Bayview parent urges clearer budget transparency as district faces projected gap

A Bayview Elementary parent urged the Proctor Public Schools Board on April 27 to provide clearer, earlier information about an anticipated budget shortfall and to involve families and staff in planning cuts.

Allison Hoffbauer, who identified herself and spelled her name at the podium, told the board she had "a difficult time finding any information about the budget process, the decision making framework, and the timeline" and said the district's strategic plan promises transparency that she has not seen. "Just because the grant disappears doesn't mean the student need does," she said, warning that program reductions could fall first on positions that have direct student contact.

Hoffbauer singled out the potential loss of the "Check and Connect" positions, saying they provide crucial supports and that some buildings would be affected more than others. She asked how the district is vetting reductions in non-classroom areas such as curriculum and technology before cutting frontline staff. "When I hear about increasing class sizes through the reduction of classroom sections while simultaneously potentially losing the support of Check and Connect, I need to know that all stakeholders have been involved in the planning process," she said.

The board did not engage in back-and-forth during the public-comment period, consistent with its stated procedure; no staff response or commitment to a timeline for greater budget communications was made on the record during the meeting. The superintendent and business manager later presented financial and enrollment materials to the board during their reports, and the agenda showed follow-up items and community engagement opportunities that could provide additional forums for discussion.

Next steps: Parents and community members were invited to a district community engagement meeting May 7; the board continues budget discussions in committee and at future meetings.