This budget is a 2.9 percent increase from the $104 million 2007-08 school year budget.  The school tax levy is set at $69 million, a 3.9 percent increase. 

Raising prices of food, gas and utilities are the reasons behind the increase, Superintendent Janice White said. 

Preliminary household tax increases are estimated to be two to six percent.  Anticipated tax rates per thousand are are: 

2007-08           2008-09

Saratoga Springs: 13.48             $13.75

Wilton: $15.70             $10.72

Greenfield: $11.29             $11.98

Decreases in Wilton are due to recent reassessments, and increases in Greenfield are anticipated due to a pending reassessment.  Numbers will not be final until assessments are finished on July 1.

New initiatives within the school district include two kindergarten through fifth grade teachers and two flex teaching positions if needed due to enrollment, a technology teacher, a business office accountant, a kindergarten through fifth grade after school foreign language teacher, a Nordic ski team coach and commencement expenses. 

Residents in the Saratoga Springs City School District will be voting on this budget on May 20. 

They will also vote on three open Board of Education seats.  Current board members Mia Pfitzer, Jeff Piro and board president Frank Palumbo are running for reelection.