The Brighton School Budget and Board Candidate Vote is June 9
Qualified residents of the Brighton Central School District will vote on the next year’s school budget along with other items on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 via absentee ballot, only, in accordance with Executive Order.
The budget proposition would authorize the appropriation of $82,943,949 to meet estimated school district expenditures for the 2020-21 school year. This represents an increase of 3.01% compared to the 2019-20 Adopted Budget. Of this, 1% results from operations and 2.01% is directly related to debt related to the capital project approved by the voters in May of 2017.
This would result in a tax levy increase of 3.83%. This tax increase does not exceed the New York State Tax Cap. All districts have a different cap number and this proposal is within our cap.
Voters will elect three members to the Board of Education. There are six candidates and their names will appear on the ballot in the following order: Laurence Davis, Sue Gasparino, Julene Gilbert, Daniel Kolodny, Claire McLauchlin, and Eleanor Oi. More information on the candidates is available here.
There will also be two additional propositions on the ballot. Voters will be asked to authorize the withdrawal of funds from voter-approved capital reserve accounts to pay for capital expenditures for which the fund was specifically established.
Proposition #1 Capital Reserve Fund (General) Withdrawal of $2,000,000: Paying additional costs associated with the District’s capital improvement project approved by the qualified voters of the District at a proposition held on May 16, 2017, that relate to alterations, renovations and improvements to each of the District's existing school buildings and facilities, including in each case, site improvements for various school purposes, the reconstruction of and improvements to outdoor athletic facilities and playgrounds, and other appurtenant and related improvements and the acquisition and installation in and around the foregoing improvements of original furnishings, equipment, machinery, and apparatus. Approval of this proposition would not increase the proposed budget or tax levy.
Proposition #2 Capital Reserve Fund (Technology) Withdrawal of $300,000: Transfer to the General Fund to expend for computer-related equipment and technology-related infrastructure. Approval of this proposition would not increase the proposed tax levy.
Should the Budget proposal not receive the simple majority approval, the Board of Education is legally required to adopt a contingent budget. Under a contingent budget, no new taxes are allowed to be levied and therefore the Board of Education will decide on an additional $2,047,160 of reductions to spending. As part of this process, the Board of Education must determine what constitutes ordinary contingent expenditures. Emphasis will be placed on those expenditures considered essential to maintain an educational program, preserve property, and assure the health and safety of students and staff.
In order to vote, a person must be a resident of the Brighton Central School District for at least 30 days immediately preceding the vote, must be at least 18 years of age, and a citizen of the United States. In accordance with Executive Order 202.26, absentee ballots will be mailed by the District. One (1) absentee ballot will be provided per household.
In order to give all Brighton Central School District residents the opportunity to participate in the annual budget vote and board of education election, ballots may now be picked up in person and/or dropped off at the Administration Building, 2035 Monroe Ave.
Qualified voters are asked to drop off completed ballots in the secure dropbox in the reception area. The reception area will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 8, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. Ballots will not be accepted after the 5 p.m. voting deadline on Tuesday, June 9, per Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive order.
Residents who have not yet received ballots via U.S. mail can pick up a ballot in person during those same hours. Again, ALL ballots must be completed and received either via U.S. mail or the ballot dropbox by Tuesday, June 9, at 5 p.m.
Videos of Budget Presentations
