Schools

Board President Cites Factors Impeding Budget Process

State mandates, retirement system and tax cap complicate the school board's ability to control costs as times get tougher, March says.

Bayport-Blue Point school board President Jim March addressed a letter, titled "We're In This Together," to residents via the district website, in which he states that taxpayers must be aware of the circumstances that have brought the budget situation to this point.

March emphasizes numerous costs the board of education has no control over by pointing to two examples: Promised subsidies from the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) have yet to roll in since the law's inception in the 1970s, and in depressed economic times, such as these, the New York State Retirement System places the burden of making up for lost ground upon the taxpayer.

Today’s school budgets sustain two distinct workforces – the one that is currently employed and the one that is retired, oftentimes for more years than actually worked, according to March.

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The board president expresses his frustration with Albany for further complicating the financial predicament school district face today. In the letter he states:

"But what is Albany’s solution for maintaining a proper education, now that they have enacted a 2 percent tax levy cap under the guise of champion for the common man? Answer: let the local school districts figure it out within these parameters. What became of their promise for mandate relief should a cap take effect? Answer: sorry, not in this election cycle…in fact, here are some additional ones. When will they live up to their obligation to provide for a sound basic education as called for in the State Constitution? Answer: not until they reverse their own mismanaged deficit (i.e., don’t hold your breath)."

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Emphasizing the board's research and presentation of "out-of-the-box cost-saving solutions" to avoid the inevitable budget cuts, March states that most options, such as the , have been met with resistance from the community.

As evident from the community's approval of the school's budget the past 20 years, March says Bayport-Blue Point values education greatly.

For 2012-2013 and beyond, difficult decisions must be made along with sacrifice, according to March, who stated the 20-year approval record is not lost on the board.

"This Board of Education is most cognizant of that and equally appreciative of the trust placed in it to do the right thing for all parties involved. Your constructive input is most welcome."


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