From the Board of Education
Board member contact info

Dear Community Resident:

Let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we?

Last year, our original budget proposal fell 15 votes short of approval. That was in large part due to voter turnout reaching a five-year low and misinformation flowing throughout our community. This year, after listening carefully to residents, we added seven new opportunities to learn more about the proposed budget. These information sessions began in November 2024 and were held as recently as May 1.

The Board of Education has adopted a budget that calls for an estimated tax rate decrease of at least 5.98 percent. The tax levy would increase 4.2 percent, as allowed under the tax cap. The proposed budget supports the district’s goals as outlined in our Vision 2037 strategic plan. The community helped develop this forward-thinking plan last year. This proposal has been designed to be student-centered, equitable, and fiscally responsible.

In addition, we are asking for your approval of a capital reserve fund to support the needs of our aging infrastructure. There is also a proposition on the ballot that will allow us to buy additional buses before the state-mandated switch to electric buses is required. We are planning not only for next year, but for the years ahead. During the budget-planning process, we were careful to remain mindful of the tax impact on residents. Neither the capital reserve fund nor bus purchases will impact the tax rate.

If voters approve the budget, Rush-Henrietta’s projected tax rate will be among the lowest in Monroe County. It’s also important to note that the final true value tax rate for the past 10 years ended up being lower than the proposed rate. The actual tax rate is established after the town assessments are finalized. The school district plays no role in the changing of property assessments.

Your assignment is to read this newsletter. Should you have any questions, we want to know! We are board members but we also are your neighbors. Our request is simple: Please consider the merits of this budget proposal. If any aspect does not make sense to you, or needs further clarification, contact the district at www.rhnet.org/budgettalk. We will respond to you.

All eligible voters are urged to vote between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Transportation and Operations Center, 1133 Lehigh Station Road. One does not need to own property in the district to vote, but must reside here, be at least 18 years old, and be a U.S. citizen. If you have questions, please contact a board trustee listed to the left. Rush-Henrietta is a wonderful community that has supported its schools for many years. We appreciate that support and the profound impact it has on our district and students. Thank you for learning about our proposed budget. We’ll see you Tuesday, May 20! Sincerely, Scott M. Adair President, Board of Education

Sincerely,

Scott M. Adair
President, Board of Education