BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

POTSDAM – Potsdam Central School plans a $35.8M 2021-22 budget that increases spending by 2.37% from last year, but the tax cap will remain under the state limit.

The projected tax levy increase for 2021-22 is $221,468 over last year and will raise $14,167,364 for the district, but remains below the state tax cap.

Last year, the school’s spending plan was $34,985,741 with a tax levy of $13,945,896.

The only additions to the budget will be a part-time middle school physical education teacher, materials and supplies, and summer school programming at all three schools, including a new program for students with disabilities.

Additionally, the district will hire an occupational therapist instead of using BOCES service, which is expected to save PCS $170,000.

Budget reductions include three teacher assistants (COVID support for the last year), BOCES audiology services and trash removal, and two teacher aides.

Chambers said ongoing cost-saving measures include scrutinizing the need to fill resignations and retirements, energy savings through LED lighting, shared services with BOCES, and a take-back of BOCES special education services and programs.

The superintendent said factors impacting the school budget include special education costs, employee benefits, the tax cap and foundation aid.

Special education costs are expected to increase by nearly $363,000, and employee benefits have increased by more than $307,000.

Along with the budget, voters will be asked to approve a proposition to purchase three new school buses. The total cost is $373,000, which would be financed for five years.

Chambers said the district is eligible for state transportation aid on school bus purchases.

“This proposal is in keeping with our seven-year bus replacement schedule,” Chambers said.

There are three vacancies on the school board with incumbents James Hubbard and Joshua Fiske seeking re-election. Board member Diane Pickering is not running. No other candidates submitted petitions by the deadline, so the seat will be filled by a write-in candidate.

A public hearing on the budget is slated for May 11, with the budget vote and Board of Education member election set for May 18.