Brighton board approves 2024–25 budget guidelines, sets calendar for referendum and vote

The Brighton Central School District Board of Education on Sept. 3 approved budget guidelines and a calendar that launch the district's 2024'025 budget process and set timelines for a December capital project referendum and the district's annual budget vote in May.

The board approved the guidelines after a presentation from a district budget presenter (speaker 8) outlining priorities: fund recurring operating expenses from sustaining revenues, monitor foundation aid and inflation-driven cost pressures, and align spending with the district's blueprint priorities (mental health and wellness, academic excellence, family and student experience, and operations). The presenter said the administration has "close to $38,000,000 worth of capital that's yet to be performed," and recommended using capital reserves and state aid strategically while preparing for a December referendum to address long-term facility needs. Speaker 8 also walked the board through the budget calendar, which includes staffing and needs assessments beginning in January, an executive budget presentation on Mar. 25, board consideration on Apr. 8, an annual budget hearing on May 13 and the budget vote on May 20.

Board President (as identified in the meeting) noted opening-enrollment figures and how they affect budgeting: the model projected 3,433 students; actual opening enrollment reported was 3,418. After questions, the board voted to approve the budget guidelines and calendar; the motion was moved by Sue and seconded by Christina and carried by voice vote.

The presenter told the board that the budget work will include ongoing community engagement, with forums intended to solicit feedback on priorities and the financial consequences of budget choices. The administration also flagged recurring pressures including health insurance, utilities and labor-market wage competition, and said those pressures will be considered in planning for the 2025'026 budget.

What happens next: the administration will continue preparing materials and community communications. The board set the public hearing for May 13 and the district's budget vote for May 20, and the calendar anticipates presenting an executive budget on Mar. 25 for board review and refinement.

Vote and motion: Motion to approve the budget guidelines and calendar was moved by Sue and seconded by Christina; the board voted in favor and approved the motion.