2010-2011 Budget
Mohonasen in sound financial shape as officials look to the future
Delays in state aid make for uncertain future
Dec. 21, 2009
| “Just like last year, this is going to be
a very difficult budget development process. As always,
we’re going to have to try and maintain our programs and
services for students while holding the line on taxes." - Dr. Kathleen Spring, Superintendent of Schools |
Despite tough economic times, the Mohonasen Central School District has continued to maintain its solid financial standing. Officials are currently working to maintain this status as they monitor activity in Albany and begin planning for the 2010-2011 budget.
On Dec. 14, Governor David Paterson delayed 10 percent of the state aid funding slated for public schools. This meant that Mohonasen didn’t receive approximately $60,000 in Excess Cost Aid (special education) and Lottery Terminal Aid (VLT) that officials were expecting.
The Governor has also said that during the next few months other monies, including STAR (School Tax Reduction) payments, may also be delayed as part of his strategy for dealing with the state’s fiscal crisis. The Governor has indicated that he will delay 19 percent in STAR payments, which would equate to approximately $190,000 for Mohonasen.
“At this point we are monitoring the situation in Albany very carefully,” Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Spring said. “There are still a lot of questions at this point. Will we ultimately receive this aid? How much more aid will be delayed or cut?”
At this point, we continue to be in good financial shape and will not have to borrow to make up for these delays in state funding. However, because there is so much uncertainty, it’s hard to say what the future will hold for us financially. We continue to monitor every expense we have very carefully and are always looking for ways to save money,” she added.
According to Spring, the district’s current financial condition is due to very careful, sound financial planning through the years. With this in mind, administrators and the Board of Education are beginning to develop the 2010-2011 budget that will go before voters in May.
“Just like last year, this is going to be a very difficult budget development process. As always, we’re going to have to try and maintain our programs and services for students while holding the line on taxes,” Spring said.
And just like last year, we are going to need our community – students, staff, parents and taxpayers – to get involved in the process through the budget review process,” she added.
District administrators are currently in the process of putting together a draft budget for 2010-2011. Starting in January, officials will be holding a series of public meetings, at which different parts of the proposed budget will be presented. The community is asked to attend these very important meetings to provide feedback and gather information on both the budget and the budget development process.
Click here to learn more about these public budget meetings.
Additionally, news and information related to the district’s budget will be sent out periodically via School News Notifier (SNN). Anyone who is not currently signed up for SNN is encouraged to do so today. To create an account, visit the SNN page on the Mohonasen Web site.
