Budget, Propostions Pass; Board Members Re-Elected

SKANEATELES, NY (May 17, 2017) – The 2017-2018 Skaneateles Central School District general fund budget passed as a result of Tuesday’s district voting by a margin of 631-157, with nearly 81% in favor.

Skaneateles Central School District Superintendent Ken Slentz believes this year’s budget of $32,456,761, a 2 percent increase in expenditures from a year ago with a 1.62 percent increase in the tax levy, is well balanced.

“This year’s budget strikes what we believe is a good balance between effective and innovative programming for our students and a fair ask of our taxpaying community,” said Slentz.  “As public servants, we are always grateful for the support of the community in unifying our vision towards improved outcomes for our students.”

Aside from the general fund budget, voters also passed three other propositions including the continuation of a bus replacement plan initiated last year.

With a favored margin of 625-165, the continued bus replacement plan will see four more buses purchased, ultimately reducing the overall fleet and decreasing money and time spent on maintenance.

A proposition set to establish a new capital reserve to partially offset the local share of future building projects passed by a total of 618-173, while another proposition for an athletic field reserve passed with a count of 546-245.

“We still have a good deal of work to do in ensuring the readiness of all of our students and we will continue to focus on effective communications, long term planning, and responsible stewardship of the community's resources,” said Slentz.  “The next example of this work will be our November 14 vote on Project 2021. The community forum on May 25 will give us the opportunity to have an open discussion about our plans and to hear questions and concerns that taxpayers have.”

The Project 2021 Community Forum and Tour will be held Thursday, May 25 at 7 p.m. in the Skaneateles Middle School gym.  The forum will provide a firsthand look and opportunity to ask questions in regards to what the district’s advisory committees, faculty and staff, and professional advisors have been working on over many months and how the district plans to develop and maintain its facilities.

The school board election, also held on Tuesday evening, saw Mrs. Julie Abbott-Kenan and Mrs. Geralyn Huba re-elected to a second three-year term.

Keep in touch with events and happenings in relation to the Skaneateles Central School District by visiting online at www.skanschools.org or following the district’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Skaneateles.Schools/.

For more information on Project 2021, please visit the Project 2021 quick link section on the homepage of the Skaneateles Central School District website provided above.