What guides the district’s budget decisions?
Our School Board and Administration use the district vision, mission, Board goals and instructional initiatives as the primary filter for all decision making. As we approach budget development in this time of country-wide fiscal stress, and the threat of state aid potential cuts, the question that guides our work is “What cuts will have the least impact on the district’s ability to fulfill our mission and goals and best support our students?”
Are there other criteria used for making budget decisions?
Yes. Our district is committed to developing a budget that:
o Does not violate law or contractual agreements
o Protects the safety of students and staff
o Weighs the impact of our primary focus on teaching and learning
o Considers nonemployee related expenses before personnel reductions
o Takes community input into account
o Identifies strategic savings rather than line-item reductions
o Promotes operational efficiencies
How much is the district’s current general fund budget?
20020-21 budgeted operating expenses are $57,938,542
Where does the district’s money come from?
State Aid: 16.98%
Property tax (levy): 81.87%
District generated: 1.15%
How will the current pandemic crisis affect the Onteora Central School District 2020-2021 Budget?
Developing a school budget during the global COVID-19 pandemic was increasingly challenging as we grapple with a potential 20% cut in State Aid revenue. State officials will be reviewing budget projections in four “look-back periods” during the 2020-21 state fiscal year which began April 1. Based on that analysis, the determination will be made as to the amount of Foundation Aid we will lose.
Before the crisis began, the District’s finances were solid and with careful planning we believe we can continue to successfully support our students and their education.
How is building this years’ budget different?
Unlike previous years, the District was presented with very little information regarding the actual amount of State Aid that it will receive. A budget was built that would best preserve the quality of education for our students with the limited information that was provided during the planning period.
Are there any other criteria that were considered in this particular budget cycle?
Yes, one of the many things that we considered was to continue to keep as many staff members as possible. This was a direction that we received from the Governor, as well as our own intent in order to provide the as much support as possible for our students. Given the many struggles that our students and their families are dealing with during this pandemic, we want to do everything we can in order to assist them. This support comes in the form of academic, social emotional, as well as providing very basic, but necessary support, in the form of meals. Our students should not need to wonder if they are going to be hungry, and so we are providing breakfast and lunch for them five days per week. This will continue throughout the summer months as well. The other benefit of maintaining our staff is that the Onteora staff has consistently shown that they return the investment of the community back to the Onteora community every day. Our staff volunteers and donates both money and time to the community and supports all of the local businesses. The District is a strong economic driver that helps to support the entire community in many different ways.
