Contingent budget could be greater than proposed 2008-09 budget

A contingent budget could be greater than the $41.9 million budget the Board of Education is placing before voters.

State legislation for contingent budgets would allow RCS to adopt a budget with a 2.96 percent increase in spending – nearly a full percentage or $322,125 greater than what RCS is considering at this time.

The tax levy could increase by 4.17 percent under the contingent budget allowed by the state, which is significantly more than the 2.64 percent levy increase proposed in the 2008-09 draft budget.

“The fact that we have developed a budget that is less than what the state says is allowed under a contingent budget is a testament to the work of the Board of Education, Budget Advisory Committee and the administration to craft a budget proposal that recognizes the needs of our property owners and our students,” said Superintendent Vicki Wright.