RCSCSD passes budget and bus proposition, elects board members

May 16, 2018 Ali Hibbs Bethlehem, Coeymans, News, Schools, Towns

RAVENA—Residents in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District have approved a $47.7 million budget for the 2018-19 school year by a vote of 549 to 338.

The budget calls for an increase in total spending of 4.17 percent from the 2017-18 school year and a tax levy increase of 2.68 percent, which is at the district’s tax levy “cap”. It continues all current programs and services, and enhances school security, increases instructional support for at-risk students and offers better mental health and social emotional supports for all students.

Voters also approved of the bus proposition by a vote of 566 to 316, which will allow the district to purchase six new buses as part of the district maintenance and replacement plan. The state will reimburse the district for approximately 57 percent of the cost.

Residents also voted to fill three Board of Education seats, re-electing school board candidates Howard Engel III with 585 votes, Kristin Hill-Burns with 664 votes, and Edward Reville with 483 votes.

Additionally, the RCS Community Library vote passed with 636 in favor and 248 opposed. Residents also re-elected two candidates to the library board of trustees: Laurel Dickerson with 685 votes and Sheila Schwartz with 686 votes.