The Valley Central school board approved the proposed 2023-24 budget of $125,850,000 at its April 20 meeting, following discussions at its April 17 meeting.

The school district will receive a historic increase in New York State Foundation Aid. The tax levy will be .92% and the public will vote on the budget (Proposition #1) on May 16. The public will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions at the budget hearing at the board’s next meeting at 6 p.m. on May 6.

Taxpayers will also vote on Capital Project 2023 (Propositions #2 and #3). Proposition #2 will cost nearly $32 million and includes new, secured vestibules in school buildings and improved infrastructure throughout the district. The district anticipates state aid to cover nearly 76% of the cost. By using the 2019 Capital Reserve Fund and fund balance, Proposition #2 will have no impact on taxpayers.

Proposition #3 will cost approximately $15 million and includes renovations to high school science classrooms and will enhance security at Berea Elementary School. The district anticipates state aid to cover nearly 76% of the cost. The district will apply $3 million in fund balance and so the cost to taxpayers will be nominal. Proposition #3 can only pass if Proposition #2 passes.

The board approved a $15 million Capital Reserve Fund that helps pay for capital projects with little or no impact on property taxes. It would expire in 10 years and will appear on the May 16 ballot as Proposition #4.

Board president Joseph Bond announced the four candidates for three board seats. Two seats are for three-year terms and one is for an unexpired term from May 17, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Two candidates are incumbents Bond and Katie McKnight; the other two candidates are Frances Fox-Pizzonia and Barney Zipkin. The election will take place May 16 along with the budget vote. The two candidates receiving the most votes will serve the three-year terms; the candidate with third most votes will serve the unexpired term.