Budget vote May 20, 2008

The school budget vote is Tuesday, May 20 at the MED Elementary School from 9 AM - 9 PM.

Here is a summary of the items that will be voted upon, along with my recommendations regarding voting choices:

1 - The 2008-2009 school (operating) budget is up 2.3% over the current year, with an increase in the tax levy of 4.1%. The board has done a good job in recognizing the effect of declining enrollment and reduced state aid, yet continuing to provide essential services. All the budget presentations emphasized cost containment.

I recommend voting "yes" for the budget, details of which are at http://www.chathamcentralschools.com/budget_files/powerpoint%20budget%20draft%204.pdf

For further information, the board is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in the High School Library,

2 - The first of 4 propositions (Prop 1) is a recast of the defeated $35 million capital proposal. It totals $6,035,000 and contains only those items the board believes to be absolutely necessary to maintain the facilities and deal with critical health and safety issues. I agree with their assessment and there appear to be none of the "nice to have but not critical" items that many voters found objectionable in the defeated proposal. Due to the runoff of previous borrowings, the funds that would be borrowed for these projects would result in no additional taxes.

While it could be argued that if this money were not spent, taxes could actually be lowered, it would be very short-sighted not to appropriate this smaller amount to begin the process of dealing with our aging facilities.

I recommend voting "yes" for this proposition, details of which are at http://www.chathamcentralschools.com/budget_files/Facility%20Committee%20Recommended%20Concept.pdf

3 - Prop 2 asks for approval to establish a Capital Reserve Fund, into which funds may be put for future capital projects. The fund will be capped at $3.5 million and due to the timing of the vote, no money can be placed in the fund until the 2009-2010 year, and only if voters approve such placement. Since no money will go into this fund in 2008-2009, there will be no tax impact this year. This idea makes sense, and I recommend voting "yes" for Prop 2. http://www.chathamcentralschools.com/budgetpage.html

4 - Prop 3 shortens the term of all newly elected board members from 5 years (much too long) to 3 years (much more sensible). Vote "yes" on this.

5 - Prop 4 is a relatively routine item to replace aging school buses. Vote "yes" on this.

The board has done a good job of listening to and acting on the feedback from the community . These items deserve our support.

In addition, there is one school board seat being contested. The incumbent and 1 challenger. I don't have a recommendation for this.