2009-2010 Budget
Stimulus money headed to Mohonasen?
Mohonasen officials wait for details on economic recovery funding
Feb. 27, 2009
Mohonasen officials are anxiously awaiting word from federal and state officials on how the economic recovery package, signed into law by President Obama last week, will affect the district’s budget.
Recent news reports and information released by Senator Charles Schumer has indicated that billions of dollars are making their way toward New York’s schools, however few details have been released on when this money will arrive and how it will be spent.
For the last few months, district officials have been working to create the 2009-2010 budget proposal, which the board of education is expected to adopt this April. Mohonasen voters will ultimately decide on the spending plan on May 19.
“Until we have confirmation on what we can expect from the stimulus package, we can’t figure it into our budget projections,” Mohonasen Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Spring said. “Let’s be clear, any federal assistance during these times is welcome. However, we have a responsibility to our taxpayers to continue to be careful and conservative when creating our budget.”
Two kinds of federal aid
In a report released by Senator Schumer’s office this week, it appears that the federal stimulus money will come in two forms: grant funding and stabilization funding.
According to Schumer, $3.03 billion is slated to come to New York in the form of education stabilization funding to “restore proposed state cuts to education.”
In his executive budget proposal, New York’s Governor David Paterson indicated that school foundation aid – aid on most operating expenses – would remain flat for the next two years. However, because of the dire economic times, he also called for a “Deficit Reduction Assessment” (DRA) – a one-time cut in aid based on need. For Mohonasen, the DRA is $1.5 million.
In several recent news stories, Paterson, like Schumer, has suggested that the federal stimulus money for education will be used to make up for these proposed cuts in state aid. However, the questions remain: Will the federal money eliminate the DRA? Will foundation aid still remain flat for the next two years?
“Obviously the answers to these two questions have huge implications for next year’s budget,” Spring said.
The second form of federal funding school districts are expecting is “direct school aid” – or Title I and IDEA/Special Education grant funding. According to Senator Schumer, $50 million in direct school aid is slated for the Capital Region.
Of that, Mohonasen – according to Schumer’s report – would receive $706,000 in IDEA/Special Education monies and $138,052 in Title I funding, for a total of $844,052.
Mohonasen currently receives federal funding in the form of IDEA/Special Education and Title I – as do many area school districts. At this point, Spring notes, it is unclear if this money is in addition to what the district already receives or if these are total amounts. It is also unclear if this money will be distributed over two years or one.
“What we’re hearing, is that some of this money can be used for existing programs but that some will have to be used for new programs,” Spring said. “However, at this time we haven’t gotten any definite information other than the dollar figures.”
Budget planning moves forward
While federal and state officials decide how these billions of dollars will be spent, Mohonasen officials are working to put together a spending plan for the coming year. District officials have held a number of budget review sessions and several more are scheduled. Officials have also been working to gather input from taxpayers, staff and parents. To learn more about the 2009-2010 budget development process, visit the budget section on our Web site.
“We know that our families and our taxpayers are hurting in this economy. We also know that costs to school districts continue to rise year after year,” Spring said. “As usual, our goal is to hold the line on taxes, while maintaining a high level of programming for our students.”
As Mohonasen grapples with rising costs and
uncertain revenue projections, officials have been looking for ways
to be increasingly efficient and cut costs.
Through its energy plan, the district has realized an approximately
$1 million cost containment on energy. Officials have also limited
field trips, looked to make transportation routes more efficient,
and have not filled vacant positions unless absolutely necessary.
In order to find additional savings, officials are also looking at possible staffing cuts.
“Is it possible that the federal stimulus money will help us avoid cutting staff? Yes, of course that is possible,” Spring said. “However, until we have confirmation on additional funding, we have to plan for considerable cuts in state aid.”
Spring also noted that this economic downturn could last a number of years.
“We have to think about the future,” she said. “While we hope there will be some relief, we have to be conservative and make sure we aren’t making decisions that will put us in a potentially worse situation down the road.”
Spring is urging all district residents and school staff members to get involved in the budget development process. The next budget review session will be held on Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. in the Farnsworth Technology Center.
Additionally, people can submit their budget questions by either e-mailing the district or by calling 356-8200.
