At its April 5 meeting, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education adopted a proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year that will go before voters on Tuesday, May 16. The $106.7 million proposed plan includes a 3.89% year-to-year budget increase and a tax levy increase of 2.3%. The proposed tax levy increase is below the district’s tax cap (3.08%).
On May 16, qualified residents will be able to vote on the budget between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School in the upper gym. Individuals are eligible for election to the Board if they are qualified voters of the district (district resident, U.S. citizen, 18 and older) and can read and write.
View the April 5 budget presentation here [PDF].
If you are unable to access the PDF, please contact the BCSD Communications Office at 518-439-3650.
Bus purchase proposition
A bus proposition will appear on the May 16 ballot as a separate proposition from the school budget. The proposal would allow the district to purchase three vehicles at a cost of $533,720. The purchase would include one 70-passenger electric bus and two 8-passenger Suburban-type vehicles for student transportation. Approximately 68% of the cost of borrowing for the purchase is covered by state aid, resulting in a final cost to the district of $170,790 for the three vehicles.
The proposition, as listed on the ballot, will total $568,720. This amount includes a $35,000 contingency for supply chain issues.
Board of Education election
On May 16, voters will elect three members to the Bethlehem Central Board of Education to serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2023. Members of the Board of Education are elected by the voters of the district to establish policy and direct the administration of schools in the district.
To appear on the ballot, interested candidates have until April 17 to submit completed petitions. More information on running for the school board can be found here.
Budget Hearing
The Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2023-24 budget will be held Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School in Room D-122.
Budget Newsletter
Details of the proposed budget and bus proposition will be mailed to all district residents following the budget hearing on May 3.