Residents, district staff brainstorm solutions to budget gap

March 2, 2010—Approximately 30 district residents and staff members attended a budget forum on March 1, to help the Duanesburg Central School District address a $787,000 reduction in state education funding.

The evening began with a presentation by Superintendent Christine Crowley and Business Administrator Brenda Kane, designed to help participants gain a greater understanding of the fiscal challenges that lay ahead in the development of next year's budget proposal.

Gov. David Paterson’s budget proposal, released on January 19, contained significant decreases in education funding statewide. In Duanesburg, state aid accounts for about half of the district’s revenues. Every dollar that is not derived from state aid is generally made up for with cuts to programs and services or raising property taxes, or a combination of both.

If the governor’s proposal comes to pass, the district estimates its “rollover budget”—which represents the costs of carrying existing programs, services and staff forward one year—would carry an estimated tax rate increase of 13.4 percent.

“We know a double-digit tax rate increase would not be acceptable to our community—even in good economic times—which is why we need to hear directly from residents about their values and priorities as we begin to craft the 2010-11 budget,” said Superintendent Christine Crowley.

Following the presentation, participants broke into small groups to discuss options relating to how the district will be able to ensure continued program integrity for students despite increasing costs and a significant loss in funding. They discussed whether the district should make cuts to programs and services and/or raise local property taxes to make up for the loss in state funding.

Comments, questions and suggestions from the forum are now available (PDF).

Community members are welcome to upcoming budget meetings as well as other budget work sessions scheduled throughout the month of March and April.

More upcoming meetings
Tuesday, March 16, 7:30 p.m., HS Multi-Purpose Room
Budget Work Session followed by Board of Education Meeting. Assemblyman George Amedore to provide his legislative perspective.

Tuesday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., HS Multi-Purpose Room
Community Budget Presentation, followed by Board of Education Meeting. Board to adopt 2010-11 budget proposal.

Did you miss the event?
Watch the forum on TimeWarner Cable Channel 17. Visit Schopeg's Web site for the most up-to-date programming schedule.