Clymer Central School’s Board of Education has officially approved the school budget for the 2024-2025 school year. Business Official Jarrett Wiggers provided an overview of the budget at the recent board meeting, highlighting key changes and expenditures.
The budget includes a three percent decrease in administrative expenses, primarily due to reallocating the high school principal’s salary to special education. Capital expenses have decreased significantly, mainly because of a debt service that ended last year. However, programming expenses have increased by seven percent, driven by anticipated special education costs and the purchase of two new school buses.
The school is currently waiting for the delivery of the new buses, which have been delayed due to redesigns by the manufacturing company. Despite the delay, the school has kept the old buses in operation until the new ones arrive.
On the revenue side, the tax cap is set at 3.04 percent, with steady interest earnings and state aid. The budget also includes provisions for a safety patrol officer, reducing contingency in special education, hiring an occupational therapist, and increasing funds for legal expenses based on past trends.
Superintendent Beth Olson expressed confidence in the budget, calling it the “best-case scenario” for the school. The Budget Hearing is scheduled for May 8 at 6 p.m. before the regular board meeting, where community members can provide feedback and ask questions about the budget plan.