April 28, 2023
Dear Monroe-Woodbury families,
I am writing to share information regarding the upcoming annual school budget vote on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. This year’s proposed budget, which was unanimously adopted by the Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education on April 12, 2023, prioritizes safety and security in our schools, professional development for staff, and teaching and learning experiences for all students.
Some key highlights of the proposed budget:
Proposed budget: $213,115,925, requires a zero percent increase in the district's tax levy.
Due to an increase in state aid, the district is proposing a zero percent increase in the tax levy for the first time in nearly 20 years. This also marks the fourth consecutive year the levy is below the maximum allowable limit, as defined by New York’s tax levy cap legislation.
Spending increase: $11,591,351, or 5.75 percent, compared to the 2022-2023 school year.
M-W residents will be asked to vote on Proposition 1, the district’s General Budget, which includes a transfer of $1.15 million from the District Budget to the Capital Fund. These monies would be used for the construction of a security vestibule at the Central Valley Elementary School and the purchase of five large buses. The bus purchase was deferred last year and is necessary this year to ensure reliable, safe transportation for M-W students.
Residents will also be asked to elect three Monroe-Woodbury 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 are (listed in ballot order):
- Sergey Koyfman (incumbent)
- Norise Robinson
- Michael Ciriello (incumbent)
A public hearing regarding the proposed budget will be held in the Education Center, 278 Route 32, Central Valley, on Wednesday, May 3, at 6 p.m. All Monroe-Woodbury residents are invited to attend and share comments and questions related to the proposed budget.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at Central Valley Elementary School, 45 Route 32, Central Valley, NY. 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.
As always, please reach out to me or Mr. Cahill, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Management Services, at 845-460-6200 with any questions.
Warm regards,
Elsie Rodriguez
Superintendent of Schools