Superintendent’s Message
Regarding the 2009-10
On November 18, Governor David Paterson proposed a current year state aid reduction to school districts to the New York State Legislature. His proposal would have resulted in a 6.26% or $170,231 reduction in aid for Margaretville Central. As you are aware, the Legislature did not act on the Governor’s proposal and it was withdrawn.
On November 25, Governor Paterson communicated with school superintendents and school board presidents via an open letter. He explained that the lack of legislative action on mid-year school cuts would indicate deeper declines in school funding next fiscal year. Read the Governor’s letter at:
http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/press_1125082.html
“Fiscal
management is all about making hard, painful decisions, and the rejection of a
mid-year School Aid reduction by the Legislature means that deeper declines in
funding for school districts will now be necessary in 2009-10 to ensure a
balanced budget” (Governor Paterson).
At MCS, we are sensitive to the current national and statewide fiscal crisis that has had such a profound effect on each of us. No doubt, we are facing a challenge of large proportion which has caught our attention quite dramatically. It is time to strengthen our bonds of collaboration and creativity to deal with such a fiscal crisis. Reviewing all components of our operations and fiscal oversight will be an ongoing process. However, significantly depleting our resources in education will only be a short term solution with little positive benefit to our students.
At Margaretville Central, developing tight budgets with cost efficient programs and exemplar services has been an expectation over many years. We will continue to place our students first and work within a fiscally conscience mind- set that is reasonable and responsible. In the meantime, the school administration has worked closely to monitor the current budget and expenditures.
The Administrative Team has been working on a draft budget since October. The faculty and staff will continue to be updated on the status of the current fiscal challenge. Collectively, our commitment to our students and community is unwavering.
On December 16, Governor Paterson will propose his Executive Budget along with aid to schools. Community input will be sought during the public budget workshops held by the BOE over the next few months. Should you have any additional questions, please contact me at (845) 586-2647 or talbanese@margaretvillecs.org.
Anthony R. Albanese
Superintendent, Margaretville Central