January 27, 2010 - Under the proposed budget released by Governor David Paterson on January 19, North Colonie would see $2.4 million less in state aid next year, which will lead to district-wide budget cuts as Administration develops its 2010-11 budget.

The $2.4 million figure represents more than a 12 percent reduction in the district’s total state aid package from the current year. State aid accounts for almost 18 percent of the district’s $90,096,000 budget. State legislators will now take up the Governor’s proposal, with a final state budget due by April 1.

“This is a significant problem,” Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg said. “With decreased state aid, we are going to have to look at ways to shrink the gap between increasing expenses and declining revenues.”

Some of those ways may include expenditure and program reductions, the use of the district’s fund balance (savings) and other revenue generating ideas, including, looking at increasing taxes.

“Our public needs to be aware that there will be changes in the services provided to our students and community next year,” Ehrenberg said. “However, the number one priority is to have these changes result in the least amount of impact on the lives of our students.”

District administrators have been working on potential budget scenarios over the past few months in anticipation of the possibility of state aid cuts. Some of these scenarios include increasing class sizes, reducing the use of facilities by the public and reducing or changing transportation schedules.

“There will be noticeable effects over the coming years,” Assistant Superintendent for Business, Thomas Rybaltowski said. “Unfortunately, 2011-12 is projected to be even worse than the upcoming year, so we need to develop a budget that is sustainable for the long-run.”

“It is important that our community knows that these are difficult and painful decisions that we are making,” Ehrenberg said. “But, in the end, while the district may look a little different in the coming years, we will still be delivering the best possible education to our students.”

Public budget meetings commence on March 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Shaker High School Library. Throughout the entire budget process, North Colonie welcomes all comments from the public and promises that serious consideration will be given to all ideas.

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