support its programs.
In the state budget, the district received an increase in foundation aid of $100,000. Also, JE, like all districts, was the beneficiary of the end of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), a measure introduced in 2010 as a way for the state government to close its budget deficit.
Since 2010-11, the district has lost $10,638,469 due to the GEA.
Other propositions on the ballot
Residents will elect three members to the board of education. The ballot will also include a proposition to establish a capital reserve fund in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 plus any interest accrued thereon, with a term of 15 years, for the purpose of construction, reconstruction and improvement of school district facilities.
“This reserve will help to ensure that the district’s facilities will be well maintained for future generations,” said Froio.
