The Pioneer Board of Education got its first look at the overall general fund budget for 2020-21, a proposal that totals $59,007,542.
Assistant superintendent Nick Silvaroli reviewed the final few areas of the plan at the board's March 3 regular meeting. Those categories include Salaries & Benefits, Transportation, Debt Service, and BOCES.
Mr. Silvaroli said the budget as proposed:
- maintains existing programs and services
- transitions a speech therapist from BOCES to Pioneer
- reduces an elementary teaching position based on enrollment
- increases building discretionary budget slightly
- increases the Buildings & Grounds budget by $4,000
- increases the Technology equipment replacement budget (BOCES) by $10,000
As it stands right now, Mr. Silvaroli said the proposed budget has a shortfall of $161,912. However, the state Legislature and Governor Cuomo's office are still negotiating the final details of next year's budget, including education aid.
"There's a good chance we will see some funding restored," Mr. Silvaroli said.
Further presentations on the 2020-21 budget are planned at regular meetings on March 17 and April 7, with the board scheduled to take final action on the proposal at its April 21 meeting.