At a Glance
Proposed Budget: $129,300,00
Tax Levy Increase: 2.99%
Spending Increase: 2.74%
Superintendent’s Message
District residents will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 21st to vote on a 2024-2025 proposed budget of $129,300,000 that includes a tax levy increase of 2.99% which is below the district’s calculated tax levy limit of 5.66%. This budget is designed to prioritize student achievement and fiscal sustainability. We have worked diligently to develop a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that supports educational programs, accounts for rising costs, preserves an adequate fund balance and is mindful of the financial impact to taxpayers, while at the same time ensuring the stability and the long-term health of our schools.
The proposed budget incorporates reallocation of resources, including a reduction of staff through attrition, provides numerous extracurricular activities and athletic programs, including a new girls wrestling team, and continues to provide staff development opportunities, culturally inclusive educational programs, social emotional supports and services that meet the needs of all our students.
This year, the voters will consider two propositions. Proposition 1 is the yearly budget. Proposition 2 is a $5.1 million capital project proposal that would result in no tax impact and focus on renovations and necessary facility repairs at each school building. This project will focus on replacing exterior doors at our school buildings, updating dividers in cafeterias and gymnasiums across five school buildings, and replacing the slate roof at Montgomery Elementary. The pool filtration and heating systems and skylights will be replaced, as well as re-grouting of the pool deck. These capital project improvements will maintain ongoing upgrades to our facilities to provide a safe learning environment for all of our students and staff. The District currently receives approximately 73.4% building aid on eligible project expenses. Notably, this project will have no tax impact on residents and will be funded by a combination of state building aid and the District’s capital reserve fund.
We have accomplished a great deal this year. District administrators, faculty and staff have focused on a sense of belonging, strengthening community and building consistency across the district. The staff worked hard to provide the best possible programs and extracurricular opportunities for all of our students.
At Valley Central, we work diligently every day to create a school district that the community can be proud of – a great place for children. Thank you for your support of our students and families. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, May 21st, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Valley Central High School.
Annual Budget Notice PDF (Page 2)
Source of Funds
Tax Levy – 53%
State Aid – 42%
All Other – 5%
Tax Levy: $68,974,000 Percentage of Revenues: 53%
State Aid: $53,961,431 Percentage of Revenues: 42%
All Other: Percentage of Revenues 5%
Appropriated Fund Balance: $1,500,000
Transfer from Debt Service: $125,000
Other Income: $4,739,569
Budget Expenditures
Total Budget $129,300,000
Program Budget: $105,239,266
Percentage of Budget: 81%
The program component provides funding for the salaries and benefits of all teachers, guidance counselors, aides, monitors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and speech therapists. The program component also includes the costs associated with all the instructional and extra-curricular programs, transportation and athletic activities.
Capital Budget: $12,904,366
Percentage of Budget: 10%
The capital component provides funds for the operation and maintenance of Valley Central’s school buildings, debt service, property tax refunds, tax certiorari and court-ordered costs, and the salaries and benefits for the maintenance and custodial staff.
Administrative Budget: $11,156,368
Percentage of Budget: 9%
The administrative component provides funding for the overall general support and management activities of the district including the salaries and benefits of all professional members who spend 50 percent or more of their time in administration and supervision, curriculum development, clerical staff, public information, business office operations, and legal and auditing services.
Bottom Line on Tax Impact PDF
Information on VCSD Tax Exemptions
Proposed Zero Tax Impact 2024 Capital Project
Proposition 2
Renovation and Improvement of School Facilities
Valley Central High School
- New Hard Divider Door between Wrestling and Gymnasium
Valley Central Middle School
- New Manual Curtain Screen Divider at Gymnasium
- New Manual Curtain Screen Divider at Cafeteria
- Exterior Door Replacement
- Pool Boiler Replacement
- Pool Filtration System Replacement
- Pool Skylight Replacement
- Regrouting of the Pool Deck
Berea Elementary School
- New Manual Curtain Screen Divider at Gymnasium
- Exterior Door Replacement
- Replacement of Water Softener System
East Coldenham Elementary School
- New Manual Curtain Screen Divider at Gymnasium
- Exterior Door Replacement
Alternative Learning Center
- Exterior Door Replacement
Montgomery Elementary School
- New Manual Curtain Screen Divider at Gymnasium
- Replacement of existing Slate Roof Systems
- Restore Central Tower at Slate Roof
Walden Elementary School
- Exterior Door Replacement
BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES
There are two seats open for election, each for a three-year term.
Joseph Bond
Angela Terralavoro