Ripley superintendent William Caldwell

RIPLEY — Ripley Central School District Board of Education members at their regular meeting April 21 approved a proposed 2021-22 budget of $9,746,366 with no increase in the tax levy.

The budget includes an increase of $279,000 in expenditures over the current budget, However, explained William Caldwell, Ripley superintendent, $200,000 of that is part of the district’s construction project and will come from the capital reserve.

“So, in reality, the budget is going up $79,000,” he said.

The tax levy totals $1,862,971, which is a $4 change from last year.

“So, basically the levy will stay the same,” Caldwell said. “We’re looking to present a 0% tax increase.

The budget remained uncertain until recently, Caldwell said.

“We went from having a concern about our budget and the amount of money we would receive,” he said, noting that much of the state aid was uncertain and that there was talk of the STAR money being removed.

“Then things changed,” Caldwell said. “The Recovery Act passed, which gave money to the states and the STAR aid was added back in. All that came about and resulted in us receiving a generous amount of money from the state.”

Caldwell said that foundation aid actually increased by $135,281. The district also expects to receive almost $1 million in Federal Aid, “but that is coming with some strings attached,” he said. “We’ve chosen to set it aside for right now until we learn how it should be used.”

In another matter, Caldwell commented on the new state Department of Health guidelines regarding social distancing and the wearing of masks. The guidelines reduced mandatory social distancing from 6 feet to 3 feet; however, masks must be worn at all times, except when eating. Caldwell noted that the protocols that were being followed up to this point have been working well and the district has had no in-school transmissions of the COVID-19 virus.

“What we have was working and we’ve had no issues with it, but now we have to change it,” he added.

Caldwell told board members that a letter was just sent to parents. The letter explains that, as per the new guidelines, students are now required to wear their masks throughout the day, with breaks.

Furthermore, all masks must have at least two layers of material, Caldwell said. This means single-layer masks, such as gaitors, are not permissible unless they are folded over and doubled, he said.

“The district has received a legal opinion confirming that it is compelled to comply with the pandemic-related guidance issued by various agencies, regardless of the degree of success we have experienced during this year school year,” the letter states.

In other business, Micah Oldham, Ripley principal, reported that ELA state tests were given that day. All in-person learners took the test, as well as four remote learners, he said. Only four students opted out, he added.

Oldham also told the board that the entire school is preparing to celebrate Better World Day on Friday, May 7. He explained that for EL Education’s Better World Day, students choose classroom service projects and presented them as high quality posters to share with the rest of the school.

According to EL Education, “Better World Day encourages students to contribute to their local communities, connect with each other, and celebrate meaningful student work.”

Projects include making bird feeders and hanging them on school grounds, recycling, and visiting the nursing home in Westfield.

“All these ideas came straight form the kids, and that’s what they want to do,” he said.

In new business, board members approved several items, including the district’s commitment statement for BOCES services, the 2021-22 district calendar, and the property tax report card.

The board also completed the second reading of the policy regarding gender neutral single occupancy bathrooms and approved said policy.