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ALBANY, N.Y. (April 3, 2008)
-- The Board of Education unanimously has approved a proposed budget of
$206.7 million for 2008-09, offering voters a comprehensive plan to
continue to provide excellent educational, social, health and
extracurricular services to all of Albany’s children.
The proposed budget,
approved at the board’s April 1 meeting, includes a 2.49 percent tax
levy increase. This is the earliest date that the board has approved a
budget proposal. The budget vote is set for May 20.
“The budget proposal
represents a sound educational plan that reflects the realities of
fiscal prudence, while not compromising on our top priority – the
education of all of the city’s children,” said board President William
Barnette.
“The board asks that voters
not look at the proposed budget as merely a cost, but as an investment
that supports a comprehensive blend of the high-quality educational,
social and emotional services that our students need and deserve as they
prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
The budget proposal includes
expanded pre-kindergarten programs, enhanced acceleration opportunities
for middle school students and strong programming for students at every
level, including those in need of extra academic and emotional support.
“The unanimous support of
the Board of Education for this proposal is a strong indicator of our
efforts to match our fiscal responsibility to the community with our
primary mission as a school district – to educate and nurture all
students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and life-long
learners,” said Superintendent Eva C. Joseph, Ed.D.
The board will meet April 10
at Albany High School to continue public discussion of the many
components of the 2008-09 educational plan.
“It is our goal to assure
that every child receives the best we have to offer, and we welcome
questions and dialogue with students, parents and the broader
community," Mr. Barnette said.
The City School
District of Albany serves approximately 8,600 students in 18
elementary, middle and high schools. The district includes several
magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic
opportunities for students in addition to neighborhood schools. The
district is more than halfway through its comprehensive facilities
project to newly build and/or renovate nearly all of its elementary
and middle schools. The ultimate goal of the facilities project is
to provide schools with the resources necessary to help students
succeed in the 21st century. |
