Community Approves 2017-18 School Budget and Capital Improvement Project

Residents of the Brighton Central School District approved a $76,082,951 budget for the 2017-18 school year by a vote of 1,452 to 232. The budget received an 86% “yes” vote, the highest passage rate in 40 years.

The projected tax levy increase for 2017-18 is 1.85%.

Two propositions were also on the ballot. The first proposal, approved 1,379 to 245, authorized the District to undertake a capital improvement project consisting of: (a) the construction of alterations, renovations and improvements to each of the District’s existing school buildings and facilities, including in each case, site improvements for various school purposes, the reconstruction of and improvements to outdoor athletic facilities and playgrounds, and other related improvements, (b) the construction of additions to the Council Rock Primary School to include twelve general education classrooms, three special education classrooms, two ancillary instructional spaces, one mechanical room, and an expansion of the current kitchen/cafeteria space, and other related improvements, (c) the acquisition and installation in and around the foregoing improvements of original furnishings, equipment, machinery, and apparatus. The total authorization for the capital improvement project shall not exceed $64,996,500. Furthermore, this proposition authorizes the withdrawal of $5,200,000 from the District’s existing Building Capital Reserve Fund to pay a portion of the capital improvement project. The remaining balance, not to exceed $59,796,500, will be paid for by a tax upon the taxable property of the District to be levied and collected in annual installments as provided in Section 416 of the Education Law, with such tax to be offset by State aid available therefore, and in anticipation of such tax, by obligations of the District as may be necessary.

The second proposition, approved 1,487 to 211, authorized the transfer of $500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund (Technology) to the District’s General Operating Fund and to expend this sum from the District’s General Operating Fund for computer-related equipment and software in accordance with the purposes set forth in the authorizing resolution establishing this fund.

Voters also re-elected three board members to the Board of Education: Julene Gilbert, Marvin Sachs, and Laurence Davis. Gilbert received 1,263 votes, Sachs received 1,109 votes, Davis received 1,062 votes, and Sobieraj received 874 votes.

“We are very excited to announce that the community voted in favor of our annual school budget, the Brighton Facilities Improvement Plan capital project, and the referendum to utilize funds from the technology reserve to continue implementation of the 21st century technology program,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin McGowan. “86% of community members voted in favor of the budget and 85% voted in favor of the capital project.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the community for their overwhelmingly positive response to all of the propositions. Your support means everything. Thank you for being a community that continues to do everything possible to provide children with the best possible opportunities and a very special place to learn, play, and grow.”

“Congratulations as well to Larry Davis, Julene Gilbert, and Marv Sachs on their reelection. They are dedicated volunteers and we are grateful for their continued willingness to serve.

“Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support, to our friends advocating vigorously through Fight for Brighton, and again to the community for their commitment to Brighton.

“Onward and upward…Go Barons!”