Personnel costs to rise in proposed Lake George School District budget

LAKE GEORGE | Despite a continuing trend of a shrinking student population at Lake George Central schools — and a net reduction of eight teaching positions — the total cost of instructional and salaries and benefits is to rise 3.36% according to the school district's proposed 2022-23 budget. The pending $24.37 million budget for the Lake George Central School District also calls for a 6.8% increase in the total cost of administrative salaries and benefits, rising to a sum of $1,707,608. The tax levy is to increase $514,858 or 2.52% to a total of $20,972,000, a sum that is $798 less than the maximum amount allowed under the state's tax cap formula. The budget and three school board seats are up for a vote set for 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday May 17 in the gymnasium of the elementary school at 69 Sun Valley Drive. The proposed budget calls for an increase in total spending of $457,903 or 1.92%. State aid for 2022-23 is expected to decrease by $89,149 to a sum of $2,335,964, and the budget calls for drawing $485,831 from appropriated fund balance — an increase of $54,337. Included in the budget is $100,000 to improve indoor air quality and ventilation in the high school. The sum is reimbursable by state aid. This is related to the Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvement project the school district is already undertaking using federal American Rescue Plan Act grant money as well as School Emergency Relief funds the school is expected to receive. Propositions: purchase a school bus, save for facility upgrades The ballot includes two propositions: one is to purchase a 60-passenger bus at a maximum cost of $116,000, and the second is to establish a capital reserve fund of up to $10 million for construction, renovation or additions to school buildings and facilities, as well as purchase of equipment. If the proposed budget doesn't receive voter support, the school board could adopt a contingency budget — as provided by state law — which would reduce the expenditures by $514,858. Six candidates are running for three board seats, each with a three-year term: incumbent Maryanne MacKenzie is joined by Linda Clark, Lisa Doster, Mario Fasulo, Christoper Picard and Donna Prime on the ballot. Lin King and Melissa Seale have resigned from the board. To obtain an absentee ballot, visit the district superintendent's office in the high school by Monday May 16, or contact the district clerk at 518-668-5456 ext. 1207.

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Personnel costs to rise in proposed Lake George School District budget

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