District, City Council PTA plan community forums

to discuss the 2009-10 budget development process

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 4, 2009) -- The City School District of Albany and the Albany City Council Parent-Teacher Association will partner this month on two public forums to provide information to the community and seek feedback regarding development of the 2009-10 budget.

You are invited to attend the forum that is most convenient for you:

• Wednesday, March 11 -- 6:30-8 p.m.

  • Albany Community Development Agency, 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard

• Tuesday, March 24 -- 7-8:30 p.m.

  • Delaware Community School, 43 Bertha Street

Each forum will provide opportunities for community members to share opinions and to learn more about the district’s 2009-10 budget development process. District representatives will provide information about recommendations the Board of Education is considering as it seeks to balance harsh fiscal reality with the responsibility to provide high-quality educational, social, health and extracurricular services for all of the school district’s students.

Even if you are unable to attend one or both of these forums, your input is important to us. Please download our budget development feedback form and return it with your comments and suggestions to the Communications Office:

• Fax: (518) 475-6069

• Mail: Ron Lesko, Director of Communications, City School District of Albany, Academy Park, Albany, NY 12207

Facing a projected loss of nearly $6 million in revenue due to the difficult economic times facing the state and nation, the district presented its first-draft budget proposal to the board March 3. The $214 million plan represents a 3.51 percent increase over the current year's budget and a 15.43 percent increase in the district's overall tax levy. The plan would eliminate about 106 full-time positions.

The board and district will continue to refine the budget draft until the board approves a final proposal in April.

District officials then will hold additional budget presentations in April and May. This year's budget vote is Tuesday, May 19.

The City School District of Albany serves approximately 8,400 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students. 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.