Dear Resident,

It seems like yesterday I was writing the community on my first budget proposition as the new Superintendent of Schools.  Today, I look back on the past year and wonder where the time has gone. There are many things to be proud of in our schools and I encourage you all to attend an athletic event, concert, awards ceremony or one of the many community engagement efforts taking place this month and next.  I think you will agree that our schools are making a difference in the lives of many.

On May 21st, eligible voters will have the option of voting on three propositions and the election of two Board members from a field of four. I encourage you all to vote at the polls (12:00 - 8:00 p.m.) that will be located at the High School gymnasium.  In summary, the Propositions that will be voted on are:

Proposition #1: The school board is presenting an expenditure budget of $26,237,421 which represents a 2.5% increase in spending compared to 2018-2019. The budget proposes a 2.8%  increase in the tax levy which is below the maximum allowable limit.

Proposition #2: The District seeks voter approval to use 2.5 million dollars from the District’s capital reserve fund to leverage an estimated 9.6 million dollars in state aid to fund a 12.1 million dollar project.

Proposition #3: The Royalton Hartland Community Library is seeking a minimal tax increase to  cover expenses such as salaries due to the rise in minimum wage and maintenance as well as maintaining programs and the purchase of reading and audio visual materials.

Candidates for the Board of Education Include: Incumbents Sara Fry and Jason Wilhelm and first term candidates Jesse Snyder and Alan Casey.

As always, I hope that you will make an effort to reach out and say hello when you see me around the schools and town, or follow me on Twitter @DrStopinski

Sincerely,
Dr. Hank Stopinski

Superintendent of Schools