Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District residents approved the proposed $53,548,486 budget for the 2023-24 school year by a margin of 70.3 percent, or 565 yes votes to 239 no votes.
The plan includes a $2,291,557 spending increase, or a 4.47% jump from last year. But it will result in an estimated tax rate increase of 1.48%. This estimated tax increase is at the district’s tax cap and only required a simple majority for the budget to be approved (50% plus one vote).
Four candidates were vying for three seats on the school board for next year. Voters re-elected Peter Ross onto the board with 565 votes. Jacqueline Kalney (594) and Michael Coyne (585) will each serve the board for a first term.
Voters also approved a $495,084.14 Bus Purchase Proposition (567 to 236), which allows the district to buy three 64-passenger buses. The total purchase price included a discount factored after trade-in vehicles.
A $10 million Capital Reserve Account Referendum also passed voters approval (523 to 273). It’s to finance the purchase of, and general improvement, reconstruction, renovations or additions to the district’s buildings. The account would also include the potential acquisition of sites (land and/or buildings), site work and the acquisition of original furnishings, equipment, machinery, acquisition and installation of technology equipment, or other apparatus required for the purpose for which such buildings are to be used.