Please find a letter with a budget update here. Please note this letter was emailed to all families on May 19, 2025. If you did not receive this email please update your contact information with your building’s main office. If you are a community member and would like to receive community updates regarding the school budget please feel free to sign up for our community messenger list here.
May 19, 2025
Dear Berlin Community Members,
I am reaching out on the eve of the Budget Vote and election of Board of Education members with a final reminder to encourage you all to get out and cast your vote.
While I recognize that the budget development process included some tough conversations and difficult decisions, the proposed budget was developed thoughtfully as to not eliminate any particular programs, but instead preserve all current programs and opportunities to some extent.
We have appreciated the input and involvement of our community throughout the process, and, in particular, your advocacy on behalf of our students, programs, and schools.
I have attached for your review the Budget Newsletter that was mailed out district wide last week, and again provide the link to our Budget Page, which provides comprehensive information.
The proposed budget increase (3.5%) exceeds the allowable tax cap limit (2.19%); to put this in context, the difference between the proposed tax levy and the allowable cap equates to just $29 annually per $100,000 of assessed value. Because the proposal exceeds the cap a supermajority (60%) will be required. Failure to pass the budget may regrettably result in consideration of further reductions.
In addition to the proposed budget the ballot includes two transportation propositions, separate from and that will have no bearing on the budget vote, and would only require a simple majority (50% + 1 vote) to pass. Proposition #2: Transportation Mileage Distances seeks the necessary approval to continue to provide school bus transportation for students who live closer than the distances designated by the NYS Education Department, which is 2 miles for elementary students and 3 miles for secondary students. Proposition #3: Bus Purchases is to authorize the purchase of two buses aligned with our planned replacement cycle, developed to assure a safe fleet. Bus purchases are offset by transportation aid, which is set at a rate of 63.1% for aid to be received in 25-26.
The polls will be open from 12pm – 9pm tomorrow at Berlin Elementary School. On behalf of our students and schools, I appreciate you making every effort to come out and vote.
Thank You!
Dr. Maureen Long
Interim Superintendent