SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET RELEASED, TAX INCREASE AND CUTS CITED

The Board of Education on Wednesday released the latest budget figures for the 2013-2014 school year, with a tax levy budget estimated to be $103,998,642, which represents a 2% increase over the current year budget.

State law requires the school district to cap annual increases at 2%.

However, the SO-M school district could use what is known as a "banked cap," which is savings it took in the last budget below the 2% cap, allowing the district to use that "savings" in the new budget.

If that is done the proposed tax levy budget would increase to $104,473,642.

If the banked cap is utilized, the average Maplewood household tax increase would be $217. 

If the 2% cap is held, the average household tax increase for Maplewood would be $181.

The latest budget presentation can be found HERE.

The budget proposal includes some $2.8 million in spending cuts, among them more than $1.5 million in salary reductions that would eliminate six special education staffers, among other jobs.

The largest increase is more than $2 million in increased salary and benefits for district employees.

The Board of Education will meet again to discuss the budget on Monday, Feb. 25.