School Board Approves 2017-18 Tax Warrant

SKANEATELES, NY (August 22, 2017) – The Skaneateles Central School Board of Education has approved the 2017-2018 school tax warrant supporting the $32,456,761 school district budget passed by voters in May.

The overall budget represents a 2% increase in expenditures from a year ago with a 1.62% increase in the tax levy, which is lower than the 2.38% allowed under New York State’s Tax Cap rules.

Based on new assessment and equalization rates, this year’s tax rate for district residents in townships with full value assessments will be $14.44 per $1,000 of assessed property value.  This is a decrease from the estimated tax rate of $14.73. Decisions regarding property assessments and town equalization rates are not within the purview of the district.  Community members should contact their local assessor with questions on these topics.

Following the May budget vote, Skaneateles Central Schools Superintendent Ken Slentz noted that the budget is well balanced for the coming school year.

“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.”

Included within the program improvements is the reinstatement of driver education, moving foreign language to earlier grade levels, as well as increased learning opportunities in math, science, and the arts through summer camps.

Staff additions were also implemented for 2017-2018, including a new technology integration specialist to help the teaching staff better utilize technological tools to assist student learning, as well as an adaptive physical education teacher and more teacher aids to support the needs of students with disabilities, and a full-time director of wellness, activities, and athletics.

Looking ahead to the first day of classes on Wednesday, September 6, 50 new students have registered for the school year bringing this year’s total enrollment to 1,361 as compared to the June 2016 enrollment of 1,368.  Both numbers exceed projections calculated in January of 2015.

With 46 new students having enrolled last summer and 50 this summer, coupled with current enrollment and use of building space, the Skaneateles Central School District will not close a building in the foreseeable future despite previous considerations.

District residents are reminded that Project 2021, the district’s proposed capital improvement project, will be up for vote on Tuesday, November 14.  A full listing of Project 2021 details are listed under the Project 2021 quick link at www.skanschools.org.  More information will be out on the pending project in the coming weeks.

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.