South Orangetown Central School District
160 Van Wyck Road • Blauvelt, NY 10913 • (845) 680-1050 • Fax (845) 680-1900

Ken Mitchell, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
kmitchell@socsd.org

March 2010

Dear SOCSD Community Member:

New York State continues to be in the throes of an economic crisis. In the fall the Governor held back funding for schools that has since been released and has authorized the use of Federal stimulus dollars that had been given to New York for school funding in the 2010-2011 school year. Once again the burden has shifted onto the local communities. I write to provide information about the implications for our district and our efforts to responsibly plan our 2010-2011 budget within this challenging set of fiscal parameters.

In New York State, school systems are supported by public funding, primarily local property taxes. Approximately 10% of our district’s aid comes from the State. Because our state derives 20% of its revenues from a Wall Street economy, State revenues have been diminished. Any financial recovery has not yet had a positive impact on the State’s tax revenues. Governor Paterson has announced that the State faces a deficit of $8.2 billion dollars for the coming year; consequently, he has reduced school aid by $2 billion dollars. In South Orangetown, the governor has reduced approximately $1.7 million for the 2010-2011 school year. We will need to educate our students with much less funding.

It is our priority that we do not pass these costs onto the taxpayer. We made such a promise last year and delivered with the lowest tax increase in over a decade. However, our responsibility must always be to preserve the district’s academic excellence that is so essential for the success of our children and, in turn, our nation. Again, in 2009-2010 students and programs to support them were spared from significant budget reductions without having to impact the community.

Balancing these priorities requires multi-year planning that is characterized by prudent spending practices. The district continues to seek savings by conserving energy, consolidating resources, utilizing insurance buyouts and retirements, seeking transportation efficiencies, collaborating with other districts, and scrutinizing all staffing.

As this situation is likely to affect communities for the next few years, we have developed long-term plans for facilities and technology. These plans include repairs and upgrades to infrastructure to reduce costs over time rather than spend more than is necessary because of a failure to plan.

As we plan, we will share ongoing efforts and seek input. Our district’s website will include a “Question and Answer” page that will post community questions and our responses. We will hold local meetings to provide details for budget plan decisions, including any cuts that may have to be made. All ideas will be welcomed.

While the financial situation facing SOCSD and the nation continues to be challenging, we are invested in meeting the educational needs of our children while recognizing the financial hardships that our community members face. Stay tuned for updates.

Ken Mitchell, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools