2009-2010 Budget
Governor warns of significant state aid cut for next year
Nov. 26, 2008
| “Our goal every year is to be as
efficient as possible while maintaining the momentum we are
achieving in our classrooms.” - Dr. Kathleen Spring, Superintendent |
The district should anticipate a reduction in state aid for the 2009-10 budget, according to Governor David Paterson.
In an open letter to school superintendents and board of education presidents across the state this week (PDF document), Paterson said that because the Legislature did not take action on the mid-year cuts that he had proposed, school districts should be prepared for deeper declines in school funding next year. download governor paterson's letter (PDF document)
“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,” the Governor wrote.
State aid is one of two major sources of revenue for Mohonasen – the other being local property taxes – which means that such a reduction could have a dramatic impact on the district, its budget and its programs.
Earlier this month, Governor Paterson released a proposal to cut more than $950,000 in state aid to Mohonasen mid-year. At that time, Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Spring said that a reduction in state aid of this level could mean reducing reserve funds, making severe programmatic cuts, or a combination of the two. However, Spring noted that the district has been proactive during these difficult economic times by looking to reduce costs in several areas, including energy, field trips and transportation. The district is also not filling vacant positions unless it is absolutely necessary.
“Even though the Governor’s mid-year cuts were not enacted by the Legislature, we at Mohonasen are looking at ways to save money as if they had been,” Spring said. “Even before the Governor’s letter we were beginning to prepare for a difficult upcoming budget year and like many school leaders around the state, I’m concerned about being able to maintain quality programs along with holding the line on taxes.”
Spring added that Mohonasen has always been careful and conservative with taxpayer money, which unfortunately means there are very few areas where it will be easy to cut costs.
“Every year, when our administrators come together to plan for the next year, we look at what we need and what we can forgo in order to come up with a cohesive budget that meets the needs of both our students and our residents,” Spring said. “Our goal every year is to be as efficient as possible while maintaining the momentum we are achieving in our classrooms.”
District officials will start planning for the 2009-2010 budget in the coming weeks. Residents are invited to attend open meetings during the month of January, February and March to learn more and give input on the budget plan for next year. See the budget development Timeline for more information.
