Saratoga Springs works on school budget

Estimated at $108.5 million, the proposed budget represents a four percent increase over last year’s $104.3 million budget.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Kurt Jaeger said they’re looking to bring the budget to budget number down. However, that may prove to be a difficult feat to accomplish given the constantly fluctuating costs of energy, health insurance and food.

“This is a work in progress,” Jaeger said. “The numbers will change over the next couple of months as our analysis continues.”

The proposed budget would maintain existing programs while also funding new and expanded initiatives designed to equip the district’s students for demanding new educational challenges. At this point in the process, tax impacts can’t be determined because equalization rates, assessment data and State aid haven’t been finalized.

Superintendent Janice White believes the working draft of the proposed budget is a good start.

“It’s the beginning of a process,” she said. “At this point we’re making sure that every effort is made to have a fiscally responsible budget.”

In addition to the budget, two other propositions will be voted on as well. One would authorize the purchase of school buses to replace aging vehicles with high mileage and mechanical problems, the other would authorize a $3 million capital project that would be funded by two capital reserves. The ballot will also include the election of three candidates to the board for three-year terms.

District residents will vote on the proposed 2008-09 budget on May 20. The next budget workshop will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 at the high school.