Troy City School District residents have approved a $113,651,375 budget for the 2020-2021 school year. Three candidates were elected to the Board of Education.
The unofficial results of the budget vote are 1046 (yes) to 336(no). This budget will result in a 1.99-percent tax levy increase – a figure that is $53,357 below the allowable tax cap of 2.13 percent.
This year, the District was faced with the task to close a $2.9 million gap created by the COVID-19 crisis and its effect on the State Budget and subsequent State Aid for school districts. The District was able to develop a plan that contains spending by eliminating 25 positions, but one that still ensures all children have access to programs and supports needed to be successful.
Three candidates were elected to the Board of Education for three-year terms effective July 1, 2020:
Thomas Mayo (680), incumbent; Rosemary Coles (670); and Diana Heckman (618).
The District continues to see rising graduation rates, well above the statewide average for high needs districts. The proposed budget will maintain small class sizes and the District will continue to provide extra supports for those who need it. This includes the mental health supports added last year as well as the expanded STEM programs.
“Thank you to the Troy CSD residents for voting in favor of our 2020-2021 budget,” said Superintendent John Carmello. “This year’s process of developing the budget was by far the most difficult one in my career and I’d like to thank the Board of Education and the Citizens Advisory Committee for their assistance.”
“Thank you to the community for taking the time to vote in support of our 2020-2021 budget and for once again putting your faith in me to serve on the Board,” said Board of Education President Tom Mayo. “Congratulations to Rosemary Coles and Diana Heckman for their election to the Board.”
The Board of Education will meet on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be live-streamed for the public. Any public comments can be emailed to BOE@troycsd.org by 4 p.m. on Wednesday.