Governor Paterson recently released his proposed 2010-11 budget for New York State. Included is a reduction in state aid to schools. For the Lansingburgh Central School District this would result in an estimated $778,783 less in state aid. Also, the Governor’s proposed budget includes some additional expenses that may be incurred by the District. These include additional costs for summer special education services and preschool special education services. The dollar value of these additional expenses has not been determined at this time.
Currently state aid accounts for 63% of District revenues. The proposed cuts would result in a severe shortfall, making it impossible to maintain current programs without a significant increase in the local tax levy. The Board of Education and administration have begun to analyze various options for developing a District budget for the 2010-11 school year.
The Governor has proposed a change to the STAR program for 2010-11 as well. Not all districts will be affected by this change, but those who are will see their STAR amounts reduced. School districts have no control over the STAR amount, so any reduction will result in an increase in individual tax bills that are beyond the District’s control.
Soon the New York State legislature will be discussing aid to schools and adopting a budget. It is too soon to predict with certainty the amount of state aid the school district will ultimately receive, however, it is likely that it will be significantly less than it is currently. Difficult choices will have to be made. We will apprise you of the situation as further information is received and as the budget development process continues.
For more information contact:
Lansingburgh Central School District
518.233.6850