March 2, 2011
The 2011-12 budget process marks another year of serious financial challenges for Berne-Knox-Westerlo and other school districts across New York. The state’s weak fiscal condition leads school officials to predict that state operating aid will once again be reduced. At the same time, BKW’s taxpayers continue to feel the impact of the prolonged economic slowdown.
As state aid continues to decline, district leaders are faced with difficult choices. Do we cut spending and eliminate programs, services and staffing? If so, which ones? Do we raise taxes to maintain what we have? Do we do a combination of both?
We need your feedback!
Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District will be hosting two community budget forums on Thursday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 22, 2011. The forums will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each night, with sign in starting at 6 p.m. in the secondary school auditorium.
Community members are encouraged to attend and join in the discussion about proposed program cuts and tax levies.
Each forum will begin with a brief presentation by Superintendent Dr. Paul Dorward. Afterward, participants will be divided into small, facilitated groups to discuss some of the issues school officials are facing while preparing the budget. After the small group discussion, everyone will return to the auditorium where the facilitators will briefly report out to the group as a whole.
Questions for the discussion will be posted on the website prior to the event.
Because these small group discussions will be
facilitated, it is important to get an accurate count of how many
community members are planning to attend. While no one will be turned
away, community members are encouraged to RSVP in advance. RSVP can be
made
online or by calling Noreen Shunney at 872-1293.
READ THE SUMMARY OF THE FIRST FORUM
READ THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM THE FORUM
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