So far, every budget in the Syracuse metro area has been approved. This was a tough budget year as districts dealt with the state's new 2% property tax cap that was passed last summer. Schools cannot raise taxes more than 2% unless at least 60% of voters agree.
The property tax cap created an unusual situation for two school districts. The budget in Tully passed, but two propositions failed because they did not get 60% of the votes. The district put up certain programs, like driver's education, music, and sports, in two separate propositions from the budget because of how the tax cap law is written.
The Unadilla Valley School District budget also failed because it didn't get the 60% majority. Superintendent Bob Mackey says the district has already cut 50% of the administrative staff and nearly 20% of the teaching staff over the past three years. The district has already cut junior varsity sports, several clubs, and programs.
"It's to the point where we're not scratching the surface anymore. We're taking flesh from the bone," Mackey says.
The Board of Education will meet this week to discuss options. The district can either go to a contingency budget that would cut all sports and clubs, or present an amended budget to voters. Mackey is not sure what that budget might look like.
