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Global economic news is all but grim these days. Wall Street is in trouble and our government is bailing out an ever-increasing number of failing financial institutions. New York State Governor David Paterson is delivering stark warnings about the need to reduce spending and insists that "nothing is off the table" - including the possibility of mid-year cuts to state education aid. In our own towns and neighborhoods, people are struggling to make ends meet and stretch every dollar.

The Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District is no different, especially with the possibility of a drop in state aid revenue this school year. But even if school revenues deplete, the demands on our district to ensure the academic success of every student will only continue to grow.

When money is tight, how can BKW preserve and enhance its current education program to prepare students for the increasingly competitive college and workforce climates?  As the district prepares to weather the economic storm, how can it preserve the progress it's already made educating students and continue to make strides in areas that need improvement?

These and other questions will be discussed at the community forum "Preserving Quality Education in Tough Economic Times" to be held at 7 p.m. November 3 in the Elementary School Cafeteria.

The forum will feature a general discussion about how the economy could affect the district's current educational programs, as well as a more in-depth look at the results of the recent community opinion survey. In addition, breakout sessions will be held where participants will be asked to provide feedback on the major factors affecting the district's ability to preserve quality education in tough economic times: staffing, educational programs, facilities and accountability standards.

All district community members - students, parents, teachers, and all other taxpayers - are welcomed and strongly encouraged to attend this forum.

Participate Online
If you cannot attend the forum, we still want to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to type your constructive thoughts for the forum using our online form. Your comments will be included in the feedback from the breakout sessions.

Go to the form.