Proposed budget to continue program and curriculum momentum for school district
On May 18, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk residents will go to the polls to vote on the proposed $48,637,301 spending plan for the 2021-22 school year. Under the proposal, spending would decrease by $40,361, or 0.08% from the current year. This proposal is below the district’s assigned tax “cap” and requires a simple majority of voters (50% plus one) to pass the budget.
The proposed plan continues the district’s five-year academic plan, with a focus on pathways for employment and enabling continued access to the district’s four “C’s” of creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
“We are heavily focused on creating and supporting programs that will give our students every opportunity to succeed in the workplace and the world. Students deserve an environment where they can apply their knowledge through mentoring, exploring various workplace opportunities, and giving back to our community” said Superintendent Brian Bailey. “Our taxpayers deserve an excellent return on their investment: students who are literate, knowledgeable, and ready to be productive citizens. We are grateful to take on this challenge with the partnership of our entire RCS community.”
The budget proposal represents a reduction in spending, it still meets the district’s contractual obligations and maintains its academic programs for next year. It also includes funding for additional career exploration programs and off-site learning opportunities (field trips), an additional art teacher at the high school, and credit recovery and academic remediation for our K-12 students as we continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.