Hudson Valley Happenings Blog : Pine Bush Central School District Budget - What We Can Do To Help

Last night I attended a portion of the Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education meeting.  During the meeting one of the things that really hit home for me was the fact that the State of New York has used old data to compile it's budget for the cuts in State Aid to our district. Mr Steinberg, our Superintendent of Schools, stated that we are one of eight or so Districts state wide who got hit hard due to the determination that we were not burdening our taxpayers enough.  The formula used to determine this is based on several factors including the value of homes within the district and the number of students receiving free and reduced lunches.

 Debora Brush, our Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Serivces, told us that the numbers of students in the program that the state used in this determination were four or so years old even though the State has been provided with up to date data.  There has been a huge increase in the number of students who qualify for and are using the free and reduced lunch program.  In this time of economic uncertainty it is vital that the State use current data.  How many people in this District have experienced job loss or reduced income in the past few years?  It is ridiculous that the State is not using the current data that they have.  

On top of this injustice the way we spend our education budget is largely determined by State mandate.  What this means is that we are required to spend so much of each school dollar on a specific portion of the total budget.  So while programs are being cut and the education of our children is compromised we are not able to reapportion the tax dollars to best serve our local needs.  There are also many State mandated programs that we must provide even though there is little money provided by the state to do this.  I have not fully studied this all but I will.

Now those of you who know me know I am not usually vocal about political topics but this one has taken root in my heart.  Our children are going to suffer.  Our home values may suffer further.  Our reputation as a school district is at stake.  I will not stay silent about this.

The District is sending a group of Students to the Capital on February 24th.  They are scheduled to meet with representatives and will even be on a few television programs.  Having heard the eloquent student speakers that voiced concerns at the Budget Forum on Monday I know that our children will make us all proud.
 
We are also being asked to form a group of parents and other concerned residents to head for Albany on Lobby Day, which is March 15th, to show them our concern.  The discussion was still ongoing as to how and what we would be doing but I urge everyone to either attend this rally or send messages of support along with those of us who go.  You can also go to the Pine Bush Central School District web page and find a sample letter (about half way down the home page on the right) to send to our representatives in Albany (a list of the legislators is included on the website also). This is just a sample and you may certainly write something in your own words.  I will be emailing the superintendent and board of Education today to let them know I will make a point of joining any group headed for Albany if they need me.  If you are willing to make the effort let them know as well.

Upcoming Budget Forums

The Budget Forum that was to be held Wednesday, February 10, 2010 

Has Been Rescheduled for Thursday February 25th

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