Nearly 28 staff positions would be eliminated and taxpayers would see a 2.9 percent tax levy increase if the Penfield Board of Education adopts the proposed 2010-11 budget.
The $82.7 million budget is a 0.8 percent increase from the current budget, but a projected $2.3 million state aid decrease — roughly 9 percent — has raised the tax levy, the amount of the budget funded by local property taxes.
The tax rate for the town of Penfield is estimated to be $24.38, a 2.37 percent increase from 2009-10.
Administrators estimate 27.5 full-time equivalent positions would be cut, seven through retirements. The eliminated positions would be a combination of layoffs and leaving vacant positions open. No academic programs would be cut, though the Penfield High School home and careers track would be removed from the curriculum. The family and consumer science track would still be offered at the middle school level.
Superintendent John Carlevatti says a decline in enrollment assisted in tightening up offered classes and reductions in staff.
“The whole focus of this budget was to minimize any impact on students, while still maintaining a high quality of instruction,” he said.
The athletics department took a 4 percent cut, including eliminating the modified “A” football team. Players will still have the chance to play at the modified or junior varsity levels.
The school is expected to see a $2,318,920 decrease in state-provided funding for the district, via Gov. David Paterson’s budget deficit reduction plan. The decrease in state aid was offset by a $900,000 increase in fund balance, and a $350,000 use of reserves. Assistant Superintendent for Business Mark Sansouci says the use of reserves will help lessen the impact on taxpayers.
Taxpayers can weigh in on the budget at the district-wide budget vote May 18, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Penfield High School.
Four additional community budget presentations are planned for 7 p.m. April 14 at Scribner Road Elementary School; 7 p.m. May 5 at Harris Hill Elementary School; 9 to 11 a.m. May 8 at Penfield Community Center; and 7:30 p.m. May 10 at the Penfield High School Library.
Nearly 28 staff positions would be eliminated and taxpayers would see a 2.9 percent tax levy increase if the Penfield Board of Education adopts the proposed 2010-11 budget.
The $82.7 million budget is a 0.8 percent increase from the current budget, but a projected $2.3 million state aid decrease — roughly 9 percent — has raised the tax levy, the amount of the budget funded by local property taxes.
The tax rate for the town of Penfield is estimated to be $24.38, a 2.37 percent increase from 2009-10.
Administrators estimate 27.5 full-time equivalent positions would be cut, seven through retirements. The eliminated positions would be a combination of layoffs and leaving vacant positions open. No academic programs would be cut, though the Penfield High School home and careers track would be removed from the curriculum. The family and consumer science track would still be offered at the middle school level.
Superintendent John Carlevatti says a decline in enrollment assisted in tightening up offered classes and reductions in staff.
“The whole focus of this budget was to minimize any impact on students, while still maintaining a high quality of instruction,” he said.
The athletics department took a 4 percent cut, including eliminating the modified “A” football team. Players will still have the chance to play at the modified or junior varsity levels.
The school is expected to see a $2,318,920 decrease in state-provided funding for the district, via Gov. David Paterson’s budget deficit reduction plan. The decrease in state aid was offset by a $900,000 increase in fund balance, and a $350,000 use of reserves. Assistant Superintendent for Business Mark Sansouci says the use of reserves will help lessen the impact on taxpayers.
Taxpayers can weigh in on the budget at the district-wide budget vote May 18, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Penfield High School.
Four additional community budget presentations are planned for 7 p.m. April 14 at Scribner Road Elementary School; 7 p.m. May 5 at Harris Hill Elementary School; 9 to 11 a.m. May 8 at Penfield Community Center; and 7:30 p.m. May 10 at the Penfield High School Library.
