On Tuesday, May 17, Cambridge CSD residents will vote on a proposed $23,923,743 budget for the 2022-23 school year. The proposed budget preserves the programs and services currently provided by the district with a spending increase of $875,781 or 3.79%. After considering the budget proposal, residents will also vote on a number of propositions, including:
- The public library
- Bus leases
- Establishing a capital reserve fund
In addition, voters will also elect one candidate to fill a seat on the Cambridge Board of Education. The successful candidate will serve a three-year term through June 30, 2025.
Budget remains within tax cap
The school tax levy, or total amount of money collected from local property owners, would increase by $183,500. This 1.99% increase is within the allowable tax cap and requires a simple majority vote of 50% plus one for approval.
Goals shape budget additions
Each year, the district works to develop a budget that is fiscally responsible and educationally sound.
This year, the proposed budget includes three new positions: an elementary speech teacher, a high school special education teacher and a high school social studies teacher. The speech teacher will allow more elementary students to receive speech services. The special education teacher will be able to support our secondary special education population. The social studies teacher will reestablish a position that was not filled due to a retirement a couple of years ago. This position not only provides more social studies offerings, but will provide more opportunities for technology courses for secondary students. We currently have a dual-certified technology teacher who also teaches social studies courses. By freeing up some of this teacher’s course load, it will allow more technology course offerings next year.
“We believe this budget will allow us to continue to improve our school and cultivate a community where we help each other realize their passions, pursue purpose and celebrate individuality,” said Board of Education President Jessica Ziehm. “Please come out on May 17 to vote.”
Voters to decide on bus leasing and capital reserve propositions
As part of the May 17 budget vote, voters will consider propositions regarding school bus leasing and the establishment of a capital reserve.
Bus leasing
In the 2018-19 school year, the district transitioned to leasing buses instead of purchasing them outright. The goal was to continue a five-year replacement cycle which reduces overall maintenance costs.
This year, the district is proposing a five-year bus lease agreement for four 70-passenger buses. The proposition reflects the five-year total cost of $441,500 ($88,300 per year) and will be budgeted annually over five years. Under the proposal, 78% of the cost would be reimbursed through transportation aid. The net cost of a five-year lease is $19,161.11 per year after the first year.
Capital reserve fund
A capital reserve fund allows the district to set aside money for future construction projects and major purchases. Much like a savings account, this money is set aside so that a significant project or expense does not affect the budget all at once. The fund cannot be established without voter approval and reserve funds cannot be spent without voter approval. A reserve fund reduces the need to borrow money to replace assets in the future, while also enabling the district to still maximize state aid.
A capital reserve fund is being proposed to plan for the items identified in the latest building condition survey and the potential capital improvements that will be outlined in the district’s master facilities planning process. The Board of Education will determine how much of the remaining unallocated fund balance, if any, will be transferred into the capital reserve fund. The fund will not exceed $2,000,000 and has a probable term of 10 years.