Public budget workshops to preview 2018-19 process

The City School District of Albany invites all community members to attend two public budget workshops in January to learn about the 2018-19 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. 9 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

• Wednesday, Jan. 17 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. 

If you have topics you would like to have addressed at these workshops, please e-mail those suggestions in advance to Director of Communications Ron Lesko. The board is scheduled to discuss the first draft of the district’s 2018-19 budget proposal at its Feb. 1 meeting.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves nearly 9,700 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.