Welcome                               

March 2010

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

The Coxsackie – Athens Central School District Mission statement indicates that the district “. . . will provide a comprehensive education program for all students to compete successfully and to contribute to a global society.”  This statement is the backdrop for the development of the 2010 – 2011 school budget.

The district confronts the following facts.  The rollover budget from 2009 – 2010 to 2010 – 2011 put forth in January showed an increase of more than $1.4 million.  The New York State Executive Budget projected a decrease in aid to the district of $1.055 million, but the actual decrease would be $1.3 million.  The budget to budget increase plus the State Aid decrease would amount to $2.7 million.  To account for $2.7 million, the district would have to increase the tax levy nearly 20%.  That is not an option.

Administrators and Board of Education members have been developing a budget for several months.  Reductions have been made in equipment and other areas unrelated to staff members.  The reduction in these areas amounts to approximately $250,000.  Staffing reductions will be considered on March 9.  Thereafter, discussions will occur, and the Board of Education will adopt the 2010 – 2011 budget not later than the third week of April.  Taxpayers will vote on the budget on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

Despite reductions, the District will continue to uphold the Mission statement and provide a comprehensive education for students so that they will be able to compete successfully and to contribute to a global society.


Sincerely,

Earle S. Gregory, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools