On Tuesday, May 16, Monroe-Woodbury Central School District residents will vote on a proposed $213,114,925 budget for the 2023-24 school year.
If approved, the proposed spending plan would result in a ZERO tax levy increase for next year – marking the first time in nearly 20 years that there would be no increase and the fourth consecutive year that the levy is below the maximum allowable limit as defined by New York’s tax levy cap legislation.
Because the tax levy increase is zero, a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) is needed to pass the budget. Although the tax levy will not increase, the proposed budget calls for a $11,591,351 or 5.75% increase in spending over the current year’s budget. The spending increase will be mitigated by an anticipated increase in state aid.
The proposed budget includes a transfer of $1.15 million from the District Budget to the Capital Fund. These monies would be used to purchase five large buses and the construction of a security vestibule at the Central Valley Elementary School. The bus purchase was deferred last year and is necessary this year to ensure reliable, safe transportation for students.
Residents will also elect three Board of Education Trustees. Candidates will be elected to serve a term of three (3) years, beginning on July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2026.
The candidates (in ballot order):
Sergey Koyfman (incumbent)
Norise Robinson
Michael Ciriello (incumbent)
Please visit the budget page on the district website for general information about budget creation and voting. A budget brochure with information related to the proposed budget will be mailed to district residents in early May.