Royalton-Hartland's school budget vote and school board elections take place this Tuesday, May 18th from noon to 9:00 at the high school gymnasium.
The budget being voted-on features $22.1 million in spending, down 5.3 percent (or $1.2 million) versus last year's. Despite the spending cuts there have also been significant cuts in state spending on the district ($2.3 million), hence the property tax rate per $1,000 assessed value rising to $21.24, up 5 percent.
The equivalent of eight full-time positions are being cut from the budget, including four and a half retirements for which the positions are not being filled. One of those cut through attrition is a teacher’s aide, while the other three and a half are teachers. Other cuts include part-time positions in art, music, technology, speech, as well as in administration.
Beyond the academic core it should also be noted that football, modified sports, the Spanish Club, the marching band and jazz ensemble are all on the chopping block.
Voters will also get the chance to select 2 board members from 3 candidates: Daniel R. Bragg, (incumbent), Paul E. Guinn, and William H. Howell (incumbent). The victors will serve 2-year terms.
As usual, the district will try to drive up voter turnout by making the elections a family affair. Among the activities taking place at the high school on Tuesday are:
* A chicken BBQ from 3:30 to 7:00. $8 will get you 1/2 a chicken, potato salad, roll and dessert
* Middle School talent show at 6:30 in the Aud
* Kindergarten orientation at 6:30 in the chorus room
The budget being voted-on features $22.1 million in spending, down 5.3 percent (or $1.2 million) versus last year's. Despite the spending cuts there have also been significant cuts in state spending on the district ($2.3 million), hence the property tax rate per $1,000 assessed value rising to $21.24, up 5 percent.
The equivalent of eight full-time positions are being cut from the budget, including four and a half retirements for which the positions are not being filled. One of those cut through attrition is a teacher’s aide, while the other three and a half are teachers. Other cuts include part-time positions in art, music, technology, speech, as well as in administration.
Beyond the academic core it should also be noted that football, modified sports, the Spanish Club, the marching band and jazz ensemble are all on the chopping block.
Voters will also get the chance to select 2 board members from 3 candidates: Daniel R. Bragg, (incumbent), Paul E. Guinn, and William H. Howell (incumbent). The victors will serve 2-year terms.
As usual, the district will try to drive up voter turnout by making the elections a family affair. Among the activities taking place at the high school on Tuesday are:
* A chicken BBQ from 3:30 to 7:00. $8 will get you 1/2 a chicken, potato salad, roll and dessert
* Middle School talent show at 6:30 in the Aud
* Kindergarten orientation at 6:30 in the chorus room
