Discuss the future of Duanesburg School District, Jan. 24
The Duanesburg Central School District, like many small, rural districts, is facing budgetary challenges. The district’s expenses are rising (e.g., additional mandates, health insurance premiums) and revenues are declining (e.g., reduced state aid, a new statewide tax levy cap). As the 2012-13 budget process gets underway, the district faces a $1 million deficit.
Each budget season, all programs and services are reviewed to find where savings can be found. For the past few years, the district has made so many cuts that the proposed budgets have actually been less than previous years. What does this mean for next year? A bare bones budget needs to be cut once again. Yet, cutting $1 million from non-mandated programs and services would decimate the district’s educational program.
At the same time, the board has, in recent years, used a substantial amount of its fund balance reserve to balance the budget and avoid even deeper cuts. This trend, however, can’t continue. In fact, if the district continues to operate in this manner, it will simply be out of money in a few short years.
To that end, you are personally invited to attend the Long-Term Planning Forum on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the High School Multi Occupational (MOCC) Room where you will hear more about the financial state of the district, what’s at stake for our students and community and have the opportunity to participate in small-group discussions about the future of the Duanesburg School District.
School officials are starting early to discuss some of the options that can be explored, and they want the community to join them to hear more and get involved.
Please join us on Tuesday, Jan. 24,
from 6 to 8 p.m. in the HS MOCC.
To properly arrange for small-group discussions, your RSVP is appreciated. Please contact Jeanne Beach in the district office at 895-5350 ext. 241 or email jbeach@duanesburg.org to let her know you will be attending.