The development of the 2022-23 budget has been challenging due  to the recent changes in our economy. Throughout the process we have  been sensitive to the financial and economic needs of our communities. We have taken into consideration the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,  and Economic Security (CARES ACT) funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) and  American Rescue Plan (ARP) grants. We have focused on maintaining  all student programs and using the grants to create additional opportunities such as enrichment and summer programs for students without  affecting the general budget. The last two years we have been able to remain at zero percent increases. 

However, this year multiple budget lines in the general budget have  increased due to an increase in health insurance premiums, Medicare  Part B reimbursements and negotiated contracts. In order to balance  the budget we will unfortunately need an increase in taxes. 

• We have five retirements: one cafeteria worker (cook), one social  studies teacher, one math teacher, and two special education teachers. 

•  Included in the budget is a distance learning room to receive and  transmit classes with other school districts. 

• The CARES Act (CRRSA and ARP grants) are assisting in offsetting  some long term spending. 

• The buses we are looking to purchase will replace one five-year lease  return and one seven-year old propane bus. We will no longer have  any propane buses in our fleet. 

• We are also looking to purchase a seven passenger vehicle to replace  the seven-year old passenger van.  

• The resolution pertaining to the local libraries requires the district  to collect an annual tax, year after year, separate and apart from  the annual school district budget, in the amount of $60,000, of  which $30,000 shall be paid to Cherry Valley Memorial Library  and $30,000 will be paid to Springfield Library for the support and  maintenance of the libraries. This proposition is not connected to  the school budget. By law we are required to honor this request and  include the proposition for the voters of the district. 

We have persevered through another school year with the pandemic.  Thank you to everyone for their patience and support. With everyone  working together we have been able to continue to support our students  both academically and emotionally. We are looking forward to moving  ahead and creating additional opportunities for our students. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me at 607-264-9332,  ext. 501 or email me at [email protected]  

 We have been working diligently to maintain a budget that provides our students with the programs and opportunities necessary to receive a quality education. COVID-19 has certainly thrown a wrench into the planning as there were many times of uncertainty from Albany.  During the present school year we have been cautious in our spending and being aware of what is needed to keep our students, faculty and staff safe.

• We have six retirements: one teacher aide, two maintenance workers, one bus driver, one secondary Social Studies teacher, and our interim elementary principal.

• The buses we are purchasing will be replacing one 7-year old and one 8-year old propane buses.

• All academic programs and extracurriculars will remain intact for our students.  It is our hope that we can return to some form of normalcy in September.

• The Budget will continue to provide professional development for our teachers as we need to continue to address gaps from the spring 2020 remote learning period.

This school year has been unlike any other year.  There have been many obstacles, but working together we have persevered and provided our students with in-person instruction on a daily basis. Many things looked and felt different, yet the main goal of educating our students was always the top priority.

Thank you to our community for your ongoing support.  Our community values education and it shows by working together with the school to maintain consistency and a sound education. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me at 607-264-9332, ext. 501 or [email protected].