The Pine Bush School Board reviewed several budget-related items including the 2023-24 district budget at its March 28 meeting.

Joseph Lenz, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented a proposed 2023-24 budget of $135,629,641, which represents an increase of 5.33% over the current budget.

The budget would include a number of new teachers, including two special education teachers and two speech teachers.

The budget represents a state aid increase of 9.4%. Lenz said this the first time the state has fully funded its Foundation Aid Formula. He is proposing a 1.5% increase in property taxes. The budget vote will take place May 16.

The board approved placing a proposition on the May 16 ballot to establish a Capital Reserve Fund. The goal is to create a fund of $20 million over the course of 10 years. Remaining funds at the end of each year would go to this fund. Lenz said the fund helps pay for capital projects at little or no cost. The fund would replace the fund that recently expired.

Deborah Hepps, Chief Operating Officer for Orange-Ulster BOCES, gave a presentation on BOCES 2023-24 budget. During the presentation, board member Matthew Watkins raised a concern about the need for BOCES lottery system for programs that are over enrolled. He said he was addressing the issue on behalf of all school districts.

Kerri Stroka, Deputy Superintendent for Orange-Ulster BOCES, responded saying only two lab programs are currently subject to the lottery – welding and aviation. BOCES is looking for space to rent to accommodate those classes. She noted that interest in programs ebbs and flows.

Pine Bush’s portion of the 2023-24 BOCES budget is $14,215,574, about 10.5% of the district’s proposed budget. The board will consider the BOCES budget at its April 20 (Thursday), meeting.