After two failed referendums, the Amity Regional School District has reduced its requested budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year from $53,349,805 to $53,553,973 – a decrease of just over $204,000.
Prior to the first referendum on May 3, the requested budget was 3.99 percent higher than the current fiscal year. That was lowered to 3.59 percent before the May 24 referendum, which also failed. The system is now asking for a 3.19 percent increase.
Three positions were removed from the operational budget after May 3, according to district officials: the instructional coach for diversity, equity, and inclusion, an administrative assistant and a custodian. The new cuts include lowering the medical reserve to 18 percent, a decrease in a legal assistance line item and decreasing post-employment benefits other than pensions.
The budget must pass a referendum in all three towns that participate in the district – Bethany, Woodbridge and Orange – before it can go into effect.
The next referendum for the Amity budget will be on June 14 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling in Orange will be at High Plains Community Center.