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You may also view the Chanel 16 recap
of the event in its entirety by
clicking on the video above. Please note that the video is 1.23 hrs. and
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Continuing the conversation...
Community members discuss several areas of potential change for 2012-13
Jan. 18, 2011—On Tuesday, January 17, more than 35 Guilderland Central School District community members came together to continue the conversation about how best to utilize available resources to meet the changing needs of our students and community in tough economic times.
"A Time for Transformation: A Continuum of Change" -- the
second community conversation of the school year -- opened
with a
presentation by Assistant Superintendent for Business
Neil Sanders
summarizing the district's current economic outlook and clarifying several
myths about the new Real Property Tax Levy Limit or "property tax cap.”
Based on rollover budget projections, the district is presently facing a
$3.3 million budget gap for the upcoming school year.
View the entire presentation (PDF)
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Wiles then presented
on the need for the district to transform itself in order to address both
the immediate challenges and long term goals of the district.
Dr. Wiles
shared several areas of possible change and innovation for the upcoming
school year, including:
•
Scheduling and the use of time;
•
Technology;
•
Leadership structures; and
• Data-driven budgeting.
During the second half of the evening, participants broke out into small groups to discuss several questions related to the areas of innovation listed above. For nearly an hour, they discussed whether or not the community could support changes in these areas and shared their questions and concerns about the potential changes. Participants also explored why the district has not regularly reached a 60% approval margin for its budget—the percentage of “yes” votes that would be needed to go above the tax levy limit going forward. View the small group worksheets (PDF)
The responses to these questions were captured by facilitators and have been compiled into a summary report for community review. View the summary report (PDF)
Replays of the community conversation event will also soon air on Cable Channel 16 in the Town of Guilderland. View the Channel 16 program guide for upcoming air dates/times
The feedback district leaders received during the first two community conversation events was incredibly useful; yet there is still much more to be discussed as budget planning for the 2012-13 school year continues. As the district struggles with the difficult and important choices ahead, we need to hear from you!
Please plan to join us on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 for the next Community Conversation, which will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Guilderland High School LGI. Complete our online R.S.V.P. form and learn more about the event