On May 21, 2024, Florida Union Free School District residents approved a $26,255,573 budget for the 2024-25 school year, a 1.5% tax levy increase. In order to be fiscally responsible to taxpayers, the district strives to stay at or below the tax cap, which it has done for the past eight years.

Approved budget: $26,255,573
Year-to-year spending increase: $927,059
Proposed tax levy increase: 1.50%

The proposed 1.5% increase in the tax levy (the total amount of money to be raised through property taxes) is within the district’s maximum allowable tax levy limit of 2.58% as defined by state law. What does this mean? See the chart below to determine the monthly and yearly estimated school tax rates with a tax levy increase of 1.5%:

MY HOUSE’S
MARKET VALUE IS:        INCREASE PER MONTH         INCREASE PER YEAR
$200,000                                $4.56                                                                 $54.76
$300,000                                $6.84                                                                 $82.14

Final increase would depend upon STAR, tax assessment and equalization rates.

The 2024-25 proposed budget aligns with the district’s mission to uphold student opportunities. It expands academic programs and prioritizes resources to foster a safe and enriching learning environment for all students. Proposed spending increases are attributed to:

• Curriculum instruction and assessment to enhance educational quality and ensure continuous improvement in student learning outcomes.
• Continuous investment in professional development tailored to support and advance the district’s mission and vision ensures ongoing excellence in teaching and learning.
• Contractual salaries and employee health benefits, prioritizing the well-being and stability of our valued staff members.
• Promote positive district messaging to highlight our commitment to excellence and community engagement.
• Improve district communication via ParentSquare, newsletters, and websites to facilitate two-way interaction.
• Advance district strategic plan development and monitor success metrics to ensure continued progress and accountability toward our educational goals.
• $100,000 Capital Outlay Project (district to receive aid following year) to upgrade generator for Golden Hill Elementary.

Votes will be cast in-person in the Seward Memorial Building or by absentee or early mail ballot. Absentee and early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk. Voters will also elect two members to the Board of Education. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Golden Hill Elementary

• Increased the number of pre-K Slots. Offered a variety of enrichment programs to our students, including Mathematical Mindset, Trep$, American Sign Language, and many more.
• Started 2024 by participating in Picking a Reading Partner by having two well-known authors and an illustrator come in and speak to the Golden Hill students.
• Provided more opportunities to our primary grades in the performing arts, including the performance of “Kitty Cat Capers.”
• Two fifth-grade students selected for All-County chorus. Supported PBIS initiatives through Student of the Month, Bus of the Month, and Spartan Cash.
• Staff and the ELA Curriculum Committee will choose an ELA curriculum for kindergarten through 5th grade

S.S. Seward Institute

• Increased course offerings for middle school students, including computer science, music, and information skills at
• every grade level.
• Increased opportunities for students through Distance Learning. Celebrated continued success in fine and performing arts through our Art/Music Student of the Month, six students selected for All-County performances, student artwork showcased at the Galleria Mall and the Spartan Theatre
• Players production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
• Established Safe School Ambassadors program to equip students with skills to combat negative school climate factors like bullying, substance abuse, and other negative behaviors.
• Most of our graduating seniors took at least one of our college offerings, and the class of 2023 earned a total of 546 college credits before graduation.
• Established criteria for future graduates to be recognized with the Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas. Over 80% of graduates enrolled in two or four-year colleges.

Districtwide

• Developed District Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Collaborated on district strategic blueprint to monitor progress.
• Maximized fiscal efficiency through successful grant acquisition.
• Organized engaging community and school events to foster connections, promote involvement, and enrich the educational experience.
• Elevated instructional practices and student performance, fostering student growth through comprehensive iReady diagnostic testing.
• Took steps to enhance and strengthen the district’s cybersecurity posture.
• Implemented strategic upgrades to modernize technology infrastructure.
• Enhanced health and safety protocols both internally and externally.
• Paved walkway to the playground at Golden Hill with projected playground equipment improvements.
• Collaborated to develop an updated multi-tiered system of support plan.

On May 21, residents voted to fill two Board of Education seats.
The candidates elected are as follows:

• Robert J. Scheuermann
• Virginia Moore-Stam

For more details on the district budget, visit www.floridaufsd.org. The full text of the budget is also available for review during normal business hours in the S.S. Seward Memorial Building, 51 North North Main Street, Florida, New York.

For more information on how to register to vote, absentee ballots and the budget vote timeline, visit the Voter Information page.