Dear S-G Families,

Last night, the Scotia-Glenville Board of Education adopted a revised budget proposal that will be presented to district residents in a revote on Tuesday, June 17. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the B-Wing gym at the high school.

The updated spending plan totals $66,513,694 and reduces expenses by $614,964. It lowers the proposed tax levy increase to 3.25%, bringing the budget within the state’s tax cap. The revised proposal reflects the district’s commitment to preserving instructional resources while addressing ongoing financial challenges. This reflects a decrease in spending and results in an estimated tax rate of 1.63%, down from an estimated 3.44%.

How the board arrived at this decision

After the initial proposal of $67,128,658, which carried a 5.09% tax levy increase, was rejected by voters on May 20, the Board of Education considered three options: resubmitting the same proposal, adopting a contingency budget, or presenting a revised budget for residents to decide. 

During a special meeting on May 22, the board decided against submitting the same budget for revote or adopting a contingency budget, which would have required approximately $1.7 million in cuts. Instead, the district presented two revised options, both reducing spending by $614,964 but approaching the cuts in different ways. Option A retained three instructional positions (two reading teachers and one librarian), but included deeper reductions in general support, transportation, and buildings and grounds. Option B eliminated the three instructional positions to minimize cuts in those other areas. 

At its May 27 meeting, the board, in a straw poll, voted 4-3 in favor of Option B, but requested the development of a third alternative looking to strike a different balance.  

At a special meeting on June 2, the district presented Option C, which the Board of Education adopted unanimously. This option retains the two reading teacher positions but eliminates the librarian position. The librarian role reduction allowed the district to redirect funding to support staffing for buildings and grounds and transportation, addressing key vulnerabilities.

Here’s a link to the chart that illustrates the line-items of all three budget options. 

Components of ‘Option C’ – the revised budget for revote on June 17 include:

• Elimination of one librarian position, saving $63,494 in salary (approximately $90,000 including benefits), while preserving two reading teacher positions.
• Redistribution of funds from the librarian position to support staffing in buildings and grounds and transportation.
• A $15,000 reduction in funding for the School Resource Officer (SRO), reflecting a one-year savings from the town of Glenville.
• Reductions in administrative costs amounting to $26,000, which include cuts to cost-of-living increases and professional development.
• A $30,000 reduction for monitors during recess and lunch.

Why this budget matters

Passing this budget is critical to avoiding a contingent budget, which would result in significant cuts to staff, athletics, extracurricular activities, and other essential programs. Under a contingent budget, state laws would limit what can be funded, which would adversely impact students. If this revised budget is rejected, a contingency budget will be adopted July 1. 

Looking ahead

The district recognizes that this budget involves difficult compromises. However, it reflects our commitment to preserving instructional resources while addressing financial constraints. As we move forward, we will explore long-term solutions, including the possibility of reimagining our school structure to ensure sustainability and efficiency.

How you can help

We need your support! The school budget revote is fast approaching. It is crucial for every member of our community to make their voice heard at the polls on June 17. Please take time to review the details, share the information, and most importantly, vote. 

If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us directly, attend the June 9 Budget Revote Public Hearing in person, or join us for the livestream.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our schools.

Sincerely,
Susan M. Swartz, Superintendent of Schools
Drew Giaquinto, School Business Manager