I have been writing about the Pine Bush Central School District budget planning process. At tonight's Budget Forum there were many wonderful people who showed up to express their concerns about and offer suggestions to help with the school budget. I heard a lot of great ideas and I was encouraged to hear a lot of "we are in this together". There were energy saving suggestions, town supervisors who offered the schools use of facilities, parents who volunteered to help, students who spoke eloquently about their passion for various school programs, and so much more.
It all comes down to finding new ways to do what we already are doing and it is going to take the cooperation. One of the things that needs to be said is that everyone will have to give a little. We are living in a different world then we were just a few short years ago. I urge the administration, teachers, and support staff to consider making concessions to cut back on expenses. As I said at the meeting most of us in business have had to economize and adjust our expenses while trying to deliver the same service. Many of the small business owners who spoke at the forum said the same thing. Business owners have adjusted and made the cuts. In order to maintain the school programs and keep many of the staff from losing jobs all together concessions will be necessary. Let's face it if the school quality and desirability goes down there is certainly the potential for more job loss.
Well tomorrow night is the School Board meeting and they will be discussing the administration and transportation parts of the 2010-2011 budget plan. I urge you to get out and show your support for our district. Wednesday is scheduled to be another School Budget Forum at Circleville Middle School, but with the snowstorm forecast, they may have to postpone the Forum. Currently there are two more Forums planned in addition to several Regular Board of Education meetings prior to the budget presentation, hearings, and school board elections and budget vote.
Tuesday February 9, 2010 Circleville Middle School Auditorium 7:30 PM
Tuesday February 23, 2010 Circleville Middle School Auditorium 7:30 PM
Tuesday March 9, 2010 High School Cafeferia 7:30 PM
Tuesday March 23, 2010 High School Cafeferia 7:30 PM
Upcoming Budget Forums
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Circleville Middle School Auditorium
PTA Parent Forum - 5:30pm
Budget Forum - Approximately 6:00pm
Monday, March 1, 2010 Pine Bush Elementary School Cafeteria - 6:00pm
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Crispell Middle School Cafeteria
Crispell PTA - General Meeting at 7:00pm
Budget Forum - Approximately 7:30pm
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hey, Paddy - it sounds like your community is so much like mine! It is so awesome to see involvement on ALL levels and input from the community really solicited. I think "open Forums" provide a great oppoortunity for all to be heard and suggestions to be taken into consideration!
I agree Leesa. There were so many great suggestions. I think the biggest battle here is to get past the contractual obligations of the District. We need to have adjustments from the top right on down in order to maintain the whole.