2009-2010 Budget

2009-2010 budget survey
Residents list academics, electives and technology as top priorities this budget season

Jan. 13, 2009

A total of 269 district residents recently filled out an online budget survey, offering community feedback about the upcoming budget forums and 2009-2010 budget process.

Those who filled out the survey answered questions about attending the upcoming budget forums, areas of the budget they would like to learn more about, what format would be most helpful for the public budget meetings, what their priorities are this budget season, and whether or not they would support a district-wide capital project.

The budget survey was available on the district’s Web site from Dec. 18, 2008 to Jan. 9, 2009.

“Like many districts across the state, we are bracing for a difficult budget year,” Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Spring said. “These tough economic times are calling for tough decisions—decisions that could affect the future of our district and the future of our children. For this reason, input from our community and our staff is more important than ever this year.”

The budget forums are a new part of the Mohonasen budget process. Rather than have a designated budget committee, officials are starting a process where components of the budget are presented during a series of public forums. The public is invited to attend the meetings to gather information, ask questions and give feedback. See the budget development timeline for more information about the forums.

In the survey, 66.9 percent of respondents (180 residents) said they were planning to attend at least one of these public meetings.

Other survey highlights include:

(Note: Percentages equal more than 100 percent because multiple answers were allowed)

• In regards to what areas of the budget people want to learn more about, 74.7 percent (201 respondents) said they want to learn more about the academic program; 62.1 percent (167) about areas of saving or increased efficiency; 51.7 percent (139) about school budget basics; 50.9 percent (137) about academic results; 49.4 percent (133) about class sizes; 44.6 percent (120) about employee contracts; 36.8 percent (99) about transportation; 34.6 percent (93) about athletics; 31.6 percent (85) about technology; 24.9 (67) percent about special education; 19.3 (52) percent about field trips; and 17.8 percent (48) about BOCES services.

• In addition to the above question, 59 respondents included other areas of the budget they would like to learn more about.

• As to what format people would find most helpful for the public budget meetings, 76. 6 percent (206 residents) would like to see question and answer sessions; 59.5 percent (160) would like to see presentations; 31.6 percent (85) would like panel discussions; and 20.4 percent (55) would like small group discussions.

• The majority of respondents—89.2 percent or 240 residents—said that core academic programs are a priority when it comes to next year’s budget. Other priorities included: elective areas, 55.4 percent (149 respondents); technology, 42.4 percent (114); transportation, 39.8 percent (107); support services (counseling, health services, SRO, etc.), 34.9 percent (94); athletics, 33.1 percent (89); special education, 30.1 percent (81); buildings & grounds, 26.8 percent (72); extracurricular activities, 25.3 percent (68).

• A total of 126 residents signed up for a budget mailing list to receive budget news and information via e-mail.

• 58 of those who filled out the survey included additional comments, suggestions and questions.

• 72.9 percent (196 respondents) of those who filled out the survey said they would be willing to support a building project that would use the district’s 95 percent building aid ratio to accomplish several important long-range improvements to our existing programs and facilities. 22.7 percent (61 respondents) said they would not be willing to support such a project.

District officials are currently reviewing the comments and questions received through the survey. In the coming weeks, answers to many of these questions will be posted on the district’s Web site, www.mohonasen.org.

If you have a question regarding the 2009-2010 budget or budget development process, or if you would like to sign up for the budget news mailing list, please send your name and e-mail address to Communications Coordinator Adrienne Leon. If you do not have access to e-mail, but have budget questions, please call the district offices at 356-8200 or mail your question to 2072 Curry Road, Schenectady, NY 12303.

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