I’d be willing to bet that’s not news to you. It seems you can’t turn around lately without seeing a sign advertising the school budget vote. You’ve seen it in school newsletters, in the local papers, and every Webster School District household received a slick brochure in the mail.
But just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks, here’s what you’ve missed:
The annual school budget vote and Board of Education election will be held on Tuesday, May 15. Polls will be open between 6 am and 9 pm in the Webster Schroeder High School gymnasium, 875 Ridge Road.
The 2012-13 budget proposal of $143,574,945 reflects a 2.13% increase over the current spending plan and continues to fund a comprehensive academic program for WCSD’s nearly 9,000 K-12 students.
Tax rates are estimated to increase by approximately 1.92%. For a Webster home that is assessed at $150,000 and has the Basic STAR exemption, property taxes would increase by $54 a year, or $4.50 a month. This increase is based on estimated assessed values and 2011-12 equalization rates. Final tax rates will be set in August and are subject to change pending final assessments and 2012-13 equalization rates. WCSD’s tax levy increase of 2.67% is below the 2.76% allowable tax levy limit. Property tax limits are based on a state approved 8-step formula with results that vary from district to district.
In addition to the budget, a school bus proposition of $1,220,000 will go before voters to purchase ten 65-passenger buses and three 29-passenger buses.
Voters will also see two candidates for two board of education seats on the ballot: Frederick “Fritz” Killian and Suzanne Casey. Killian was appointed to the board in February to replace Chris Inzinga, who resigned suddenly. Casey’s been a board member for 15 years.
You’ll find a lot more detail about the budget and the school board candidates on the Webster School District website. Or you can go straight to a .pdf of the slick brochure by clicking here.
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