As we work on proposing a budget for the 2025-26 school year, the district is committed to keeping the community updated on key discussions and decisions made during our school board meetings. At the regular meeting on March 10, several important topics were discussed that impact our school community.
The main focus was the ongoing budget discussion. Following the board’s prioritization of budget items last week, Superintendent Susan Swartz and Business Manager Andrew Giaquinto presented various strategies to tackle the $2.8 million budget deficit. Even with the proposed cuts, if all were implemented, the district would still need to secure around $900,000 to bridge the budget gap. The board was presented information on how these revisions would influence the tax levy and assessed home values.
To view the budget slideshow presentation from the March 10 meeting, click here.
The administration presented suggested revisions that have the potential to decrease the budget gap by $1.9 million. They elaborated on their efforts to lessen the impact on our students and staff. Some of the areas considered include:
- Attrition through retirements: Eight teacher retirements and two teaching assistant retirements were noted, with plans to shift staff to meet needs without increasing class sizes.
- Support staff reductions and administrative restructuring: Potential internal shifts and elimination of positions were discussed.
- Unfilled leaves of absence: Some positions will remain unfilled to build surplus for the next year.
- BOCES reductions: Services purchased through BOCES may be reduced.
- School Resource Officer: The possibility of reducing the number of school resource officers was considered.
- Learning Leaps program: Concerns were raised about the potential elimination of this early intervention program for younger students.
Key budget points
- Budget Discussion:
- The budget gap is $2.8 million.
- 78% of the budget is tied up in salaries and benefits.
- Various strategies to close the gap were discussed, including attrition through retirements, support staff reductions, administrative restructuring, and unfilled leaves of absence.
- Health Insurance Overview:
- The district is part of a consortium with 21 school districts.
- Health insurance rates are increasing significantly due to various factors, including the infusion of specialty drugs.
- The district has plans with CDPHP and Highmark, as set forth in collective bargaining agreements with six separate units, which cover both active employees and retirees.
- Enrollment and Class Size Analysis:
- Current and projected class sizes were reviewed.
- The district is facing declining enrollment, with 138 kindergarteners expected next year.
- Superintendent Swartz emphasized the importance of considering the unique needs of each class.
Superintendent Swartz explained that many school districts in New York, around 608 out of 640, are experiencing a drop in student enrollment. This situation is leading to some tough choices. During the discussion, Board President Hal Talbot inquired about potential savings from repurposing a school. This topic will be discussed further at the budget work session Monday evening, on March 17.
Additional measures to prioritize student success and community involvement
Graduation rate improvement: Superintendent Swartz shared plans to improve the Scotia-Glenville graduation rate. Assistant Principal Fedele is managing both the graduation rate improvement committee and the attendance committee. Principal Bednarek has presented strategies to staff for developing and implementing plans to improve graduation rates . The board requested a detailed report on the factors contributing to the current 84% graduation rate and the specific actions being taken to improve it.
Student board member: Beginning July 1, 2025, every public school is required to include a non-voting student board member. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Rick Arket, detailed the selection process, which focuses on student leadership within the high school. Interested sophomores and juniors will be evaluated, and the final candidates will be submitted to Superintendent Swartz by the end of March. Both a representative and an alternate will be selected. Any sophomore or junior who wishes to be considered should contact the student senate. A formal announcement will be made soon.
Science Fair: The March 6 science fair was another highlight of the meeting, with board members expressing their appreciation for the students’ creative and impressive projects. The second annual event was a great success, showcasing the scientific curiosity and talent of our students.
Legislative updates: Board member Kim Boucher Furnish provided updates on legislative matters, including proposed federal cuts to school meal funding and the new school holiday on June 6 for Eid al-Adha. The impact of these changes on our school calendar is being addressed.
PTA and community engagement: Board member Karnjit Singh discussed upcoming PTA events, including the faculty basketball game on March 13 at 6:30 p.m. and the Founders Day dinner on March 18. The need for chaperones for the April Teen Town was highlighted.
Next Steps:
- The board will continue to explore options and make decisions to minimize the impact on our students and staff.
- A detailed report on the potential savings from closing a school will be presented at the next meeting.
- Further analysis and reporting on the graduation rate improvement plan will be provided.
The next board meeting, on March 17, will be a budget work session. There will be no privilege of the floor during this session, but community members are encouraged to email any questions or concerns to Superintendent Swartz, Business Manager Giaquinto, and the school board members.
We appreciate your continued support and involvement in our school community.