Schodack residents discussed the budget challenges facing its schools on January 6 when the Community Budget Advisory Team met for the first of four scheduled meetings.
This year’s meetings will provide more opportunities for residents to ask questions and offer advice, noted Superintendent Robert Horan. He encouraged anyone interested to attend the remaining meetings, scheduled for February 8, March 3 and March 29.
“Your input is very, very important to us. These are your meetings. We want to hear from you,” Mr. Horan said. “We’re all in this together. We’re all here to provide the best education we can for our students.”
Sherri Fisher, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Support Services, provided a preliminary overview of the 2011-12 budget. Due to challenges such as reductions in state aid, a possible property tax cap and rising pension and
Many of the residents’ questions focused on the consolidation-merger study with Ichabod Crane CSD. Mr. Horan noted the district expects recommendations in September, which could range from shared services in areas such as transportation or special education to a merger. But Mr. Horan stressed that both communities would have to agree to merge as the action requires a community vote.
“If the study recommends we merge, it’s up to the Boards of Education and the community whether they want to,” Mr. Horan said.
Residents also asked questions about the status of employee contracts, the rising costs of pension and health care, and possibility of state mandate relief.
If you would like to join the Community Budget Advisory Team, please contact the district office at 732-2297 or simply attend the next meeting on February 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School library.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Join the conversation.