By Holly Crocco
Like its neighboring districts, Mahopac Central Schools is looking forward to an increase in state education aid for the 2023-24 school year.
According to Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business Christina Howe, Mahopac is anticipating to receive $37 million in state aid next year, which is about $3 million more than what was received this year.
This includes $25.6 million in Foundation Aid, which is increasing from $21.5 million this year.
With the governor having announced the state aid projections, the district was able to calculate the limit it can raise the tax levy under the state-mandated cap. For 2023-24, the district can increase the levy $3.1 million or 3.7 percent, to $95.6 million.
“This is not what the tax levy is going to be when we put it up for adoption,” explained Howe at the Feb. 14 Mahopac School Board meeting. “This is just based on the formula.”
Related to the budget, Director of Facilities Tim Walsh explained that in 2023-24, the district is looking to complete abatement and flooring replacement of various classrooms at the high school, as well as sanding and refinishing of the gymnasium floor – which is required with the state-mandated mascot change, and continued replacement of hallway ceiling and lighting, for a total of $232,500.
At the middle school, various door replacements will cost about $10,000.
HVAC installation in the new teacher conference room and installation of a second-floor bottle filler at Austin Road Elementary School will cost $9,000, replacement of hallway lockers and abatement and flooring replacement of five classrooms at Fulmar Road Elementary School will cost $159,000, and new sinks and countertops in the kindergarten wing and window repair to 29 units at Lakeview Elementary School will cost $44,500.
“All of these projects are not capital related,” explained Superintendent Christine Tona. “They will either be done by in-house staff or go out to vendors.”
Relocation of the district office from its current home at 179 East Lake Boulevard to the Mahopac Falls Elementary School is expected to be complete by late spring or early summer.