Monticello Board of Education adopts proposed budget for 2010-11

March 25, 2010

At its March 25 meeting, the Monticello Schools Board of Education adopted a $75,985,992 budget for the 2010-11 school year. The proposed budget represents a decrease of -0.9 percent from this year’s operating budget and a reduction of $3.4 million from the rollover budget. The proposed spending plan includes a projected tax levy increase of 6 percent. Final tax rate impact is determined in August when the Board of Education approves the tax warrant.

“The community worked closely with the Board of Education to help us formulate a budget that keeps the tax impact as low as possible without sacrificing the quality programs our students need,” explained Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel. “Unfortunately, these tough economic times have forced us to make some difficult choices.”

Due to the large reduction in state aid funding, Monticello’s proposed budget includes closing the Cornelius Duggan Elementary School, program cuts to College in the Classroom and the International Baccalaureate, and a layoff of 61 full-time positions - 12 of which are through attrition. The district has offered teachers a retirement incentive which if accepted, may further decrease the number of actual layoffs.

A public budget hearing will be held on Thursday, May 6, at 7 p.m. in the RJK Middle School cafeteria.

In addition to the proposed budget, district residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 18, to elect three Board of Education members for the seats of incumbents Richard Feller, Yvonne Housman and Barbara O’Rourke. All the seats are for three-year terms.

2010-2011 School Budget Information MORE