Leading up to the May 20 school budget vote, Scotia-Glenville CSD is providing key takeaways from the school district board meetings to keep our community informed. On the May ballot will be a proposal for the 2025-26 budget, an electric vehicle infrastructure upgrade project proposition, and two seats on the school board. The polls will be open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, in High School B-wing Gym.
On March 3, Scotia-Glenville Board of Education convened for a comprehensive meeting to address financial stress, and strategize for the upcoming 2025-26 budget. The meeting covered a range of topics, including enrollment trends, the difference between the tax rate and tax levy, and determining whether the board wants to go out under, at, or above the tax levy limit (3.25%).
To view the budget slideshow presentation from the March 3 BOE meeting, click here.
Review of Previous Discussions and Myths Buster Section
The meeting began with a review of topics discussed three weeks prior with the economic impact of carrying forward the previous year’s budget. They initiated the “Myth Busters” section, where School Business Manager Andrew Giaquinto addressed the following areas:
Tax Rate and Tax Levy
- The tax levy is the total amount of money the district raises in taxes each year from all property owners. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the total amount of the levy by the total taxable assessed value. The tax rate is used to calculate individual tax bills.
- Over the last 12 years, the tax levy has increased on average by about 2%, while the tax rate has seen on average a 1.3% increase, which aligns with three tax rate decreases during that period.
- The tax rate is set by the school board in August and the tax rolls are not finalized by the assessor until the end of May.
Financial Stress and Budget Projections
Approximately 37% of the district’s revenue derives from state aid. State aid increases have not always kept pace with rising expenses. The board receives quarterly financial forecasts, which communicated the increase in special education out-of-district placements and the escalation of prescription drug costs, pointing out the impact on the current year financials as well as on the 25-26 budget. The Business Manager referenced prior fiscal projections which indicated a larger than historical tax levy increase was probable for the 25-26 budget. It was also mentioned that the district is fully funded under the foundation aid formula and should expect a 2% increase in this area.
Enrollment Trends and Impact
The board reviewed enrollment trends, observing a decline over the last ten years. This decrease carries important consequences for the budget, as a smaller student population may result in diminished state funding and other financial obstacles. The aim is to ensure that all four elementary schools remain open for the 2025-2026 academic year. While the possibility of closing a school in the future was considered as a strategy to bridge budget shortfalls, it remains an option that is not favored.
Budget Strategies and Decisions
Scotia-Glenville CSD is a member of a consortium comprising 23 local school districts that collaborate to manage and negotiate their health insurance plans, aiming to offer excellent benefits to employees. There has been a notable rise in health insurance costs, largely due to increasing prescription drug prices. Additionally, special education expenses have significantly escalated, leading to discourse about the possible advantages of employing in-district staff to minimize costs. These discussions aimed to clarify budget details and explore potential cost-saving measures.
Effectiveness of Programs
The board highlighted the necessity of evaluating the effectiveness of current programs and services to ensure they meet the needs of both students and staff. Among the programs discussed were the participation rates and costs related to S-G athletic programs, as well as a summary of federal funding available for the school breakfast and lunch program, which the district is eligible for until June 30, 2028.
Negotiables and Non-Negotiables
Board members shared their views on negotiables and non-negotiables in the budget. Non-negotiables included maintaining staff, mental health services, school resource officers, arts programs, and an athletic trainer. Negotiables included potential cuts to non-essential items, reviewing contracts, and looking for efficiencies in various areas.
Tax Cap Decision
The board expressed a preference to stay under the 3.25% tax levy limit if possible. However, they acknowledged the potential need to go out at the tax cap if necessary to maintain essential services and staff. As required, this decision on the tax cap was reported to the Office of the State Comptroller the following day, on March 4.
Next Steps
- Summarize board input: Superintendent Susan Swartz will summarize the board’s input on negotiables and non-negotiables and send it out for review.
- Budget adjustments: School Business Manager Andrew Giaquinto and his team will work on adjusting the budget based on the board’s feedback and present a revised budget in the next meeting.
- Further discussions: Continue exploring the effectiveness of current programs and potential areas for cost savings. Engage with teachers, department heads, and administrators for their input on budget decisions.
- Tax cap reporting: Report the board’s decision on the tax cap to the New York State Office of the State Comptroller.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the budget to best serve the needs of the Scotia-Glenville School District community. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10 in the Middle School Cafeteria.