The Brewster Board of Education will hold its annual budget hearing virtually tonight, May 26th, 2020. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned that the economic effect of the shutdown imposed to stop the spread of the Corona virus could mean much less money available for state education aid to local school districts. Cuomo's last estimate was that state aid would be 20 percent lower than already promised.
That could reduction in state aid could result in a loss of more than $4 million to the Brewster Central School District. Brewster Schools administrators and the Board of Trustees have been working on how to lessen the effects of those cuts the last few weeks.
The proposed budget plan the District is putting up for a vote now calls for $103.9 million. That would necessitate a tax levy increase of 1.48 percent. Officials have said they will adjust spending based on the state's financial contribution when those numbers become available.
A second proposition on the ballot is asking voters to approve an expenditure of $730,000 for new school buses. In addition, two (2) seats on the Brewster Central School District Board of Trustees are up for election. Incumbents Kerry F. Cunningham and Glenn Niles are running to retain their seats and are challenged by Francine DelBono Santos.
The May 26 public hearing on the spending plan begins at 6:30 p.m. Click here to register to view the meeting or follow the instructions below to join the discussion.
As per the Governor's Executive Order #202.26, The Budget vote will take place by mail only! Qualified voters of the Brewster Central School District will receive absentee ballots in the mail.
For your vote to be counted, the Ballot (in the appropriate envelope) must be received in the District Clerk's office no later than 5 p.m. on June 9, 2020.
- be a U.S. Citizen
- be at least 18 years old by June 9, 2020
- be a School District resident for 30 days immediately preceding the vote
- be registered to vote in School District elections and have voted in any School District election/vote during the past 4 calendar years.
Virtual Board of Education Meeting/Budget Hearing
May 26, 2020, 6:30 PM
- Register for and join as a view only participant
- Click here to register
Joining instructions will be emailed to you OR you can join immediately if the meeting has started
- Call in to listen
- Dial (646)558-8656
- Enter Webinar ID# 812 6111 6535
- Enter Password 336640
- There will be an opportunity for the public to speak at this meeting. Please read this information to see how to submit comments.