Governor’s Budget: We Need Your Help
January 28, 2010
Dear School Community,
Under Governor Paterson’s current budget proposal, the East Greenbush Central School District will have to make significant cuts to total District operations. In the Governor’s budget proposal, the East Greenbush Central School District will lose $2.8 million dollars in state operating aid. This significant reduction in educational funding combined with escalating costs, will force the District to eliminate dozens of staff positions.
The reduction of staff means that many of the non-mandated programs that we value as a school community will also be eliminated. The Board of Education and I value each of these programs, but given the steep reduction in funding, the District does not have another logical course of action. The District already reduced 23.5 positions in the current school year to keep the tax levy increase to 0.8%; the lowest levy change in many years. As a District, we understand that tough economic times have created tighter household budgets, and a taxpayer’s ability to pay is very limited. We are committed to bring forth a reasonable and prudent tax levy increase again this year.
However, we need your help more than ever. I am requesting that you write to our New York representatives in the Senate and the House of Representatives and explain to them what the reduction in state aid means to your children, grandchildren, school community, and your employment status. We need their help. Please ask for a partial restoration of funding and additional financial support for our schools and our children. Your voice can make a difference.
Below are three sample letters for your convenience. You can write your own or personalize these letters if you choose. I have included the contact information for our New York State representatives in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Thank you for advocating for education and our children.
Sincerely,
Angela M. Nagle, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Are you concerned with the Governor Paterson’s proposed budget for 2010-2011? Please help us communicate with elected officials on how his proposal would impact East Greenbush CSD schools. District residents can share their concerns by using one of the letters below. Print, sign and send directly to the leaders listed below.
How to contact your elected officials
United States House of Representatives
Leo O'Brien Federal Building, Rm 827
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 465-0700
Email form
The Honorable Scott Murphy
487 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY12866
Phone: (518) 581-8247
Email form
United States Senate
Leo O’Brien Federal Office Building, Rm 420
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 431-4070
Email form
The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand
Leo O’Brien Federal Office Building, Rm 821
Albany, NY12207
Phone: (518) 431-0120
Email form
For more information, please visit the district’s budget section. It provides an overview of the budget process, a timeline for budget development, information on voting and running for the board and a glossary of terms.