Joseph Farr

The forum addressed public inquiries regarding the budget, specifically focusing on the allocation and use of reserves. Key discussion points included why total and administrative amounts in the contingency budget were higher than originally outlined, clarification on the utilization of reserves toward recurring expenses versus designated capital expenditures like bus purchases, and the overall magnitude of the reserves, which were noted to be substantial enough to potentially cover budget shortfalls for several years. There was also significant discussion about the New York State tax cap formula, the impact of prior year capital exclusions on the current year's cap calculation, and the necessity of maintaining mandated reserve funding levels. Furthermore, a question was raised regarding the capital project for the turf field, which was explained as separate from the annual budget, being funded by a 2015 referendum, and justified by the need for increased usability compared to grass fields, including revenue generation through rentals.

The meeting focused on various aspects of the budget, beginning with Curriculum & Instruction, which detailed plans for the Independent Reading Level Assessment Framework pilot program expansion and alignment of science curriculum materials to new state standards. Discussions also covered high school budget projections, including potential new courses like Photo 2, logic problem solving, and game design. For Eden Elementary, support for the IRLA program expansion was noted, along with minor budget increases for supplemental reading materials and art supplies. The GLP session highlighted the personalized learning initiative, the move to a 1-1 i-Pad system next year, and the creation of a new "maker space." A significant portion of the meeting addressed concerns regarding the state aid formula following the elimination of the GEA, specifically how the Governor's proposal to reset the Foundation Aid formula without accounting for owed amounts could negatively impact districts. Pupil Personnel Services reported a budget increase primarily due to high-cost private special education placements and a raised threshold for STAC reimbursement. The Superintendent reviewed the simplistic nature of the District Office budget lines, including items for the Board of Education and Chief School Administrator. Finally, the Director of Finance detailed business office line items, announced savings from eliminating the internal audit due to low enrollment, and discussed budgeting for the multi-year BOCES capital project payment.

The meeting commenced with technology updates, including infrastructure improvements such as replacing the D storage server with solid-state drives and implementing two-factor authentication for staff. Discussions covered the use of AI tools like Woz Ed in fifth-grade classes to foster logical thinking and ethical technology use, as well as the implementation of online tutoring via Varsity Tutors. A preliminary budget presentation highlighted estimated revenue based on current tax caps, anticipated decreases in state aid, projected increases in transportation costs, and ongoing union negotiations. Key consent agenda actions included the approval of various financial reports for December 2025, budget transfers, acceptance of donations, approval of student teachers and substitutes, and the first reading of policies on Procurement of Goods and Services and District Investments. New business involved accepting resignations for retirement from several teachers and staff members, and the permanent appointment of two Cleaners upon completion of their probationary periods. The Board also approved an overnight wrestling trip. In other reports, capital project bids were scheduled for the following month, and plans were discussed for transitioning to zero-emission buses by 2035, including seeking a waiver for bus purchases. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss employment history.

This document outlines the Eden Central Schools' Budget Community Forum for the 2019-2020 school year. It details the 'rollover budget' process, focusing on projecting costs with current staffing and expenditures, including known increases in salaries, health insurance, and utilities. The forum's purpose is to establish a budget baseline, analyze state aid proposals, and discuss options for balancing the budget through expenditure reductions, increased revenues, and utilization of reserves. A timeline for the budget process, including future community forums and board meetings, is also presented.

The meeting primarily focused on budget discussions following the results of a recent budget vote, noting that two-thirds of eligible voters did not participate and the budget failed. Key discussion points included strategizing on engaging non-voting residents for a potential revote and seeking clarification on executive orders from the governor regarding next steps, including whether a revote is feasible before the fiscal year ends on July 1st. The board attorney elaborated on procedural rules concerning absentee ballots and vote secrecy, confirming the process separates the signed attestation envelope from the actual ballot. Contingency budget implications were reviewed, indicating no tax levy increase is possible, non-contingent items must be removed, and facility usage would require 100% prepaid costs. It was confirmed that Proposition 2 (buses) and Proposition 3 (technology) passed, allowing those purchases to move forward. Contingent items under the budget include stopping equipment purchases, eliminating free community use of facilities and recreation sports, and halting the annual capital outlay repairs funding.