Franklin County schools keep budgets in check
May 14—SARANAC LAKE — Proposed budgets for all school districts in Franklin County are under the state's adjusted tax cap for the 2024-25 school year.
All budget and school board votes are Tuesday, May 21.
SARANAC LAKE
Total budget: $37.3 million, increase of $1.3 million, +3.61%.
Tax levy: $24.49 million, increase of +3.56%.
Tax rate: Not figured by district.
Levy Meets NYS Tax Cap: Yes.
Propositions: Purchase two buses and one van, not to exceed $335,000; energy performance improvements to district facilities not to exceed $2,300,000; capital project consisting of conversion of the current grass field to a turf field, plus lights and scoreboard, not to exceed $4,000,000; installation of bleachers and the construction of a press box, not to exceed $1,250,000; and fund Saranac Lake Free Library for $511,895.
School board candidates (three three-year terms): Justin Garwood (incumbent), Scott McKimm, Patrick R. Dupree, Tori Thurston (incumbent), Nancy Bernstein (incumbent), Jacquelyn L. Niederbuhl, and Rebecca Law.
Vote: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., in High School auditorium, enter via Door #5.
MALONE
Total budget: $72.4 million, increase of $6 million, +9.09%.
Tax levy: $14.4 million, 3% increase.
Tax rate: Not figured by district.
Levy Meets NYS Tax Cap: Yes.
Propositions: Buy four school buses for up to $725,000; solar project up to $3 million, create a new Capital Reserve Fund up to $7.5 million.
School board candidates (two five-year terms): Philip Hans (incumbent), and Terrence Maguire (incumbent).
Vote: Noon to 8 p.m., Franklin Academy High School gym lobby, 42 Huskie Lane, Malone.
TUPPER LAKE
Total budget: $21,918,837, reduction of $464,944, or -2.08%.
Tax levy: $10,383,450, +8.75%.
Tax rate: Not figured by district.
Levy Meets NYS Tax Cap: Yes.
Program/staff changes: Cuts 12% of 165 district staffers.
School board candidates (two three-year terms): Jane Whitmore (incumbent), Jason Rolley (incumbent).
Vote: Noon to 8 p.m., Tupper Lake Middle-High School library.
ST. REGIS FALLS
Total budget: $9.94 million, increase of $287,168, -2.81%.
Tax levy: $3.14 million, increase of $58,819, +2.12%.
Tax rate: $19.77, average for five towns in district.
Levy Meets NYS Tax Cap: Yes.
Program/staff changes: Proposal maintains current teaching staff, support services, arts/music and athletics programming, classroom supplies as requested by teachers; eliminates overtime payments and stipends for salaried staff, digital apps and software subscriptions, and the number of teacher aides and assistants in the district.
Propositions: Buy one school bus and one van for $206,872; create Capital Reserve Fund of $375,000 for minor building projects.
School board candidates (one five-year term, one four-year term, one two-year, one month term): Maggie Engels and Michelle Brockway. Third seat will be determined by write-in votes.
Vote: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., school library.
BRUSHTON-MOIRA
Total budget: $23.51 million, increase of $1.28 million, +5.76%.
Tax levy: $3.52 million, increase of $99,034, +2.89%.
Tax rate: Not released by district for its six towns, but average increase +43 cents.
Levy Meets NYS Tax Cap: Yes.
Program/staff changes: A-Wing lavatory, $100,000; 5.5% health insurance increase.
Propositions: Buy seven acres next to school, $85,000; establish Capital Reserve Fund, $750,000; buy two 72-passenger buses and one handicap-bus, $536,000; buy one electric bus, $180,448.
School board candidates (five three-year terms): Marice Bright (incumbent), Nathanael Beachy (incumbent), Theodore Perrin (incumbent), Ian Genser, Sara Ghostlaw, Jason Aubrey, James Durant (incumbent), Morgan Dufrane.
Vote: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., school auditorium.
CHATEAUGAY
Total budget: $18,494,588, increase of $1,358,111.00, +7.93%.
Tax levy: $3,993,485, increase of $198,760.00, +5.24%.
Tax rate: School: Not figured by district until July.
Levy Meets NYS Tax Cap: Yes.
Program/staff changes: The 2024-25 budget maintains all current program and staffing levels.
Propositions: Lease two school buses, not to exceed an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $300,000; $100,000 capital outlay project; capital improvements consisting of the acquisition and installation of transportation radios and antenna systems, all at an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $275,000; a proposition to increase the term of office for Board of Education members from three years to five years.
School board candidates: (three three-year terms): Lori Green (incumbent), Ryan LaBare (incumbent).
Vote: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., school gymnasium.
SALMON RIVER
Total budget: $38,673,194, increase of $1,787,107, +4.84%.
Tax levy: $1,996,719, increase of $39,151, +2%.
Tax rate: $6.33.
Levy Meets NYS Tax Cap: Yes..
Program/staff changes: Proposed budget preserves smaller class sizes, supports social and emotional programming, expands summer programs and continues initiatives to increase graduation rates.
Propositions: Purchase and finance student transport vehicles, for total not over $800,000; undertake a project for construction and installation of a 16 acre, 5 megawatt solar array at a maximum cost of $16 million.
School board candidates (three five-year terms): Term A: Agnes (Sweets) Jacobs (incumbent); Term B: Shelley Jacobs (incumbent); Term C: write-in candidate.
Vote: Noon to 8 p.m., school board room, Entrance Door #4.
