During the last two weeks, I have dedicated this column to discussing the proposed 2007/08 budget and the two additional propositions (Transportation and Telephone/Security) that will appear on the ballot on May 15th. Today’s theme will deal with why school budgets increase and the importance of fiscal responsibility.

It is a fact of life that we all must live with cost increases. Every year it seems to cost more to heat our homes, pay our electric bills, put gas in our cars, purchase groceries, and do needed maintenance. A school district deals with similar increases, only on a larger scale. Our operating expenses also increase every year. Although we are able to purchase heating oil and fuel our vehicles at State contract prices, our costs still increase proportionately. Materials and supplies that we need each day, as we work with our students, increase as well. The contractual responsibilities to our 550 employees also increase. Well-maintained buildings and properties are essential. We carefully budget money each year for the upkeep of our facilities, (which are your facilities) to maintain their value.

A growing student enrollment also adds to the budget. Recently, many articles have appeared in local newspapers about a decline in housing starts and sales in Orange County. On the contrary, the Goshen School District has not experienced a similar decrease in student enrollment. In the last two weeks alone, we registered 18 new students. To further illustrate this point, the Scotchtown Avenue School in September of 2005 opened its doors to 637 students. Currently the enrollment is 690 and we project when Scotchtown Avenue School opens in September it will house 718 students.

The key to managing these increases is sound fiscal planning. Budgets do increase, but we strive to avoid yearly spikes in both budget and tax levy increases. We have worked very hard to stabilize the tax levy increase and still provide sound educational programs for our students. For the last two years the tax levy increase for our school district has been under 5%. Next year’s proposed tax levy increase is 4.3%, which is the lowest in eight years.

The May 15th Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election is rapidly approaching. Our newsletters have been mailed and by now should have reached your homes. If they have not, please call the district office at 294-2410 and one will be sent to you. It is very important to us that you have accurate information on this budget before you enter the polls. If you have questions regarding anything about the 2007/08 proposed budget, please feel free to call my office to have those questions answered.

Roy Reese
Superintendent of Schools