Budget update

Question: Last year at this time, we were in the midst of a difficult budget process. The district did a good job with the public forums informing the taxpayers as to the tough situation our district faced. At the time we were warned that the next year's budget would be just as difficult. My question is, where do we stand as a district in formulating next year's budget and what tough choices are being contemplated at this time, including the progress on negotiations with the teachers' union?

Answer: Our budget situation is different this year than in the past because of changes made at the state level. Our state aid and our local property tax levy -- Broadalbin-Perth's primary sources of revenue -- have, for the most part, already been determined. Because of this, our budget situation is fairly black and white -- I encourage you to read the letter I sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this month to learn about the cuts we will have to make if our situation remains the same.

Second public comment session at board meetings

Question: How is a parent/taxpayer/citizen to ask questions and/or make comments to the Board when the only part of the agenda that allows for public comments occurs prior to the Board actually discussing any issues?

Answer: You're correct - a second public comment session at the end of the regular board meeting would be helpful. From now on, we'll include a public comment session before the regular meeting and at the end of the regular meeting, before the board goes into executive session.
- answered by Georgia Baldwin, District Clerk