Kendall school budget keeps tax levy flat

KENDALL – The Board of Education approved a $15,065,842 budget on Wednesday that represents a 1.59 percent budget-to-budget increase, Superintendent Julie Christensen said.

A public hearing on the 2015-16 budget and propositions is set for 7 p.m. on May 6 at the High School Commons. The annual District Budget Vote and elections will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19 at the Elementary School Gymnasium.

Kendall will keep the tax levy flat by using a $400,000 increase in state aid.

Although the tax levy is holding steady, the tax rate will increase slightly, less than 0.5 percent, Christensen said. She noted the tax rate increase relates to the PILOT agreement for the Cottages at Troutburg project.

“The budget looks good,” she said. “There are no changes for student programs.”

Christensen explained that increases in the budget mainly involve a rise in the number of incoming kindergarteners who have special needs and will require the hiring of additional teacher and bus aides.

The district is also in need of technology equipment, particularly with changes to classrooms that are part of the Capital Improvement Project.