Exploring options and gathering feedback as board prepares to finalize spending limits on March 31
As we near the conclusion of our budget planning process for the upcoming school year, we want to update you on the budget options under consideration and their potential impact on our schools. Your feedback and understanding are vital as we make these important decisions.
The main objective of the school board meeting on March 24 was to establish the spending limit that the board can endorse, along with the associated tax levy for the new budget. During the meeting, we reviewed previous budget discussions, addressed any questions from the board, and considered three different budget scenarios/options. The administration also clarified the consequences if the community were to reject the budget.
To view the budget slideshow presentation from the March 24 meeting, click here.
Next week, March 31, the board will reconvene for a special meeting to finalize the spending limit, considering two resolutions. The first one will reflect the Superintendent’s budget that will maintain all existing programs from the 2024-25 school year including both school resource officers (SRO), an athletic trainer, and the Learning Leaps program. The Superintendent’s draft will be at the tax cap. The second resolution will reinstate two reading teachers and a librarian, while also incorporating the SROs and Learning Leaps, and it will go beyond the tax cap. The exact amount will be $614,115.
Because it’s a special meeting, 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.
Budget options that were presented March 24
- Scenario 1: Reduced expenses by $1,649,169 and increased funding by $35,000, tax cap gap reduced to $912,522. (see slide 20 of the budget presentation) Tax levy increases by 5.08%, tax levy increases by 6.75% and expenses increase by 3.79%.
- Scenario 2: Reduced expenditures by $2,409,226 and reduced the gap to tax cap to $408,796 or a 4.47% tax levy increase. (see slide 20 of the budget presentation) Tax rate increases by 2.84%, expense increase is 2.62%.
- Superintendent’s final draft: Savings from restructuring, retirements, and other adjustments totaling $2,688,371 with an increase to funding of $130,500. The district would be under the tax cap by $849. The tax levy increase is 3.25%, tax rate increase is 1.63%, and the expenditure increase is 2.19%.
Specific Reductions and restructuring:
- Increase special education ($100,000), vo-tech ($109,400), and benefits ($46,931)
- Savings from retirements: $937,000
- PPS restructuring: $447,000
- Reading and gen-ed adjustments: $141,000
- Unfilled leaves of absences: $374,000
- Admin restructuring: $156,000
- Secretarial and clerical positions: $226,000
- Building and Grounds restructuring: $159,000
- Other adjustments (IT, transportation, professional services, utilities, substitutes): $250,000
Special education and staffing:
- The district’s identification of students with disabilities is at 15%, not the previously mentioned 12%. This percentage was refactored into all budget scenarios.
- We are working on plans to bring students with special education needs back in-house, which requires adequate staffing. This process is ongoing, and we aim to ensure no reduction in service for these students.
Impact on reading teachers, library services, and staffing:
- Concerns have been raised about the reduction of two reading teachers and its potential effect on student support and graduation rates. We are committed to finding ways to mitigate this impact.
- We are addressing concerns about sharing librarians between schools and ensuring programs like iOPAL continue to run effectively.
- We will see to a balanced distribution of staff across schools, taking into account retirements and reductions, to prevent any gaps in service.
Insurance savings:
- Potential savings from moving to the Free Market Health prescription drug program for Highmark insurance which could be around $240,000 if all associations sign the MOA.
- At present time, Local 766, secretarial unit and administrators have signed the MOA. All groups would have to sign the MOA before March 31 in order to be reflected in the rates for 2025-26.
State funding:
- Budget discussions are ongoing at the state level and we are hopeful for an April 1 adoption. We are not expecting any additional state aid at this time.
Federal government update:
- The federal government may change the eligibility rate for the community eligibility program to 40% or 60%, (SNAP, direct certification, Medicaid) which would make the district ineligible for the program and impact the district’s ability to provide universal free breakfast and lunch.
- It would cost the district approximately $500,000 from the general fund to provide free meals to all students without federal subsidy.
Next steps:
We will adopt the final spending limit at a special meeting of the school board, on Monday, March 31, with two new resolutions prepared for further discussion. This will allow us to make a well-informed decision that best serves our community and students.
Budget scenarios for March 31
Superintendent’s Budget, Scenario 1: Tax levy limit of 3.25%
The Superintendent’s budget generates a tax levy increase of 3.25%, which aligns with the NYS tax cap. It includes significant reductions in expenses, totaling $2.7 million, to stay within this limit. These reductions affect various areas, including teaching positions, special education restructuring, administrative costs, secretarial staff, building and grounds and transportation. This budget reduces the tax rate to 1.63% with a spending increase of 2.19%. The budget would maintain current instructional programs, summer programs, fine arts, and athletic programs as well as both SRO’s. Staff reductions are mitigated by not replacing certain retirees, certain vacancies and contract employees.
Scenario 2: Requested by Board – Above the NYS tax cap
The Board requested a second option that includes fully restoring both school resource officer (SRO) positions and the Learning Leaps program. This option will be recalculated for March 31 to also add back two reading teachers and a librarian.
Voting on the Budget
At the last board meeting, the district provided information on next steps if a budget should not be passed on the first attempt. The district could go out on Tuesday, June 17 with the same or amended budget or move immediately to a contingent budget. If the second budget is voted down, the district moves to a contingency budget which may not increase the tax levy from the prior year. Adopting a contingency budget would necessitate additional cuts amounting to $1,084,831, impacting both administrative and program areas. These reductions would significantly affect the services and support we offer to our students. The board will define what qualifies as a contingent expense, ensuring that essential requirements for operating the school district are upheld.
We recognize the significance of these decisions and the effects they have on our community. We encourage you to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in the forthcoming vote. Your input is vital in shaping the future of our school district.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement.