Dear Parent/Guardian:

As you know, the Board of Education adopted 2008-2009 budget was defeated on May 20 th by two votes. At a special meeting on May 28 th, the Board of Education adopted a contingency budget totaling $27,380,021 resulting in just under $53,000 in spending cuts from the original budget proposal.

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information on the contingency budget that may impact you and your child(ren) during the summer months and during the 2008-2009 school year. The NYS Education Department mandates the areas of spending that must be cut within a contingent budget. These cuts are found in the areas of student use of school supplies, community use of school buildings, grounds, and buses, and all non-health related equipment. As you prepare for the upcoming school year, please be aware of the following changes in school policies, procedures, and program costs:

1. Beginning July 1 st, groups using any district owned fields, indoor classrooms and gymnasiums will be charged a facility use fee.
2. The After School and Before School Program fees will increase to ensure that the programs remain self-sufficient.
3. School lunch and breakfast costs are likely to increase.
4. A district transportation handbook will be developed and given to all K-12 students at the start of the 2008-2009 school year. The handbook will include newly developed Board of Education policy that will outline all busing procedures. The most significant change in busing will be in the afternoon runs. Starting in September, a student will only be transported to one location Monday through Friday. The location does not have to be home, but must remain the same all five days of the week. This change will greatly improve the safety of our children and significantly reduce transportation costs.
5. All 2008-2009 school year field trips will be funded through classroom collections and donations made by organizations such as the PTSO.

Once again, because the information in this letter is likely to impact you and your child(ren) over the summer and 2008-2009 school year, it is very important that you are informed now, rather than the start of the school year. As always, you can contact your child’s building principal or me to discuss the content of this letter. I wish you and your family a restful and relaxing summer.

Sincerely,
Stephen M. Tomlinson