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Superintendent highlights athletic, arts and career events while warning of a $3 million budget gap
Summary
In his report the superintendent praised fall and winter athletics, musicals and a career expo; he also told the board the district faces a $3 million budget gap with 0% increase in state aid and a long-standing tax cap, and outlined steps to close the shortfall.
Superintendent St. Ashens opened his report by listing student achievements and community events, then turned to the district’s fiscal situation and next steps in the budget process.
He congratulated athletics and performing-arts programs: winter teams won multiple sectional and league championships, the boys’ basketball team advanced to the New York State semifinals, and the Tappan Zee spring musical Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat drew packed houses. He also noted the SoBots robotics team (team 6911) qualified for the FIRST World Championship in Houston for the fourth time in the team’s history and highlighted PTA-organized events such as the district’s “We the People” multicultural celebration.
“...it was an outstanding performance,” the superintendent said of the high school musical, praising crew, pit band and technical staff. He also thanked PTA volunteers and named co-organizers Liz Dudley and Kelly Ruby, along with other event volunteers.
Turning to finances, St. Ashens told the board the district is working to close a roughly $3,000,000 budget gap while avoiding reductions to staff, programs or services. He said state aid shows a 0% increase and noted the district has operated under a tax cap since February 2012. To close the shortfall, the administration is recommending capturing savings from retirements and natural attrition, and using some unrestricted fund balance and reserves.
“We are challenged this year with a 0% increase in state aid…we are faced with a tax cap that’s been in place since 02/2012,” he said, adding the board would continue detailed budget workshops and that one additional workshop is scheduled for April 3.
Board members and administrators also reported on committee work: the safety committee discussed drill exercises with the local police department and possible exterior ballistic film and camera options from several vendors; the technology discussion included potential camera installations and window film for enhanced protection. Members urged better community notice when large drills occur and suggested the district post summaries or images on social media to show community involvement.
Why it matters: The superintendent’s fiscal update places extracurricular and programming requests, such as travel funding, into the wider context of a multi-million-dollar gap in next year’s budget. The board must balance community priorities with limited revenue and a tax-cap constraint.
What’s next: The administration will continue budget workshops, pursue retirements/attrition savings and present alternatives for closing the $3 million gap without cutting staff or existing programs.
