Pioneer Board of Education held its annual Budget Information Session prior to its regular meeting on Jan. 21.
Nick Silvaroli, assistant superintendent, gave an overview heading into the planning for the 2020-21 budget. Mr. Silvaroli said the district’s budget philosophy is long-term in scope—charting a fiscal path for future initiatives, creating stability in programming and services, creating stability for the taxpaying community, and incorporating strategies to minimize budget risk and volatility.
Pioneer’s current $57.2 million budget is supported by 69.1 percent state & federal aid, 22.8 percent local tax levy, and 8.1 percent other sources (Medicaid, interest, refund on BOCES aid, BOCES property rentals, admissions, and the fund balance).
Mr. Silvaroli shared historical financial info covering the last 10 years that showed despite slow state aid growth and average tax levy increase of 1.82 percent, Pioneer has been able to preserve and grow desired programs and services.
He added the state has made little progress on funding Foundation Aid to the level promised as a result of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity court ruling. Cumulatively, as a result of not adhering to the original Foundation Aid funding formula, the state has under-funded Foundation Aid due to Pioneer by $61.8 million.
Mr. Silvaroli then explained some of the factors that are expected to be in play as Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature begin the work of shaping the New York State budget.
Pioneer expects to receive the governor’s proposed school aid figures soon. Mr. Silvaroli said he anticipates the district’s property tax cap to be around 2 percent. He said the plan for now calls for a continued pull-back on using the assigned fund balance to avoid future fiscal complications.
Improved funding of Foundation Aid would also help on the revenue side, he said. As for expenditures, the district can anticipate the typical number of staff retirements, as well as lower rates in the Teacher & Employee Retirement Systems.
Controlled growth in budgeted health insurance expense will lend a measure of stability, Mr. Silvaroli said. Special Education placements and services are uncertain areas, he warned, and have been increasing in recent years