RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, January 26, 2012, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Freeport schools talk budget
Analysis of governor’s executive budget reveals an aid increase of close to $1 million.
The kickoff to the budget wars of 2012-13 was seen at the Freeport Board of Education meeting of January 18. Although no expenditure numbers are ready as yet, talk was of unprecedented difficulties owing to the new tax cap and other factors.
Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham noted that the process, which began in November, is still ongoing. After characterizing this year as “the hardest ever,” he then turned the floor over to Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Kenneth Rogers, who outlined the conditions effecting budgeting in 2012.
After reminding those present of the fiscal responsibility of this district (a AA bond rating, an average tax levy increase of 1.98% over the past six years) Dr. Rogers then outlined the challenges facing Freeport and other districts in the state – no more stimulus funding, an insufficient rise in state aid, and the first year of a 2% cap on tax levy increases.
The cap, which is in force until 2016-17, only allows the levy to rise more than 2% if the budget is approved with 60% of the vote. For Freeport, this means the levy can only increase $1.97 million for 2012-13.
This means one of three difficult scenarios will result:
- Preserving programs, which requires a 3/5 majority;
- Living within the cap;
- Failure of two budget votes, which would mandate a zero tax levy increase.
Painful choices could result – staff reductions, class sizes changes and elimination of programs.
Analysis of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recently released executive budget reveals an aid increase of close to $1 million. But there will be givebacks also – changes in payments districts must make for education of blind and deaf students will cost the district money.
Dr. Kuncham was especially unhappy about the 60% vote requirement, which he called “undemocratic.” He also noted the increased effect of the cap on a less-affluent district like Freeport, which has a lower tax levy and more state aid than a more affluent district. Trustee Debra Mulé, who presided in place of President Debra McQuillan, bemoaned that fact that “Every choice we make has other implications.” Program cuts may effect grant money, thus changing the other side of the ledger, she added.
In closing, Dr. Kuncham urged those in attendance to oppose the 60%, support the schools and attend the upcoming board meetings when the budget process will continue.
Dr. Kuncham in D.C.
The January 18 meeting was rescheduled from January 11 so that Dr. Kuncham could go to Washington, D.C. to attend a convention run by the U.S. Department of Education for educators from states who will receive money under the “Race to the Top.” prgram.
Dr. Kuncham was one of two superintendents in New York State invited to the meeting, which outlined implementation of the program and centered primarily on common core learning standards and teacher evaluation programs which will be required.
Further such meetings are planned as “Race to the Top” is implemented in 2012-13, and Dr. Kuncham promised to “go into the classroom” to make sure the learning standards are being implemented.
Trustee Ron Ellerbe inquired about teacher evaluations in Freeport in light of recent threats by Governor Cuomo to withhold state aid from districts without such a program.
Dr. Kuncham replied that Freeport has such a program and is working with the unions to get it approved by the state – a process he hopes will be complete by the end of January.
Good news from the district’s students was reported:
- Two Siemens science competition semifinalists have written a paper which has been accepted by the prestigious journal Physics.
- FHS quarterback star (and National Honor Society president) Isaiah Barnes has been accepted to attend Princeton University.