KINGSTON SCHOOL BUDGET 2010-11

By now, you've all heard about the Kingston Budget Proposal for 2010-11. It's the third draft from the board and, although significantly lower than the first two, it's still going to bust most of the taxpayers in the Kingston school district.

With our school taxes usually more of a burden than local and state taxes, any increased percentage has a broader impact. I know I will feel it more than my city tax increase, even if it's the same estimate. The amazing thing is just like where the City of Kingston's budget for 2010 went down $400K, the School District will only increase 2%. But the impact at home wont reflect that modest change because of the drastic increase of healthcare costs.

I talked about the Library Media position on Wednesday night's show and actually reflected on the short video presentation we just had at our Programs/Education Committee in the Legislature. The positive effect the position has when bridging the students needs with today's technology in a learning setting is vital, and I'm glad the board chose to reconsider the cut.

A number of students and parents addressed the Board asking that the orchestra program be reinstated in the younger grades pointing out that that is where the potential talent is cultivated and prepared for the middle schools. With the additional $7 Million in healthcare costs hitting the school system in the last two years, the arts are usually the first to go.

Although they are cutting about 50 positions either through layoffs or through attrition, the overwhelming increases are still going to force the Board to increase the tax levy to the amount they proposed.

The positions being cut are listed in the papers. The capital expenses that are urgent are also addressed. What hasnt been discussed is the issues that callers brought to our attention, like how about a four day school week with two extra hours on the day? How about cutting the salaries at the top of the administration? How much do the teachers pay toward their benefits? If they are truly serving as teachers because of a calling to teach our children, then perhaps asking them to reconsider their portion of contribution to retain their teaching staff levels would be the approach?

Either way, this and the other increases, (one I helped to administer) will make everyone consider where they want to be in the next few years. I know I'll do my very best to help cut costs on the county level, but our friends in Albany have to reconsider how we fund New York State schools. This is getting ridiculous.