Governor’s Budget: We Need Your Help

February 2, 2010

Dear School Community,

Planning for the worst and hoping for the best.

As you all know, every school district in NYS is being negatively impacted by the Governor’s budget and the state of the economy in NY.  Though we do not know if this budget will pass, and what form it will take when it does pass, we are planning for the worst case because NYS faces a serious budget crisis.  I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with accurate information.

There are numerous issues involved in budget decisions, and I will discuss some of them with you here. The BOE was presented with a “rollover” budget on January 12. As you know, our budget relies on revenue from the state and the local taxpayers. If the revenue we received last year from the state remains the same (or is lower) the impact on local taxpayers would be over a ten percent increase to taxes to maintain our current program. The Governor’s budget which was revealed on Tuesday not only presents no increase for us but includes a “gap adjustment” reduction of over $2 million. The BOE asked the administration to provide a “picture” of what the budget would look like if the tax impact were reduced to 5% (down $1.5 million), 3% (down $1.9 million) and zero percent(down $2.6 million). The BOE along with the Administration made the decision to immediately inform those staff members who may be impacted by these cuts.  Please note that these positions may or may not be impacted, however, we felt it was disrespectful and unfair to wait until spring to inform these individuals of this possibility.  By giving staff members this information immediately, we felt that they would at least have an opportunity to decide what they may need to do prior to the end of the school year.

In addition to our budget problems our enrollment is decreasing. It is therefore possible that positions will be excised due to enrollment issues.  In some cases, such as some high school courses, there is less interest from students, so there is need for fewer staff in those areas.  In other cases, such as elementary education, NYS and AP along with it have experienced a decrease in the birth rate, and therefore in enrollment, and we cannot continue to support as many classes as we have had.

From the beginning of NYS’ budget problems, in November of 2008, the administration and the BOE have taken immediate steps to lessen NY budget impacts on APCSD.  A group of stakeholders from our Long Range Planning group convened and did a great deal of work to advise the BOE for last year’s budget. That work represents the starting point for this year’s efforts.

No one in this District wants to lose any positions, especially teaching positions.  No one wants to lose or roll back any of our programs.  Unfortunately, we have no answers for the current budget problems our state is experiencing.  We are like every other district in this State, and we are all facing the same issues.

Last year the BOE decided to use some reserve funds to retain positions (by offering an enhanced retirement option and using some as revenue) and programs.  This happened, and though it had the desired effect of no layoffs and zero on the tax levy, this year we will have to accommodate the reality that we cannot continue to rob Peter to pay Paul.  Either way, it is ultimately the BOE’s decision.

If we support each other, we will get through this with the least amount of pain.  There is not one administrator in this District, including myself, who wants to lose any of our staff.  Everyone cares deeply about what cutbacks do to our families and our programs.  I wish I could tell you that if we recognize that we are all in this together, it will go away.  What being supportive will do, however, is to help our students and our staff get through this with the least amount of disruption to their lives.

The only reason we are all here is for our students.  We owe our students the best education we can possibly give them.  Regardless of what is happening outside of our classrooms, we are here to teach, to guide, and to protect the students of Averill Park .  This is what we do, and this is what I expect us all to continue to do during these difficult times.  We all understand the personal pain and disruption to life that the possibility of job loss causes.  By giving those staff members who might be impacted six months lead time, we are hoping to lessen that impact slightly.  In the meantime, we have to keep in mind that these are possibilities, not a certainty.  We also all need to understand that the current budget problems we are experiencing are the same as every other district in NYS.  There are no school districts in NYS that will be untouched by the Governor’s budget and the state of the economy in NYS. 

I believe our staff is doing the best it can under difficult circumstances, however, understand that our students’ welfare is the number focus for the BOE, the administration, and all of our staff.  We will not veer away from our focus and our goals, even if we have to re-adjust our goals to meet the economic realities of the day.  I am here for the long haul.  I will continue to do everything possible, along with Mrs. Lawrence and Mr. Ouimet to help mitigate the hardships caused by the State’s budget problems. 

I appreciate the good work that everyone does, and I know that you often do it under pressure and at a cost to your personal goals.  Thank you for being the best teachers, administrators, and staff members any school district could hope to have.  I know we are all doing our best, and I expect us to continue to do so.

The BOE fully expects to hear from its constituency at upcoming meetings. No decisions will be made until April as to the budget the BOE will put forth to the voters.  Click here for Averill Park School District Budget Information. Please click here for the schedule of Board of Education meetings.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jo Moccia

Superintendent of Schools

Are you concerned with the Governor Paterson’s proposed budget for 2010-2011? Please help us communicate with elected officials on how his proposal would impact Averill Park Central School District. District residents can share their concerns by using one of the letters below. Print, sign and send directly to the leaders listed below.

• Letter 1 (Word document)
• Letter 2 (Word document)
• Letter 3 (Word document)

How to contact your elected officials

United States House of Representatives

The Honorable Scott Murphy
487 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY12866
Phone: (518) 581-8247
Email form

United States Senate

The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand
Leo O’Brien Federal Office Building, Rm 821
Albany, NY12207
Phone: (518) 431-0120
Email form