Spending plan focuses on student achievement, includes tax levy increase of 0.5 percent
At its meeting on Monday, April 18, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Board of Education adopted a $22,592,240 budget proposal for 2016-17 that continues all current core academic programs and services and calls for a 0.5 percent increase in the tax levy for next year.
The community will consider the proposal on the budget vote day of Tuesday, May 17. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held Monday, May 9, 7 p.m. in the secondary school auditorium.
If approved by voters, spending would increase 1.29 percent next year.
The budget and an associated financial plan that Superintendent Dr. Timothy Mundell has outlined over the past few months are designed to provide fiscal stability for the school and the community, and keep the district’s focus on improving student achievement.
The proposed budget maintains educational programs, includes the addition of agricultural, foreign-language and STEM opportunities, and also addresses the following one -time expenses:
- large asbestos abatement program
- track resurfacing (not a complete replacement)
- locker replacement
- bathroom refurbishment
- refurbishing of classroom space
- initial purchasing of football equipment
The BKW budget newsletter will be mailed to residents in early May.