The Bedford School Board is asking voters to approve a proposed $52.7 million 2007-08 operating budget and to bond start-up costs for the middle school/high school.

The proposed $52.7 million operating budget is an increase of $6.8 million over last year’s approved budget. The budget and warrant articles will be further discussed at the deliberative session of the School District Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., at McKelvie Middle School.

Presented by the board at a Jan. 11 public hearing were the 2007-08 budget; the $2.7 million bond, Article 2; and other warrant articles.

The bond, if approved by voters, would add 2 cents per $1,000 property valuation, or $6 for a $300,000 home. The bond would cover the purchase of all furniture, first-year equipment, athletic field grandstands and initial library collection.

The school board said the bond has several advantages. It allows the district to spread out costs over 10 years, reduces a spike in taxes and is eligible for 30 percent state aid totaling $814, 627.

“The start-up bond reduces the spike. It doesn’t eliminate it, it reduces it,” said school member Sue Thomas. “The second year of the bond is the highest at 10 cents (per $1,000 valuation.) But, we can have it all paid off in 10 years.”

Over the 10 years of the bond – 2008 through 2018 – the tax increase ranges from 2 cents the first year to 6 cents the final year.

The operating budget, as written, gives voters a choice of either accepting the $2.7 million bond or spreading the bond costs out over 10 years, said Superintendent Tim Mayes.

If the budget and all warrant articles pass, it means an increase of $2.49. If Article 2 fails and purchase items are paid for in 2007-08, the overall tax increase would be $3.32.

The proposed tax rate for the 2007-08 budget would be $14.90 per $1,000 valuation.

Passing the budget and the bond is vital to opening the new schools in September, the board said.

If the $52.7 million 2007-08 budget fails, the district goes into default budget of $50.3 million approved last year. If the bond and the proposed budget fail, the default budget would be $51.7 million.

“There are consequences,” said Thomas. “The middle school would not open. It would be completely done and left empty for a year. We would not be able to reconfigure grades 5 through 8.”

In addition, overcrowding at the elementary and middle schools would continue, and students in grades 11 and 12 would need to be tuitioned to Manchester.

Resident Elaine Tefft urged the board not to bond furniture and fixtures.

“I think that kind of thinking is the credit card mentality, which has our country in trouble,” Tefft said. “If you order the lobster, pay for the lobster. People in this town want the lobster. You should not expect future generations to pay for it. You might as well get it over and pay for it.”

Thomas said the board tried to find ways to keep the tax increase low by recommending the bond.

“We all pay the taxes,” she said.

Board member Steve Beals said the district has also been looking for deals on furniture and equipment to offset costs.

After a discussion initiated by resident Paul Marsh, the total cost of the middle school/high school was estimated at $54 million, including the building complex, water line along County Road to school site, athletic fields, and furniture and equipment.

Resident Jolene Worden said the school board has done well in trying to keep the tax rate low.

“In 1998-99, the tax rate was $13.91. In 10 years, we’ve come up $1 and built 2 new schools,” Worden said. “So what are we whining about here. I think the voters should be pleased the school board is trying to keep it under control.”

In the $52.7 million operating budget for 2007-08, Bedford School District personnel and benefits accounts for nearly $33.6 million. This is due in part to hiring additional administrators, teachers and support staff at the district’s schools, including the middle school and high school.

In anticipation of the middle school/high school opening on the September 2007 target date, teachers and staff assignments will also be reconfigured to accommodate school enrollments.

Grades Pre-K through 4 would be at the three elementary schools, McKelvie would become an intermediate school for grades 5 and 6, the Ross A. Lurgio School would house grades 7 and 8, the high school would open with grades 9 and 10, and grades 11 and 12 would continue at West until the transition period is completed next year.

The high school is expected to open with 593 students.

“The high school planning team projected 10 to 15 percent of students would contionue to attend private schools,” said Mayes.

The school is set to accommodate 1,200 students, if more space is needed in the future, a section in the front could be modified for another 300, Mayes said. The middle school can house 800 students, with room to grow for another 100 students.

The proposed budget and warrant articles are available at the district’s Web site at www. sau25.net. Select District Information, click Finance, then select 2007-08 Budget.