It is hard to believe that we are already in May. In a blink of an eye we will graduating our seniors and preparing for the 2024-2025 school year. But in our very short future, we have our annual budget vote. I encourage all of our eligible residents to vote on May 21, 2024, at Barker Road Middle School, gymnasium (75 Barker Road).

I’m proud to share that members of the PTSA and PDTA general assemblies voted to endorse PCSD’s 2024-2025 school year budget. The PTSA expressed that “the budget meets the needs of our students and families and strongly encourages the community to vote yes.” 

Here’s what’s on the ballot:

• Proposed budget is $161,797,787 which is within the NYS Tax cap and preserves current programming. The tax levy increase is 2.69%.
  
  
• The three propositions on the ballot will not result in additional taxes or issuance of debt.
  
  
  • Proposition 1 asks for authorization to withdraw from an existing capital reserve fund (savings account) to purchase 13 replacement buses and communication equipment for these buses.
    
    
  • Proposition 2 will establish a capital reserve (savings account) not to exceed $15,000,000 plus interest. This capital reserve will be used for computer and network equipment.
    
    
  • Proposition 3 asks for authorization to withdraw from an existing capital reserve fund to purchase laptops to support the 1:1 device program.
    
    
• Three board seats with three incumbent candidates running.

The month of May also brings the high school rankings from the ‘U.S. News and World Report.’ Once again, our two high schools are excelling nationally and locally. Pittsford Mendon and Sutherland High Schools were recognized in the 2024 Best High Schools Rankings as the top two schools in Rochester and among the top 3% nationwide.

Additionally, both Mendon and Sutherland High Schools were named to the Top 500 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Schools in the U.S. based on student participation and success in Advanced Placement science and math tests. MHS was ranked #186 and SHS was ranked #114.

This could not happen without the hard work and dedication that our students and staff members put forth to maintain these standards.

As graduation approaches, the outcome of that hard work is more evident than ever. It brings me great pride to know that our students have achieved their high school goals and are well prepared for the next phase of their lives. Thank you to every person who supported them along the way – family, teachers, coaches, staff members, and friends. It is because of you all that we excel and achieve our mission to “work collaboratively to inspire and prepare our students to be their best, do their best and make a difference in the lives of others.”

For more budget information, visit: Business and Finance / Budget Information 2024-2025 (pittsfordschools.org)