Michael Henery, the Springs School's business administrator, announced this week that the district will adhere to the state-imposed cap on tax levy increases in its 2021-22 spending plan, rather than push to pierce the cap with a supermajority of voter approval of the budget in May.
New York State set the limit on tax levy increases at 1.23 percent this year, the lowest in five years, though the number fluctuates based on individual school districts' total assessments, real estate growth, and capital debt.
"We have made do with revenue restrictions. We have never attempted to exceed the cap," Mr. Henery told the Springs School Board on Monday night. "The cumulative effect of low caps, uncertainty of future state aid, and a desire for a rigorous and relevant instructional program makes it challenging to deliver a budget that stays at or below the cap. However, that is the goal for this budget process."
Springs, he said, will have the ability to increase its tax levy by 3.91 percent for the coming year, though school officials still anticipate a tough time balancing needs and wants. Debra Winter, the superintendent, said the district would like to make two part-time custodian jobs full-time, outfit the new technology room and science lab with state-of-the-art equipment, and improve the family and consumer science program, formerly called home economics.
Mr. Henery told the board he will put together "one budget overall, but we can highlight in that budget what areas are eligible to be cut — our 'wishlist' kind of items." The board will continue its budget discussions at its next work session, March 1 at 7 p.m.