Dear Tonawanda School Community:
Tomorrow is the annual public vote on the district expenditure plan (“budget”) for the 2024-2025 school year, and other propositions that will appear on the ballot.
Please see the listing of frequently asked questions below that include factual information and important aspects of this budgetary process.
Voting begins on Tuesday at 11 a.m. inside the Wellness Gym at the High School. Polls close at 8 p.m. Parking is available in the High School parking lot off of Fletcher Street.
There are four items to consider on the ballot:
The annual appropriation and expenditure proposal for the 24-25 school year
The proposed sale of Riverview Elementary School for $650,000
The establishment of a capital reserve to support future capital projects including a planned tax-neutral capital project for the Middle/High School
The election of two Board of Education Trustees
Please see the listing of frequently asked questions below that include factual information and important aspects of this budgetary process.
FAQ’s – District Budget/Expenditure Plan
When is the district required to begin making debt payments on the new elementary school?
A: The first debt payment on this capital project was due last year. This year another debt payment is due. The local share of this debt payment will be part of the scheduled school tax payment due in the fall of this year.
Why is the proposed tax increase for the 24-25 school budget 4.49%?
A: The proposed tax increase for the district budget for next year is UNDER the NYS tax cap for our district. Approximately 3.2% of the proposed tax increase is for scheduled operations and related expenses of educating children as our state and country combat record inflation. Another 1.29% of the proposed tax increase is directly related to the next debt payment for the new Tonawanda Elementary School.
Is the District Budget under the tax cap? What does that mean for me?
A: YES. Our 2024-2025 budget, again, adheres to the New York State requirements aligning to the property tax cap. All taxpayers that are eligible for the NYS STAR property tax exemption will continue receiving this rebate and taxpayers will receive either a check or a reduction on their school tax bill.
When is the annual budget vote? What can I vote on?
A: Our budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the High School Wellness Gym located at 600 Fletcher Street. There will be plenty of parking available in the main lot near the athletic stadium. Voters will have the opportunity to vote on the district expenditure limit (“budget”) for 2024-2025, consider the opportunity to sell Riverview Elementary School for $650,000, vote to establish a capital reserve for a future capital project needed at the Middle/High School building, and vote for two candidates to serve on the Board of Education.
FAQ’s – Proposed Sale of Riverview Elementary School
What are the details of the proposed sale of Riverview Elementary School?
A: The Board of Education has approved the sale of Riverview Elementary School to 55 Taylor Drive LLC, led by David Sutton of Sutton Architecture PLLC, for $650,000, subject to approval by the public and satisfaction of other contingencies.
What will this district do with the proceeds from the sale of Riverview Elementary School?
A: The proceeds of this sale are required by NYS legislation to be added to our debt reserve account to make payments on current debt and debt from future capital work at the Middle/High School building. This will reduce future tax impacts on our community.
What will 55 Taylor Drive LLC do with the building?
A: The purchaser plans to convert the school to a two-story apartment complex and surrounding area to single-family homes and a new apartment building. These properties will be added to the tax base for the City of Tonawanda.
Where can I find out more details on the plans proposed by 55 Taylor Drive LLC?
A: Please visit our website at: https://www.tonawandacsd.org/page/sale-of-riverview-elementary
Why is the sale and purchase price important to taxpayers?
A: Our district owes nearly $150,000 in debt on Riverview School from previous capital projects. Following the payment of required associated fees, we expect to realize approximately $400,000 in proceeds from this sale.
What happens if the public votes down the proposed sale?
A: Should this offer for purchase of Riverview Elementary School NOT be approved by the voters on May 21, 2024, the district would be responsible for the carrying costs (liability, insurance, maintenance, energy, etc.), as high as $4,000 per month, until the building is eventually approved for sale. Thank you for your continued trust and support of our school district. We are grateful for your pride and partnership in making Tonawanda a great place to raise and educate children. Sincerely,
Timothy A. Oldenburg, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To see the full PDF of this letter, click here: https://5il.co/2m2jq