PROPOSED 2024-25 BUDGET MAINTAINS STUDENT PROGRAMS
Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Central School District residents will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 21, to decide on a $23,501,679 proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year. The budget proposal represents an increase in spending of $7,291, or 0.03%, over the current year.
The proposed spending plan carries a tax levy increase of 2.98%, or $156,306, which is below the district’s state-calculated limit of 3.60%. As a result, a simple majority (50% plus one vote) is needed to pass. A majority of the increase in spending comes from non-discretionary costs, including contractual obligations for salaries and health insurance, as well as the impact of inflation.
WHAT WILL I SEE ON THE MAY 21 BALLOT?
Community voting will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, at the OESJ Jr./Sr. High School auditorium (44 Center St., St. Johnsville) and at the OESJ Elementary School auditorium (6486 State Highway 29, St. Johnsville) on these proposals:
• $23,501,679 proposed budget, which carries a 2.98% tax levy increase. This is 0.62% below the maximum allowable limit for 2024-25 as calculated by the state’s formula.
• There are three candidates for two open seats on the Board of Education. These seats each carry three-year terms and are unpaid. Candidates will be in this order on the ballot based on random drawing: Anton Christensen, Steven Polidori, and Jack Brundage.