Budget Talking Points

When communicating with elected officials on the impact of a tax cap budget, you may wish to refer to some of the Talking Points noted below

•     Larger class sizes at secondary/elementary

•     Fewer electives – Grades 7-12

•      Increased study halls- Grades 7-12

•     Reduced extra-curricular activities, including athletics

•     Tax Cap should have been phased in over a 3/4 year period.  5%, 4%, 3%, 2%
    
•     Need substantive Mandate Relief – that saves significant dollars

•     NYS should not exceed Federal IDEA requirements

•     Cap health insurance premium increases

•     Amend Triborough’s impact on labor negotiations

•     Amend Wicks – construction requirements

•     Tax Cap threatens science research and fine arts programs

•     Using Reserves is a one-time revenue source that cannot be repeated each year.  It can leave the district fiscally vulnerable

•     Reduced funds for security

•     Severely reduce supplies, materials, computer hardware purchases and equipment repair and purchase

•     Eliminate HS Juniors’ participation in BOCES Occ. Ed. Programs

•     Reduction of over 100 positions, 60% of which are teachers and administrators and 40% support staff





•     Threat to all-day Kindergarten and the 9-period day at our secondary schools

•     Potential for reduced transportation

•     Possible elimination of Health Education instruction in Grades 1 & 2

•     Eliminate students taking a 2nd Foreign Language

•     Reduce Pupil Personnel Staff – less Guidance, Psychologist, Social Worker, Transition Coordinator

•     Local initiatives and requirements in Computer/Career Essentials will be reduced or eliminated

•     Theatre Arts and Student Government courses eliminated

•     Music Composition and HS music performing groups (Jazz Ensemble) eliminated

•     Reduced Deans at our secondary schools

•     Reduce or eliminate programs for at-risk students

•     Due to more rigorous State Assessments/Regents and higher passing scores, there are less funds to provide Academic Intervention Services to the inevitable increase in students needing support due to poor performance on state mandated exams