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Dollars And Sense

JPS Budget Constructed Responsibly For Balance, Growth

JHS Class Officers celebrate after receiving their diplomas at the 2016 JHS Commencement Ceremony. Pictured, front row, are Abigail Todaro, Sydney Deppas, Emily Isaacson and Karighan Alicea-Walker. In back are Allison Boskat, Luci Ellis, Cameron Hurst, Kate Tucker, Matt Elia & Maddie Dineen

On Tuesday, May 16, Jamestown Public School residents will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed 2017-18 Budget totaling $84,948,220. As 78 percent of the budget is funded by New York state aid, a projected $2.2 million increase in Foundation Aid will fund the proposed budget without an increase in local school taxes. Not only would the 2017-18 school tax levy be the same as last year, but it would also be the same as it was seven years ago for the 2011-12 school year.

The proposed budget would expand academic programs for the first time in a number of years. Classroom teachers will be added to address enrollment needs, and a music teacher will be added to the elementary program. The English Speakers of Other Languages program will be expanded to a second school to better meet student academic needs. School counselors and a psychologist will also be added to support students both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition, JPS has also been awarded a five-year 21st Century Grant to support the Community Schools program, which will result in the expansion of afterschool and summer programs.

The Board of Education has worked hard to take into consideration the needs of our students, while being mindful of the local community during the budget process. The proposed budget would meet the primary goals of improving academic programs for students while not increasing the local school tax levy. The 2017-18 Budget will also mark the first year of a five-year budget plan to meet student needs through expanded instructional programs and learning opportunities, while not increasing local school taxes.

A public hearing on the 2017-18 JPS Budget will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 6 p.m. in the Persell Middle School Auditorium. The public is encouraged to attend. The proposed 2017-18 budget is also available on the JPS website (www.jamestown publicschools.org) or at the Superintendent’s Office at 197 Martin Road. Registered voters are also encouraged to vote in the May 16 budget vote to be held at Jefferson Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School, and Washington Middle School from noon-9 p.m. For more information on where to vote, please contact the District Clerk at 483-4420.

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