Averill Park superintendent warns $1.4M–$2.1M shortfall as state aid proposal cuts funding

Superintendent Jen told the Averill Park Central School District Board that the district is preparing four separate budget scenarios because of uncertainty in state foundation aid and that even the most optimistic plan leaves a substantial funding gap.

"We are going to almost certainly be using an increased amount of reserves," Jen said, describing a modified rollover budget that models the cost of carrying current programs into next year while accounting for attrition, contract increases and stimulus funds that are now expiring.

Why it matters: the district is estimating deficits that range from about $1.4 million (best case) to roughly $2.1 million (worst case), based on whether the state provides a 3% increase, 2%, a flat number, or the governor's proposal that would reduce aid. Jen said an earlier budget run by the governor would cut the district by approximately $159,000 and may conflict with statutory hold-harmless protections and the CPI/inflationary factor the regulations require.

District context and priorities: Jen reviewed last year's reductions — a $1.3 million net cut and a net loss of seven full-time equivalents (an 11-position gross reduction offset by four need-based additions) — and stressed that the district has tried to limit staff losses through attrition where possible. She also outlined program priorities that the district would add in a more favorable fiscal environment: a high-school business teacher, additional special-education staff, K–5 social workers and restoration of music electives.

Board questions focused on timing and process. A board member asked how the district chooses cuts given multiple scenarios; Jen answered that staff will use February to refine priorities, and that the board must balance transparency with avoiding unnecessary staff anxiety. On reserves, staff reminded the board that unappropriated fund balance has a 4% cap and other reserves have limits and reasonability testing by auditors.

Advocacy and next steps: frustrated by early signs that foundation aid might be flat or reduced, the district formed an advocacy subcommittee to press state legislators and participated in a lobby day. Jen said the district has been contacting elected officials, issuing template emails for the community and briefing the media to press for restoration of aid.

Budget implications and mandates: board members and staff noted additional cost pressures from locally required projects and recent state mandates, including the district's mascot/name-change rollout (estimated at about $500,000 in replacement costs, including gym floor and track resurfacing over time) and the electric-bus transition that will add infrastructure costs. Jen emphasized that these are real budget drivers and that the board must decide how much to rely on reserves versus making program cuts.

What happens next: staff will continue to refine four budget scenarios and provide periodic updates; the board intends to coordinate advocacy work and expects to adopt a budget by the statutory deadline in mid-April, even if the state budget timeline slips.