An estimated 20% of Haldane's annual spending goes to unfunded mandates. Governor Cuomo has assembled a mandate relief team to try to identify ways for schools to cut the costs of mandated programs. You can be a part of the discussion by sharing your thoughts with Governor Cuomo's team. Read more about unfunded mandates here.
Please note that the Board of Education meeting which was scheduled for February 1 has been postponed to February 8 due to the snow day cancellation.
UPDATE: draft agenda available on the Haldane School website.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Initial Thoughts on Haldane's 2011-12 Budget
It has been called the perfect storm: the combination of state and federal aid funding cuts, flat real estate valuations, rising contracted health care, salary and retirement costs as well as unfunded mandates with no relief in sight for the foreseeable future. Haldane Superintendent Mark Villanti cautioned the Board of Education at the 1/25/11 Budget Kickoff Workshop that it must plan its spending not just for next year, but for the next few years, and anticipate, when possible, the challenges and burdens the District will likely face.
According to Dr. Villanti, there will be cuts in the 2011-12 budget, and at this point in time he roughly estimates cuts of about $170K. He adds that the District should anticipate cuts for the next few years as well.
In years past the school community has heard threats about program cuts in the event of a Contingency Budget. (For a discussion about Contingency Budgets from the 2009-10 Budget discussion, click here.) We have heard about half-day Kindergarten, no sports or after-school activities, larger class sizes and fewer teacher aides. What is reasonable and what is legal and possible will possibly drive budget discussions this year, as contract costs and unfunded mandates leave almost no wiggle room. The question is not if but where cuts will occur.
The responsibility of deciding how to fund Haldane in 2011-12 falls to the Board of Education, and then to voters on May 17, 2011. Voters can have an impact on this budget drafting process before that day by attending Board meetings, voicing opinions and examining the draft budget.
So what would you cut? And what are the "sacred cows" of Haldane's budget that should not be touched? Is there anything that should absolutely be added to the budget that is not there already? Share your thoughts with the Board and with Dr. Villanti at the next meeting on February 18, 2011, 7 pm in the Music Room, or send a note to Dr. Villanti.
ALSO SEE:
The Budget Kickoff presentation provides an overview of the many fiscal challenges the district faces as the Board develops the spending plan for public vote. The last two pages of this presentation contain "bottom line" language. If you read nothing else from this presentation, please look at pages 19 and 20.
See this Unfunded Mandates presentation by New York State School Boards Association for an eye-opening cost analysis of the budget impacts of unfunded mandates. These are costs that the district must fund to be in compliance with state and federal laws.
According to Dr. Villanti, there will be cuts in the 2011-12 budget, and at this point in time he roughly estimates cuts of about $170K. He adds that the District should anticipate cuts for the next few years as well.
In years past the school community has heard threats about program cuts in the event of a Contingency Budget. (For a discussion about Contingency Budgets from the 2009-10 Budget discussion, click here.) We have heard about half-day Kindergarten, no sports or after-school activities, larger class sizes and fewer teacher aides. What is reasonable and what is legal and possible will possibly drive budget discussions this year, as contract costs and unfunded mandates leave almost no wiggle room. The question is not if but where cuts will occur.
The responsibility of deciding how to fund Haldane in 2011-12 falls to the Board of Education, and then to voters on May 17, 2011. Voters can have an impact on this budget drafting process before that day by attending Board meetings, voicing opinions and examining the draft budget.
So what would you cut? And what are the "sacred cows" of Haldane's budget that should not be touched? Is there anything that should absolutely be added to the budget that is not there already? Share your thoughts with the Board and with Dr. Villanti at the next meeting on February 18, 2011, 7 pm in the Music Room, or send a note to Dr. Villanti.
ALSO SEE:
The Budget Kickoff presentation provides an overview of the many fiscal challenges the district faces as the Board develops the spending plan for public vote. The last two pages of this presentation contain "bottom line" language. If you read nothing else from this presentation, please look at pages 19 and 20.
See this Unfunded Mandates presentation by New York State School Boards Association for an eye-opening cost analysis of the budget impacts of unfunded mandates. These are costs that the district must fund to be in compliance with state and federal laws.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Haldane PTA BOE Committee Blog: Budget Kickoff Meeting Postponed
Haldane PTA BOE Committee Blog: Budget Kickoff Meeting Postponed
New meeting date: January 25, 2011. Draft agenda available at the Haldane School website.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Budget Kickoff Meeting Postponed
Due to the snow school closure, Haldane's budget kickoff meeting that was scheduled for tonight, January 18, has been postponed.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Budget Kickoff Meeting Agenda
The draft agenda for Haldane's budget Kickoff meeting is now available on the school website. Please note that this meeting will take place in the Music Room at 7:00 pm.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Budget Perfect Storm: Letter from Superintendent Villanti
Dr. Villanti recently shared this letter to alert the Haldane School community about the extreme challenges it will face this budget year. The Budget Kick-off meeting will take place on January 18 at 7 pm in the Music Room. All are invited and encouraged to attend and join in the process.
Friday, January 7, 2011
It's School Budget Time Again! And more on the Athletic Fields…
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 18, 7:00 pm, Music Room
Haldane is ready to get started with the budget process for 2011–12.
Superintendent Mark Villanti warned the school community last year that this year was going to be very difficult: the uncertainty of New York State aid will make the challenge to keep taxes down even more difficult. Also, as the CPI hovers around zero and housing values are flat or are decreasing, the economic climate suggests a grim forecast.
At this January 18 workshop the Board of Education will look at revenue sources and the rollover budget, and set the budget calendar. A failed budget is bad for everyone, and can force school districts to make deep cuts to valuable items. Public input as well as public support of the budget can avert disastrous cuts with prudence and planning. Voters can help ensure the best results for our school district and community by becoming involved early in the process, and this kick-off meeting is an opportune place to begin.
Public participation at the December 21 workshop about the athletic fields was very strong, and the Board will engage in follow-up discussion at this workshop as well.
A link to the draft agenda will be posted here when it becomes available, or check the Haldane School website.
Haldane is ready to get started with the budget process for 2011–12.
Superintendent Mark Villanti warned the school community last year that this year was going to be very difficult: the uncertainty of New York State aid will make the challenge to keep taxes down even more difficult. Also, as the CPI hovers around zero and housing values are flat or are decreasing, the economic climate suggests a grim forecast.
At this January 18 workshop the Board of Education will look at revenue sources and the rollover budget, and set the budget calendar. A failed budget is bad for everyone, and can force school districts to make deep cuts to valuable items. Public input as well as public support of the budget can avert disastrous cuts with prudence and planning. Voters can help ensure the best results for our school district and community by becoming involved early in the process, and this kick-off meeting is an opportune place to begin.
Public participation at the December 21 workshop about the athletic fields was very strong, and the Board will engage in follow-up discussion at this workshop as well.
A link to the draft agenda will be posted here when it becomes available, or check the Haldane School website.
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