Dear Lancaster Family and Friends...

We in education have a catch phrase we use regarding annual budget communications. "The first number sticks," suggests that once a figure is published in the paper or on television–regarding tax rate, state aid, or other fiscal measures–that is the number that 'sticks' in the minds of constituents.

Case in point, a few years ago, early in the budget process, it was discussed at a board meeting that if all requests were met in the proposed budget, the result would be a 'double digit tax increase.' The media picked up on that statement, decrying Lancaster's proposed double-digit tax increase. It took weeks to dispel that misinformation, and with our best efforts, there were still folks who came to the polls with a double-digit increase in mind.

Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo released his school aid proposal and the local media reported a statewide 4 percent increase. The same article also reported an 8.61 percent increase for Lancaster. On the surface, these would appear to be attractive figures.

Before those numbers 'stick,' however, I would like to clarify that the governor's figures include reimbursement for transportation expenditures. Transportation aid estimates are based on the best information that the state has at the time. When aid is paid the following year, reimbursement is based on actual expenditures, not estimates. With last year as an example, the state projected $6,439,073 in transportation reimbursement and included that in the total aid formula. In reality, we received $5,053,021. Using that same basis to calculate reimbursement for this year, the governor's office estimates $6,509,948 in transportation aid. Experience tells us we will receive closer to $5,100,000. In other words, our aid increase will likely be far lower than what was reported in the news.

The point is, it is too early for us to release any concrete numbers. The next steps are for the legislature to weigh in on the governor's proposal and for all sides to agree on a state budget. Then, we will know with more certainty how much aid we are going to receive.

In the meantime, the board of education will begin budget work sessions on February 6. At work sessions, board members have an opportunity to hear from department heads regarding budget requests. In the interest of transparency, I urge you to attend budget work sessions and watch for posts on our website. When the board of education has adopted a budget that we think is fiscally sound and does our best to safeguard the integrity of Lancaster's education system, those will be the numbers that 'stick' and we will publish those figures on our website and in Your Lancaster Schools and put them to the public for a vote.