No tax increase in Albion school budget
For 17th time in last 19 years, school budget holds the line on taxes
ALBION – The Albion school district budget holds the line on the tax levy, with no increase for the 17th time in the past 19 years.
Albion district residents will vote on the budget on Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
Overall spending in the proposed $44,750,485 budget is up 5.7 percent or by $2,429,819 – from $42,320,666 in 2024-25.
Most of that increase will be offset by a hike in state aid. Albion is budgeting for $1,942,442 more in state aid or an increase of 5.9 percent – from $32,774,455 to $34,716,897. State aid accounts for 77.6 percent of the Albion budget.
Property taxes or the tax levy remain at $8,449,039. Other increases in revenue include more appropriated fund balance – from $455,605 to $683,996 – and more earnings from interest, from $591,111 to $793,153.
“This budget is more than just numbers – it reflects our priorities and commitment to delivering a high-quality education for every student which includes but is not limited to: maintaining small class sizes, enhancing student support services, upgrading technology, and ensuring our facilities are safe and functional,” Wayne Wadhams, the Board of Education president, said in a budget message on the district website.
“Maintaining our precedent of conservative financial planning, we are once again proposing a tax levy with a zero percent increase. While we, like so many, continue to face challenges regarding rising operational costs and potential changes to federal funding, we continue to believe that the District can be fiscally responsible while remaining firmly committed to the future of our students and community.”
The vote on Tuesday also includes the following propositions:
• Authorization to spend $1 million for new buses
• Authorization to collect $657,560 for Hoag Library (down from $664,510)
• Establish a capital improvements reserve fund
• Establish a technology reserve fund not to exceed $3 million
• Approval of multi-year transportation contract with Student Transportation of America
There are also three candidates on the ballot for three positions on the Board of Education. Two incumbents are seeking re-election. Chris Kinter, the Albion code enforcement officer, is seeking another term along with John Kast, a farmer who is also on the board for Farm Bureau and the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Lauren Stirk, a registered nurse, also is seeking a position on the board.
The top two vote-getters will get five-year terms with the third place candidate getting a two-year term.
Candidate statements in the school budget newsletter include:
Chris Kinter: “Over the last five years it has been a pleasure to serve our community and gain insight into how our school system operates. I’m dedicated to open communication and ensuring that parents feel heard and valued.
“I have made it a priority to be available addressing any concerns and working collaboratively to enhance our educational environment. Together we can build a strong foundation for our students and ensure their success.”
Lauren Stirk: “As a proud alumna, I now have children attending Albion schools. Professionally, I am a Registered Nurse, and I bring both personal and professional dedication to this role.
“I have a vested interest in the safety, quality of education, and opportunities available to our students. I am passionate about supporting the continued growth and excellence of our district, and I’m committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed.”
John Kast: “It has been an honor to serve the ACS community over the past five years through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, working collaboratively to hire our new superintendent, and assisting the completion of a major capital project that improved our facilities for years to come.
“My experience serving on other community boards, such as Farm Bureau and Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as being a farm owner has helped me on the School Board understand how to keep our school and community strong.”
