Brighton Central School District saved reserve funds over the years to be prepared for tough economic times. In Superintendent Kevin McGowan’s 2010-11 budget proposal, Brighton would use 70.5 percent — or $670,000 — more reserve funds than in this school year.
“They were able to plan for a rainy day in this district, and it is raining now,” said McGowan, who is leading his first budget in Brighton. “It’s time to use those (funds) to mitigate a tax increase and a dramatic reduction in program.”
The Brighton Board of Education approved the $62.3 million spending plan Tuesday night. The annual budget hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 at the administration building board room, 2035 Monroe Ave. Residents of the district will vote Tuesday, May 18 at Brighton High School, 1150 S. Winton Road.
The budget funds would allow Brighton to keep all of its programs intact and add a few new ones next year. The $150,000 for possible initiatives could include a family resource center, a Mandarin program or an energy and sustainability course at the high school.
“Our kids next year and the years after can’t be held hostage in terms of the new and the innovative,” McGowan said. “Our district has gotten to the place it has gotten to because people have been willing to innovate.”
However, there are reductions in Brighton. They include eliminating 5.7 full-time-equivalent positions due to enrollment, eliminating 4.5 other positions and consolidating 17.1 positions.
A big increase in spending for the district is due to employee benefits, which increase 8.1 percent or $1.1 million.
Residents will also vote on two propositions. The first is on authorization to spend $1.4 million for capital improvements. These include a roof replacement at Brookside School and a lighting upgrade and parking lot light replacement at Council Rock Primary School.
The second is for authorization to spend $400,000 for technology purchases. It would include the replacement of laptop and desktop computers and creation of more “smart classrooms.”
The money for both propositions would come from the capital and technology reserve funds, respectively, with no effect on the tax levy this year.
Brighton Central School District saved reserve funds over the years to be prepared for tough economic times. In Superintendent Kevin McGowan’s 2010-11 budget proposal, Brighton would use 70.5 percent — or $670,000 — more reserve funds than in this school year.
“They were able to plan for a rainy day in this district, and it is raining now,” said McGowan, who is leading his first budget in Brighton. “It’s time to use those (funds) to mitigate a tax increase and a dramatic reduction in program.”
The Brighton Board of Education approved the $62.3 million spending plan Tuesday night. The annual budget hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 at the administration building board room, 2035 Monroe Ave. Residents of the district will vote Tuesday, May 18 at Brighton High School, 1150 S. Winton Road.
The budget funds would allow Brighton to keep all of its programs intact and add a few new ones next year. The $150,000 for possible initiatives could include a family resource center, a Mandarin program or an energy and sustainability course at the high school.
“Our kids next year and the years after can’t be held hostage in terms of the new and the innovative,” McGowan said. “Our district has gotten to the place it has gotten to because people have been willing to innovate.”
However, there are reductions in Brighton. They include eliminating 5.7 full-time-equivalent positions due to enrollment, eliminating 4.5 other positions and consolidating 17.1 positions.
A big increase in spending for the district is due to employee benefits, which increase 8.1 percent or $1.1 million.
Residents will also vote on two propositions. The first is on authorization to spend $1.4 million for capital improvements. These include a roof replacement at Brookside School and a lighting upgrade and parking lot light replacement at Council Rock Primary School.
The second is for authorization to spend $400,000 for technology purchases. It would include the replacement of laptop and desktop computers and creation of more “smart classrooms.”
The money for both propositions would come from the capital and technology reserve funds, respectively, with no effect on the tax levy this year.
