This year’s budget was more difficult to develop than the three previous budgets because, like everyone else, the school district has faced rising costs at every turn. In particular, energy costs have skyrocketed. No one could have predicted the rapid increase in the price of fuel for heating and vehicles. Although we purchase our fuel using State contract pricing (which is less than what individuals pay), the price increases far exceeded our expectations. Next year’s budget reflects the potential for even greater increases. In addition to energy prices and fuel, the cost of supplies has also increased particularly if they are made from petroleum based products. Also easy to overlook is the increase in delivery charges which reflect the energy cost of vendors which are then passed on to consumers.

In the 2008/09 school year we must also contend with rising costs for special education and Incarcerated Youth. The cost for special education services required for many of our students has increased dramatically. Since the Orange County Jail is in the Goshen Central School District it is our responsibility to educate age appropriate individuals. Our costs in this area have increased as well. The good news is, although the District is fully reimbursed for these expenses, we must first spend the money before it is returned to us. This means we must increase our budget accordingly. Similar to all large organizations contractual costs of the District have increased as well.

Another factor which hasn’t been discussed recently is we are still growing. Currently the growth is not as rapid as in the last few years, however, our student population is increasing. More students obviously translate into additional expenses. We have held the line on staffing this year and have made the difficult decision to increase class size rather than add additional teachers. The only new teaching position in the budget is a mandated special education teacher for what is called District of Location. This concept will be explained in a future article.

Once the final budget is adopted by the Board of Education, complete and comprehensive information will be offered to the community. If you would like to learn more about the budget, please watch the mail for our Budget Newsletter and mark your calendar for May 6, which is the Public Hearing where the budget will be explained in detail. That meeting is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office. Budget information will be posted on the District Webpage by April 29. I will also be making a guest appearance to share budget details on the Frank Fornario Show on WTBQ 99.1AM on Monday, May 15, at 9:10 a.m. Additionally the schedule for our annual “Budget Tour” is rapidly filling. To date, we currently have six meetings scheduled with local community organizations.

If you would like us to visit and speak to your group, please call 615-6720 to schedule an appointment.

School will be closed for Spring Recess next week, so my next article will appear on April 30.

Roy Reese
Superintendent of Schools