Dear Harrisville Community Members:
As spring arrives, our team is finalizing the 2025-26 school budget, a process that prioritizes both fiscal responsibility and the continued excellence of our students’ education. I have been working closely with our administrators and the Board of Education to develop a budget that reflects our community’s values and needs.
We understand that maintaining financial stability may require some adjustments, and we are committed to transparent communication throughout this process. We will provide detailed information as it becomes available and ensure that any changes are made to support our students and our overall school community.
Key Ballot Items
In addition to voting on the school budget on May 20, residents will have the opportunity to vote on these key items:
- School Bus Purchase: This proposition seeks approval to purchase two new school buses, including a 66-passenger bus and a wheelchair-accessible bus, to enhance student transportation safety and accessibility.
- Harrisville Free Library Funding: This proposition addresses the annual tax levy for the Harrisville Free Library (see below).
- Board of Education Election: Voters will also elect one member to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Education.
Library Funding
New York State education law allows libraries to place a funding proposition on school district ballots. It requires school districts, at the libraries’ requests, to levy and collect taxes for libraries. It is important to note that libraries are separate legal entities from the school district, with their own funding and budgets. The school district does not endorse, control, or recommend any aspect of how the libraries spend money.
If voters approve the proposition to increase the annual tax collected by $20,000, the school district would annually levy and collect taxes in the new total amount of $85,000 for the Harrisville Free Library, beginning in the 2025-26 fiscal year. The amount authorized for library services is listed as a separate line on residents’ tax bills.
Budget Hearing and Vote Dates
We encourage you to learn more about the budget proposal at our Annual Public Hearing on Monday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Harrisville Central School Library. Residents will also receive a budget newsletter and postcard later this spring to provide more specific information about the proposed school budget and propositions.
Residents are invited to vote on Tuesday, May 20, from 1-8 p.m. in the Harrisville Central School Library.
We value your participation in this important process. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at 315-543-2707 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Rob Finster
Superintendent