Penn Yan tables budget adoption vote

    PENN YAN—Voting to adopt a budget in the Penn Yan Central School District for 2012-13 had been scheduled for the Wednesday, April 4 meeting.  However, the school board decided to put that vote on hold.  A special meeting to vote on approving a spending plan has now been set for Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m.  
    The budget which was originally scheduled for a board vote on April 4 amounted to $31,632,500 and contained a tax levy of two percent.  That proposed spending plan also included the elimination of 18.4 full-time equivalent faculty positions for the upcoming school year.  For the current school year, the budget equals $31,305,639.
    Assistant Superintendent for Business Rodger Lewis said the board made the choice to postpone the budget adoption vote after hearing concerns from members of the public.  According to Lewis, questions were raised regarding the amount of staff positions being reduced and the loss of programs that would occur from lay-offs. Upon hearing the comments, the board decided the best course of action would be to see if any adjustments could be made to the spending plan.
    After the meeting, Lewis mentioned the upcoming vote will be on a budget that totals $31,692,499.  He pointed out newly proposed finances will include an additional amount of around $60,000 in foundation aid which the district recently received from the state.  Lewis explained with the extra money, PYCSD will look to restore some programs in the elementary school.  The funding would also help reinstate one full-time equivalent elementary staff position which was originally expected to be eliminated.  Yet, Lewis noted he was unsure of exactly what programs would be saved and whether or not the district would bring back one full-time position or several at a part-time status.
    Lewis indicated even with the new spending plan and additional state aid, the plan is to adopt a budget with a two percent tax levy increase.  He explained while the extra finances are a source of revenue, they also have to be factored in the expenditure side since if the money is allocated towards district programs and staffing needs.
    The state deadline for school districts to adopt a budget for 2012-13 is Friday, April 20.  A public hearing will take place on Wednesday, May 2 at 7 p.m. regarding the spending plan for next year.  Residents will then get to vote on the budget on Tuesday, May 15, which is the same day school board elections will occur.