by Chris Tergliafera
At the March 17 regular meeting of the Hoosick Falls Central School District Board, the 2022-2023 budget, introduced during last month’s meeting, continued to take shape. The School Tax levy, which currently sits at 3.5%, is already far lower than it was during the initial presentation. It was explained that the tax levy would more than likely already be under the 2.65% allowed increase, if it weren’t for the increasing costs of fuel and electricity. The current tax levy of 3.5% is not final, and work will be done in the coming weeks to bring it down further.
In addition to the budget, the upcoming vote will also see three School Board seat vacancies and a number of propositions. The first proposition has to do with adding to the existing capital project approved in 2019. No further funds are needed — approval would allow for adding to and changing the scope of the project, while remaining under the previously approved amount.
Next is the bus purchase proposition, which would authorize the Board to purchase new buses at a maximum estimated cost of $335,000. This would included the purchase of a wheelchair bus. Funds for this proposition would come from the School Bus Capital Reserve and would have no effect on school taxes.
Last but not least is a proposition that would allow for an ex officio student Board member.
The next Board of Education meeting, which will also be the final budget review and adoption of the budget, will be on Thursday, April 21, at 6:30 pm. The budget hearing will be on Tuesday, May 10, at 6 pm, with the budget vote on Tuesday, May 17, from 9 am to 8:30 pm.
A Fond Farewell
One of the three vacant School Board seats at the upcoming budget vote belongs to long time Board member Andrew Beaty. Mr. Beaty will be moving from the area, and will not seek re-election. Fellow Board members, along with Superintended Patrick Dailey, joined in thanking Mr. Beaty for his service to the school and community, and stated that no matter what was being discussed, the conversation always came back to what was best for the kids. Board of Education President Joseph Patire stated Mr. Beaty is an example of what being on a Board is all about. Mr. Beaty responded by saying it was an honor and pleasure to serve the community during his tenure, expressing his love of the kids and how much he will miss it all.
Unified Sports
Hoosick Falls CSD is starting a unified basketball team. The team will be a recognized Section 2 team, consisting of students with and without disabilities playing simultaneously. They will compete against schools with a similar roster makeup. The season will consist of three home and three away games, with a mini playoff.
Bowling will also be offered next winter. The unified sports teams will even have their very own support club, Inclusion Fusion.
Other News
Pre-K registration won’t be open until mid-April, however you can visit hoosickfallscsd.org and be placed on a mailing list by clicking the link on the bottom of the page to sign up.
The Board approved a sports merger between Hoosick Falls and Tamarac, regarding boys soccer, for the 2022-2023 season.