Starpoint school tax levy rising by 3.85%

May 13—Starpoint Central School District's proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year calls for a 3.85% increase in the property tax levy.

The school board's adopted spending plan comes in at $67.62 million, $2.67 million or 4.11% more than this year's spending plan.

The tax levy is increasing by 3.85% year over year, which Andrews said is right at the state-mandated tax levy cap.

The proposed budget lists the full tax rate at $13.87 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which is a $2.26 increase from the 2023-2024 rate, according to Jonathan Andrews, director of administrative services.

The increases are attributed to generally rising costs as well as additions to payroll.

"Just like every school district, salary and benefits equal about 75% of the budget. We're also seeing a large increase in the utilities and bus fuel. Even though we contract that service out, it's still going up," Andrews said.

The district will only be hiring one special education teacher in the middle school and one long-term substitute teacher position.

The administration projects Starpoint will receive $19.85 million in state foundational aid, an increase of about $248,000 or 1.27% over its 2023-24 aid.

"Over the last couple of years with increases in foundation aid, the district added a number of positions to address student needs," Andrews said. "When we got fully funded state foundation aid, we put it back into students and delivered those services and programs to the students that needed it."

Andrews also noted that through specialized state funding, they will be working with two community organizations to start a full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten program in the district.

"We'll get kids that already have a baseline of educational work before they step through Starpoint doors," he said.

The public vote on the budget will take place on May 21 at the high school, 4363 Mapleton Road.