District voters approved the $25,405,843 Canajoharie Central School District budget for the 2024-25 school year on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, by a vote of 134 to 43.
Residents approved a bus lease proposition by a vote of 144 to 33. They also authorized using the previously established Equipment Reserve fund to purchase classroom furniture, not exceeding $140,000 by a vote of 133 to 44. The annual proposal to have a high school student serve as a non-voting ex-officio member on the Canajoharie Central School District Board of Education passed with 146 votes in favor and 29 opposed.
Voters approved using $170,000 from the fund balance to extend the current capital project by $1,500,000 by a vote of 131 to 46. The state will reimburse the district $1,330,000 in building aid at no additional cost to the district.
The proposal to allow the district to receive an additional 10% building aid on an energy performance contract, with no tax impact on residents, was approved by a vote of 146 to 29.
Keith Baker was elected to the district’s board of education to a five-year term running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029. He was the only candidate.
This budget represents a spending increase of 0.48% and carries a 2.57% property tax levy increase.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to every member of our community who participated in today’s vote,” said the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nick Fitzgerald. “Once again, the residents of the Canajoharie Central School District have demonstrated their steadfast commitment to the value of education and the tremendous opportunities we provide our students. This support is a powerful affirmation of our shared vision for academic excellence.”
This budget will help maintain jobs and services, while also introducing additional courses for our students, such as Corporate and Management Accounting at the high school level and Accelerated Math in sixth grade. The district will also be introducing a K-5 Department Chairperson for Science due to a new state mandate for the elementary level. This stipend position would ensure all of the new specifications are in place.