Brighton Central School District proposes 4.76% spending increase; tax levy rises 1.88%

Dr. McGowan presented the Brighton Central School District's proposed 2024-25 budget at the board's May 7 business meeting and budget hearing, saying the spending plan represents a 4.76% increase overall and a 1.88% increase in the real property tax levy that the district said complies with the New York State property tax cap.

The presentation listed the major cost drivers: tuition-mandated services rising about 29%, contractual obligations about 35%, contract transportation about 13%, debt service about 11% and operations/utilities about 8%. Dr. McGowan said non-property revenues are projected to rise 8.89% and that the budget proposes an increase in staff positions from 673.7 to 677.76 to address enrollment-driven needs and classroom supports. He also said two specialized positions (teacher of the deaf and teacher of the visually impaired) will be provided through BOCES rather than funded as district positions in this portion of the budget.

Dr. McGowan framed the budget around district priorities including mental health and wellness, academic programs, student and family experience, deaf support and safety, and highlighted an "Aspire" middle-school program expansion. He told residents the proposal is intended to minimize tax impact while preserving program investments: "The budget summary is an increase of 4.76% overall in terms of spending, but our real property tax levy will go up 1.88% next year, which is compliant with the New York State property tax cap." (Dr. McGowan)

Estimated household impact shown in the presentation: on a home assessed at $250,000 the district's tax levy increase represented an estimated $129 annual change in tax collected attributable to the school levy, according to slides presented at the hearing. The board noted the district uses available unappropriated fund balance and reserves within legally authorized limits and that specific reserve accounts require separate authorization to spend when used.

The presentation described the multi-year timeline for capital projects and emphasized that approvals of professional services begin a multi-step process that may include State Education Department review and competitive bidding before construction begins. The board reminded voters that the budget will appear on the ballot May 21 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) at the district building.

The hearing closed with an invitation for community questions and a reminder that full budget detail, the property tax report card, staffing summaries and administrative compensation are posted on the district budget website and available on request.