On Tuesday, May 16, residents of the Averill Park Central School District supported a $64.9 million budget for the 2023-24 school year by a vote of 629 (yes) to 271 (no), as well as propositions for bus and equipment purchases, and a Capital Reserve Fund.
The budget of $64,915,480 calls for an increase of 1.63% from the 2022-23 school year and a tax levy increase of 2.99%, which is under the tax cap. The approval of the bus and equipment proposition, by a 602 (yes) to 296 (no) vote, allows the district to purchase three (3) new large school buses, six (6) new small school buses, and two (2) maintenance trucks as part of the district’s long-term bus replacement plan. The district is eligible to receive approximately 73 percent reimbursement from the state on the purchase of these buses. The approval of a Capital Reserve Fund, by a vote of 624 (yes) to 262 (no) allows the District to save for future needs at no cost to taxpayers.
“Thank you to the Averill Park CSD residents who voted on the 2023-24 school budget. Our staff and Board of Education worked hard on developing a budget that is fiscally responsible and maintains a strong academic program for our students despite limited State Aid,” Superintendent Dr. James Franchini said. “This budget will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission of meeting the needs of and providing opportunities for every student every day.”
Residents also elected Jessica DiFiore and Michelle Garofolo to the Board of Education. Candidate vote counts are below, in the order they appeared on the ballot:
- Jessica DiFiore (678)
- Michelle Garofolo (600)
Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you to those who worked long hours to ensure an accurate result.