GJSD Community Passes School Budget
Sponnoble re-elected to Board of Education;
Buggeln-Bosworth and DeRosa also elected to three-year terms
On Tuesday, May 21, the Greater Johnstown School District community approved the district’s $43,488,975 budget proposal for the 2024-25 school year by a vote of 357-180, a margin of 67%.
The plan represents a spending increase of 3.00% ($1,266,669) and called for a 4.26% tax levy increase ($500,818), which was at the District’s maximum allowable levy under state law. This marks the fourth straight year that the tax levy increase was within the cap, requiring just a simple majority (more than 50%) to pass.
“We are very grateful to the Johnstown community for supporting the District’s goals, overall mission, and the vision to be the regional model of educational excellence for all students,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Crankshaw said. “The approved budget provides us with the resources we need to make sure every student at Johnstown has access to an excellent education in a safe and caring environment. The spending plan supports a multitude of opportunities for students, and promotes the goal of continuous improvement, as outlined in the District’s Comprehensive Instructional Plan.”
Board of Education
The community also voted for candidates to fill three open seats on the Board of Education. Three people ran unopposed for the open seats. Current Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Sponnoble was re-elected to a second term. Leslie Buggeln-Bosworth and Elizabeth DeRosa won the two other open seats. Sponnable, Buggelm-Bosworth and DeRosa will begin their three-year terms at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, on July 1, 2024.
Establishing a Capital Reserve Fund – Approved
Voters also approved a proposition allowing the District to establish a Capital Reserve Fund, as a way to help save for future capital projects. The fund will be contributed to annually, up to $10 million over the next 10 years. The proposition passed by a vote of 371-163, a margin of 69%.
Small Capital Project – Approved
Also on the ballot, voters approved a proposition for a small capital project, spending no more than $5 million from the District’s already established Construction Capital Reserve (2023). The funds already exist, but voter approval was required to expend the funds. Costs for the project were not included in the 2024-25 budget and did not affect the District’s 2024-25 tax levy. The capital project proposition passed by a vote of 386-149, a margin of 72%.
Upcoming Board of Education Business Meetings
The District’s Board of Education will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the JHS small cafeteria. The agenda for Wednesday’s meeting can be viewed on Board Docs. The meeting is expected to be livestreamed on the District’s YouTube channel. The Board of Education will have its last business meeting of this current school year at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13.