The Pioneer Board of Education has approved a 2023-24 general fund budget proposal of $65,708,041.
The board authorized the measure at its April 18 regular meeting.
The proposed budget would increase spending 5.29 percent over the current budget, which totals $62,408,491. The proposed property tax increase is 1.5 percent; Pioneer's property tax cap is 3.73 percent.
Prior to the 9-0 vote, Superintendent Nicholas Silvaroli presented the latest information on state negotiations and the impact on aid.
The budget proposal would go before qualified voters during polling on Tuesday, May 16, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Pioneer High School.
Some of the highlights of the spending plan include:
· the hiring of an additional full-time School Resource Officer to expand safety measures among all buildings;
· the hiring of an additional full-time Orchestra teacher for the growing Music Department;
· the hiring of professionals to cover counseling positions currently contracted through BOCES
A public hearing on the budget and Board of Education candidate introductions will be held prior to the next board meeting on Tuesday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m.