On Tuesday, May 18th, Weedsport Central School District residents will vote on a proposed $20,423,622 budget for the 2021-22 school year. At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 12th, the Board of Education approved the proposed budget, which has a spending increase of $128,298. The proposal carries a 0 percent tax levy increase, which falls below the District’s legal limit as defined by New York’s tax levy cap legislation.

Following a year of uncertainty and changes, the proposed budget would add 2 staff members, a return to pre-pandemic funding for materials and supplies, expand summer learning opportunities for elementary students, and add student programming and resources, all while keeping the tax levy at 0 percent.

“Our goal was to maintain our staffing level with final staffing decisions dependent on District enrollment trends and student programming needs while being mindful that this has been a fiscally difficult year for many community members,” said Superintendent Shaun O’Connor.

The 2021-22 proposed budget includes the addition of a Visual Arts teacher, a full-time custodial worker, and an elementary school teacher position that was left vacant due to retirement.

While drafting this proposed budget, District leaders also focused on support for students. 

“It remains the top priority that the District is readied for the return of all students to daily, in-person learning next school year with their educational and social/emotional needs met,” added O’Connor.

The proposal includes BOCES programs, classroom upgrades for Kindergarteners, equipment upgrades at the Elementary School Health Office, and funding to update technology for all students.