Voting day is for the residents of Highland is fast approaching. In preparation, district business official Lissa Jilek gave the final school budget presentation at the public hearing prior to the official Board meeting last week. While not well attended, the public hearing presentation gave the final details on the 2019/20 proposed school budget, which totals $44,442,937, a decrease of 1.85% from the previous year. If approved, taxpayers with homes assessed at $200,000 will see a school tax increase of $52.92 per year, or $4.41 a month. Details about the proposed budget can be found on the Highland Central School District website, or in the District Newsletter, which was mailed to Highland residents last week. Along with the proposed budget, voters will also have the opportunity to vote on two propositions. The transportation proposition, which would allow for the purchase of seven additional vehicles, and the election of two new Board of Education members.

The 2019/20 Highland Central School District Budget Vote will take place on May 21, 2019 at Highland High School. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. till 9 p.m.

Board member Mike Bakatsias brought his concern about recent cancellations in after school busing to the attention of administration and his fellow board members. Over the last few weeks, late busses at the High School have been cancelled, and busing to away events have been unavailable. While the reason is unclear, the lack of buses has resulted in the rescheduling and cancellations of many sporting events and after school activities. The Board has asked Superintendent Bongiovi to speak to the Director of Transportation about the issue, as busing is historically an issue during the later part of the school year.

The next Highland Central School District Board of Education Meeting will take place on May 21 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Highland High School.