CLINTONVILLE — AuSable Valley Central School officials knew their budget needed to maintain programs and fiscal responsibility.
That balance is hardly ever easy for schools, though in the current economic climate, it has become increasingly difficult.
But through a combination of cost reductions and a tax increase, which started at 20 percent but was whittled down, the district feels it accomplished its sometime painful goal.
"It's been a long process," Superintendent Paul Savage said.
TAXES UP 3%
At this week's meeting, the School Board unanimously adopted a 2010-11 budget that totaled $26,569,342, up 0.76 percent from the current spending plan, or $201,256.
The tax levy, or amount to be raised by taxes, totaled $11,035,461, up 3.1 percent.
"To get to that level wasn't easy," Savage said. "We chipped away."
The tax rate is projected to increase 3.1 percent to $15.43 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
CHALLENGES
AuSable's budget included an $870,779 cut in state aid, based on Gov. David Paterson's budget proposal.
"In January, when we got the reduction, we knew this was trouble," Savage said. "This is the second straight year with no increase in state aid."
Yet the district is faced with several cost increases, including teacher and employee Retirement System contributions and health insurance.
Salaries are increasing an average of 1.7 percent.
The district's unappropriated fund balance is roughly $460,000, and draining it would open AuSable to risk if faced with emergency costs.
JOBS CUT
The district cut three teaching positions through attrition: two in special education and one in academic intervention services. Another teaching position is gone through a leave of absence, and the district eliminated a licensed practical nurse position at Keeseville Elementary School.
The new teacher mentoring program is gone, for now.
Athletic costs were reduced without eliminating a program, supplies were cut 25 percent across the board, computer purchases are delayed for a year, and summer hours and summer curriculum work were reduced.
"This year was one of our toughest years," Savage said. "This is how we were able to get to a 3.1-percent increase in the tax levy.
"We are very pleased the impact on programs and services was minimal."
LOOKING AHEAD
Savage said the budget meets the needs of the school system, though he cautioned next year may be worse.
"We know this is not a one-year problem."
Savage stressed it is difficult to create a budget that relies on state-budget numbers, when the state has yet to adopt its spending plan.
"Talk about a double standard."
But while the fiscal situation will likely worsen next year, school officials are pleased they were able to adopt a budget this year that doesn't gut programs and services for students.
"The AVCS Board of Education wants to express its sincere appreciation to the superintendent, administration, faculty and staff for all their hard work on the proposed 2010-11 school budget," School Board President David Whitford said.
"In these very difficult financial times, the school leadership has successfully managed our current budget with excellent vision and direction.
"We believe the 2010-11 proposed budget plan represents the most cost-effective budget feasible without creating severe reductions in needed programs and services at AVCS."
E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com
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