As outlined on March 7 in Part IV of the presentation on the 2023-2024 school district operating budget, the proposed tax increase for 2023-2024 in Question 1 will be 3.95%.  Question 1 includes the portion of the school district’s base budget that reflects State aid and health care adjustments, and maintains existing programs, services, and offerings, while adding 3 teachers to our state/federally-mandated English as a Second Language (ESL) program.  Question 2 would increase taxes by .89% to provide for additional positions in our academic support and school counseling programs. (See Part III of the presentation series for an overview of these proposed program enhancements.) 

The total proposed tax increase for the average Westfield homeowner to support the 2023-2024 school district operating budget would be 4.84% or $444 annually ($37 per month).

Below are slides showing budget development projections as the district awaited word on potential adjustments to the 2% tax levy cap, including health care costs and State Aid.  The March 7 slide indicates the proposed tax increase with adjustments for State Aid and health benefits.  The February 7 slide shows the potential tax increase at that time with just the health benefit adjustment, while the January 17 slide shows no adjustments.

Part II - February 7, 2023  

Highlights of Part II include proposed ballot question allocations, academic support additions, and the potential tax impact as the district awaits State Aid figures, which will be released on March 2.