The Union #46 (U46) School Board, serving Essex High School (EHS) and the Center for Technology-Essex (CTE), announced a nominal increase in the high school’s budget and a likely decrease in CTE’s tuition rate.

The U#46 School Board is proposing an FY’11 EHS budget of $22,182,502, up 0.43 percent from FY’10.  At $500,000 lower than in FY’09, this budget sustains a lower level of expense.

Even with minor increases in the school budget throughout the years, EHS continues to demonstrate exceptional education quality.  On average, EHS students outperformed Vermont students in all subject areas of the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), with a majority of students continuing with their education after high school.

“Our board is pleased to continue the trend of fiscal responsibility with an EHS budget increase of less than one half of a percent for next year after reducing the current budget 2.6 percent from last year,” said U#46 School Board Chair G Miller.

While CTE’s budget will increase 3.04 percent in FY’11 to $8,449,228, it is important to note the following factors contributed in maintaining a stable budget: though CTE expenses increased 3.04 percent, state revenues to CTE increased 4.12 percent, and, due to additional revenues for increased enrollment, the actual tuition charged may be lower than the FY’10 tuition by as much as $151.

The Informational Hearing for these budgets will be held on April 12 in the EHS Auditorium beginning at 7:45 p.m.  Voting will take place on April 13 (Essex Junction residents vote at the EHS Auditorium and Essex Town residents vote at Essex Middle School).

For additional information related to the U#46 School Board’s proposed FY’11 budget, including their budget presentation, click here.