Community Approves 2022-2023 School Budget and Proposition

Residents of the Brighton Central School District approved a $93,153,759 budget for the 2022-23 school year by a vote of 1,967 to 461. The budget received an 81% percent “yes” vote. The projected tax levy increase for 2022-23 is 2.12%.  
 

One proposition was also on the ballot. The proposal, approved 2,038 to 376, authorized the District to undertake a capital improvement in the amount of $7,200,000. The proposition also authorized the withdrawal of $2,400,000 from the Capital Reserve to pay the local share of the project and allows the District to leverage State Building Aid by financing the remainder totaling $4,800,000. Approval of this proposition would not increase the current budget or tax levy. The scope of the project includes replacement of the gym floor, cooling tower, two playgrounds, and improved site lighting at French Road Elementary School; replacement of boilers and domestic hot water boilers and upgraded HVAC controls at Twelve Corners Middle School; and replacement of the main gym floor and auditorium lower roof and renovation and rehabilitation of the main gym at Brighton High School. 
 

“Once again, the Brighton community has spoken loudly in support of reasonable and thoughtful spending on programs that directly impact all students in our school community,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin McGowan said. “We are grateful for the trust that the community places in the District and will continue to manage taxpayer resources efficiently and effectively on behalf of students, families, and residents. Thank you, Brighton.” 
 

Voters also elected two board members to the Board of Education: Karen Hatch and Eleanor Haruko Oi. Hatch received 1,528 votes, Oi received 1,216 votes, Sandra Tindale Carl received 941 votes, Peter Wegman received 521 votes, and Melaney Bernhardt received 368 votes. 
 

“Congratulations to Karen Hatch on her reelection to the Board and Eleanor Haruko Oi on her election to a first term,” Dr. McGowan said. “Karen has been an excellent member of the Board of Education since 2015. She is extremely knowledgeable about the budget process and has helped the District fight for its fair share of funding from the State. Karen will be able to continue her thoughtful and impassioned work as a policymaker. Eleanor is a Brighton High School alumnus and has served as the District’s PTSA President this school year. We are looking forward to having her voice and perspective in our work. 
 

“I also would like to take an opportunity to thank our outgoing Board member Andrea Costanza. We are grateful to Andrea for her 12 years of service to this community as a board member and also as a past PTSA president and long-time volunteer.”