District
Spencerport Central School District
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Phillip W. Langton, interim Superintendent of Schools
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Budget 2008-09 update
Dear community members,
Communication is a critical aspect of my position as the Interim District Superintendent for Spencerport, particularly during these challenging economic times. It is not only important to connect with you, our parents, residents, and staff, but also to listen and respond. With this in mind, I would like to update you on the progress we have made in the development of the 2008-09 budget.
As in any year, this proposal is driven by uncontrollable factors such as contracted salary increases, retirements, employee benefits, and energy costs. These areas comprise the majority of budget increases.
This year we also begin to incur the debt service from the voter-approved, 2006 capital project, while losing the $1.4 million from the county’s FAIR plan. Please know we do not intend to “pass on” to the taxpayers this chasm left by the county. We expect an increase in state aid, however this will only offset regulated costs such as the debt service and Contract for Excellence.
We are focusing on what is still left in our control… spending. As I promised you last month, significant cuts have already been made in the draft budget. Reductions in supplies and equipment, along with cuts in support staff, administrators and teachers are all being recommended to the Board of Education.
Throughout this budget preparation, we are listening to you. We are cognizant of the direction given to us by the community Budget Focus Group to keep spending to within the cost of living. We continue to strive to accomplish this, while watching closely the developments with the towns’ housing assessments.
April will be an important month, as the budget is finalized and we turn to you for your input. Copies of this budget will be available on April 25 for review, and a public hearing/information meeting is set for May 13. The vote is May 20.
We are fortunate to have a community that is very involved and cares deeply about the quality of education that students receive in Spencerport. I look forward to communicating more as I receive information and listening to your feedback through this process.
Phillip W. Langton
Interim District Superintendent
Our mission is to educate and inspire each student to love learning,
pursue excellence and use knowledge, skills and attitudes to contribute
respectfully and confidently to an ever-changing global community.
