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2011-12 Proposed Budget

Voting is May 17 at BCHS from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

2011-12 Proposed Budget

• Total Spending: $86,829,000

• Tax Levy Increase: 2%

• Loss of State Aid: $2.3 million

• Learn more: Video from May 11 webinar

Another tough times budget, improved by concessions

On May 17, BC voters will consider an $86.83 million budget for 2011-12 that calls for the district to spend less than in each of the previous two years.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School in the upper gym. Voters will also fill three seats on the Board of Education and decide on a replacement bus purchase referendum that is significantly reduced from recent years.

The budget carries a tax levy increase of 2 percent in a year when the district will lose $2.3 million in state aid. (Estimated tax rates)

In order to bring spending in line with reduced revenues, the Board of Education enacted a series of budget reductions for next year, including a total of 32.4 full-time equivalent positions (teaching, support staff and an administrator). This figure includes positions reduced as a result of closing Clarksville Elementary School next year, a decision the Board of Education arrived at after requesting a facilities feasibility study and holding two public forums on the issue over the winter.

Concessions from every employee group in the form of a full- or partial-year pay freeze helped avoid greater budget reductions or a higher tax levy increase.

The proposed budget maintains all athletic, music, drama and extracurricular programs. The proposed budget includes $283,500 in additions that are tied to state requirements and supporting students.

The May 17 ballot will not include a student technology bond referendum that was considered for a short time earlier this year. Given the difficult economic climate, district officials decided this was not the time for such a plan.

The budget was adopted by the Board after a lengthy, open process that included two community budget forums; the facilities study and decisions, and a series of budget work sessions beginning in February.

Additional Budget Resources

• Frequently Asked Budget Questions 2011-12

• Budget Development Schedule & Presentation Archive

• 2011-12 Proposed Budget Document [PDF]