Almost Time for the Big Push

Last week was pretty cool. I got to help induct a healthy group of students (including my own son) into the National Honor Society; interacted with many generous business owners and professionals at a middle school career fair; and visited a group of Kindergarten students on their bus as they prepared to head home for the weekend. Being able to have diverse experiences each week is very enjoyable and makes this job interesting.

During the week, finishing touches were put on the budget. The intention is to move forward below the "tax cap" without any program additions or deletions, and with staffing reductions based on enrollment. Word also came through that some additional state aid may be received next year in the neighborhood of $500,000 (we will have a better idea next November). This has not changed our budget plans for next year. If there is one thing we have learned from this fiscal crisis, it is that the situation is not as bad as it seems when we understand that things are different. Creatively making the most out of "less", along with conservative long-term planning, is more important than ever. We have been, and must continue to be, a part of the change that is bringing New York State back to fiscal earth. As a community we have demonstrated, at a national level, that we can be leaders in this area and leaders need to continue to lead.

I have been asked if students will receive any additional days off because the snow days that we have budgeted have not all been used.  If there are no additional snow days, students will receive two additional days off this school year on Friday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 29.  If there are snow days between now and then, an update will be sent to announce any changes to this plan.

This is historically a quick week as we prepare for testing, spring break, and the big push to the end of the year.  Blink and you will miss it.

Enjoy the week.

Chris