On May 17, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk residents will vote on a proposed $51,256,929 spending plan for the 2022-23 school year that will be supported, in part, by a 2% tax levy increase. The proposed budget includes a variety of new opportunities for our students and staff. It also includes additional instructional staff and leadership to address the complexities of recovering from the pandemic. The proposed 2% tax levy is well below the district’s calculated tax “cap,” and requires a simple majority of voters (50% plus one) to pass the budget.
Voters will also be asked to vote upon additional propositions. The budget includes three referendums, one for our ongoing transportation replacement plan, another for capital improvements on our school campuses, and finally, an increase to the repair reserve. Voters will also elect three Board of Education members.
Included in the proposed 2022-23 school budget is a $2,619,628 increase over the previous year's spending plan. As part of this plan, the district plans to utilize $1.6 million from Fund Balance to mitigate the impact on taxpayers. A tax levy increase of 2% will provide the remaining necessary funds. Depending on the municipality in which they reside, taxpayers will see an increase ranging from $54.21 to $82.13 per year, based on a home valued at $150,000.
The proposed plan continues the district’s five-year academic plan, with a focus on student pathways to employment, enrollment, and enlistment. While continuing to work towards the district's mission of providing all students with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve success as contributing members of a complex, interconnected, and changing world.
“As we look to the future and what it holds for our District, we know that changes and improvements are imperative towards the growth of our students and community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Bailey. “Our students deserve a place where they feel comfortable and safe. A place where they can explore, learn, challenge themselves, and expand their world. We are grateful for the support and opportunities provided to our students by the entire RCS Community, and we look forward to what the next couple of years bring to our district.”
The budget proposal represents an increase in spending, and with this increase, we will make facility improvements, increase staffing, and expand our academic programs for next year. It also includes funding for additional career exploration programs, off-site learning opportunities (field trips), and credit recovery and academic remediation for our K-12 students as we continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The school budget vote will be Tuesday, May 17, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the High School Main Gym.
More Information
Additional Budget Information
Proposed 2022- 2023 Budget
Full budget Q&A
Board Candidates Bios