Schroon's School Budget Tops $6.34 million

Schroon Lake Central School’s proposed budget will stay within the New York state’s tax cap, reports Lohr McKinstry for the Press Republican.

The budget has a 1.38 percent tax increase – with the budget at $6.34 million, up from $6.25 million in the previous budget. The state tax cap was 1.38 percent.

Among the budget highlights: adding college level classes, no staff cuts, expanding the hours of the librarian to one and a half days and a potential salary increase-- up to three per cent-- for some teachers.

And keeping Schroon’s deep music roots alive, the budget calls for funds to establish a jazz band elective. From The Press-Republican:

Superintendent Stephen Gratto said he and the board “wanted students to have some great options.

“We worked hard to maintain our excellent programs and be fiscally responsible,” Gratto said.

The amount to be raised by taxes for 2016-17 is $8.49 per $1,000 of assessment, a 12-cent increase over the current spending plan.

The Schroon Lake Central School budget vote and school election is on Tuesday, may 17, from 12 noon to 8 pm.  The budget includes one referendum on thepurchase of65-passenger bus for $123,000.

One School Board seat is up for grabs: a three-year term.  Incumbent Dana Shaughnessy is not running. Brooke Clark and Kevin Kelly Sr. are  vying for the position.