On November 18, 2008 Governor Paterson proposed a current year state aid reduction to school districts to the New York State Legislature. His proposal would have resulted in a $730,915 reduction in aid to Lansingburgh. The legislature did not act on this proposal and the Governor has since withdrawn the proposal, however he has stated that “deeper declines in funding for school districts will now be necessary in 2009-2010 to ensure a balanced budget.” On December 16, the Governor will present his 2009-2010 Executive Budget to the Legislature. It is anticipated that we will know the proposed amount of state aid to Lansingburgh shortly thereafter. Although his proposal may be modified by the Legislature, it would be unrealistic to expect state aid that would allow us to continue to operate all programs and activities as we currently do. The Board of Education and administration will undoubtedly be faced with serious challenges to maintain the substance of programs while being sensitive to the burden of the local tax payer.
The typical school district in New York State relies on state aid for 42% of its total general fund revenue. In Lansingburgh it is currently 63%, making the impact of state aid all the greater. With this in mind, the District has begun some cost reduction measures now. Every dollar saved this school year is a dollar toward next year’s budget. District funded field trips, dances and similar student activities, non-league athletic events, staff overtime, purchasing of non-essential supplies and equipment, district publications, elementary before school intramurals, high school paid weight room supervision, locally funded staff development and conference attendance, Saturday detention at the secondary schools, the Spring PSAT/SAT preparation after school course and, most likely, elementary summer school, are being eliminated or reduced at this time. These areas account for $495,445 in expenditures. If we are able to reduce the 2008-2009 budget by even half this amount, we would realize 2% savings on the locally funded share of 2009-2010 budget revenue. Similar to other school districts in the region, we are beginning to prepare for next year’s budget challenges by tightening our belts now. An article in a recent publication of the New York State School Boards Association states that “perhaps the best thing districts can do is start tightening belts now, as many have begun doing, and plan on at least three years of difficult times.”
Energy efficiency measures have been put in place recently and others are planned, most as a result of district residents’ support of recent bond votes for state funded capital projects. During the summer of 2008, roofing was replaced at the two elementary schools; the roofs at the two secondary schools will be replaced during the summer of 2009. Window replacement was completed at the two elementary schools and the district office in the summer of 2008; window replacement will be completed at the high school in the summer of 2009. Windows at the middle school are already double-paned. Boilers were replaced at the elementary schools within the past year. The high school boilers were replaced when the media center was constructed. In summer 2009, boiler replacement will take place at the middle school. Also at the middle school, the heating system will be replaced to convert from steam to hot water, consistent with the other buildings. Heat and air conditioning temperature settings are adjusted from early evening to early morning and on weekends and during vacation periods. Thermostat sensors are calibrated for energy efficiency and lighting fixtures have been converted to energy efficient lamps.
As a district we will be required to be more creative in finding cost savings and in thinking in new ways so as to preserve as much as possible of our current programs and services. We must become accustomed to funding decreases and unavoidable cost increases. Following Governor Paterson’s proposed aid to schools announcement on December 16, the Board of Education will begin discussion of the school district’s 2009-2010 budget. Community input will be sought and details regarding state aid and other pertinent issues will be communicated at public workshops and Board meetings and through this website. If you have questions or comments, please contact me at (518)233-6850, ext 3400 or ggoodwin@lansingburgh.org.
George Goodwin
Superintendent of Schools
For more information contact:
Lansingburgh Central School District
518.233.6850