Public budget workshops to preview 2019-20 process

The City School District of Albany invites all community members to attend two public budget workshops in January to learn about the 2019-20 budget-development process and offer suggestions for the Board of Education and district to consider.

The workshops will be held in the media center at Albany High School on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m.
  • This workshop will provide some basic information on "Public School Finance 101" and allow for interactive group discussions where all people in attendance have an opportunity to voice their ideas and perspectives on the district’s budget.
  • Topics to be discussed will include:
    • District finances:
      • Revenue structure
      • Tax cap on revenue
      • Mandated expenses: health, pension, charter schools
      • Expenditure structure
      • Recent unfunded mandates imposed on school districts
    • Budget process:
      • Budget planning
      • Grant funding
      • School taxes
  • You can view the presentation here.
• Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 5:30-7 p.m.
  • This second workshop also will provide some basic information as well as follow-up on discussions from the first workshop. New topics for discussion also will be welcome. The workshop will allow for interactive group discussions where all people in attendance have an opportunity to voice their ideas and perspectives on the district’s budget. 
  • You can view the presentation here.

If you have topics you would like to have addressed at these workshops, please email those suggestions in advance to Director of Communications and Operations Ron Lesko. The board is scheduled to discuss the first draft of the district’s 2019-20 budget proposal at its Jan. 31 meeting, which will be held at William S. Hackett Middle School beginning at 7 p.m.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and prepare all students for college and career, citizenship and life, in partnership with our diverse community. The district serves about 9,500 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.