Preliminary
Key Objectives for 2008-09 Budget Development:
The
budget development process shall allow for greater transparency, greater input,
involvement, and ownership of the budget by the entire administration., Hence,
a zero-based budgeting approach will be utilized, meaning that requests and
allocations will be closely scrutinized and not just considered as a given part
of the “base” budget.
To use available
resources to accommodate major instructional initiatives, to support high
quality instructional programs, and provide quality facilities to enhance
learning…
·
Comprehensive
quality review and possible restructuring of special education program and
services, K-12.
·
Continued
implementation of revised acceleration and Academic Intervention Services models,
with a particular focus on options for the Young Scholars program
·
Increased consistency of elementary level
instructional programs, focusing on the allotment of time for the respective
content areas (math, English, social studies, science, art, PE, music, etc.),
as well as the application of a standardize approach to Extend-Day Kindergarten
(EDK)
·
Implementation
of modifications made to the high school and middle school programs of study,
including but not limited to new initiatives such as the
·
Utilization
of Infinite Campus SIS and other district software/hardware to analyze data,
generate reports to enable/enhance teachers, administrators, students and
parents to chart and monitor student progress, and assess value-added
performance (electronic grade book, Parent/Student Portal, quarterly
performance analysis, test item analysis, etc.)
·
Strategic/targeted
staff development to enhance knowledge, proficiency and utilization of skills,
methodologies, and resources to prepare students with 21st Century
skill sets.
·
Provide
funding for the operation of
To accommodate major Federal
and State mandates…
·
Address
critical health and safety repair needs in accordance with the Five-year
Facilities Plan, as well as phased-in implementation of security cameras and
other safety process and protocols in accordance with the Safe Schools Against
Violence in Education Act (SAVE)
·
Modification,
alignment, and implementation of business operation processes and protocols to
enhance internal controls and efficiency, and ensure consistency of budget
administration with New York State Fiscal Accountability Standards, GASB
regulations, and NYS Comptroller recommendations.
The
district clearly recognizes that while higher expectations and standards of
performance make the mission of the district more demanding, rising costs and
taxpayer fatigue make the leadership responsibility more challenging and more
critical.