Education in Schalmont is designed to help students meet high standards in basic subject areas and advanced specialties so they can successfully compete for colleges and jobs. The Schalmont community is facing some financial constraints, but it is important that students not lose the educational opportunities made possible in recent years. For that reason, the 2008-09 school budget proposal maintains and expands existing instructional programs.

• Continue to provide high school students with:

  • Classes in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) pre-engineering program (expand to all four grades)

  • Advanced Placement (AP) classes in Calculus, English, Java, and U.S. History

  • Distance learning options in psychology, sociology, French, computer science, theater arts, and Mandarin Chinese

  • The opportunity to take courses for college credit from Schenectady County Community College, SUNY Albany and Syracuse University

• Continue to provide middle school students with:

  • Classes in the Gateway to Technology program (expand to sixth and seventh grades)

  • Access to accelerated math and science programs

• At the elementary schools, continue the:

  • Rollout of the Everyday Mathematics program (expand to kindergarten through third grade)

  • Elementary Literacy Initiative designed to have all students reading at a third-grade level by third grade

  • Summer Literacy Program for incoming first-, second- and third-graders receiving remedial reading services (funded by a grant)

  • Math and Science Summer Academy for incoming fourth- and fifth-graders (funded by a grant)

• Continue to give students access to occupational education opportunities through BOCES

• Continue to participate in Tech Valley High School (Last year’s student will return for 10th grade and a new student will enter ninth grade.)

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Budget focus area #2: Take Cost-saving Measures and Make Cuts

The proposed budget includes several measures that would help lower the cost to operate the district. It also includes cuts in instructional positions due to declining enrollment and the merger of some non-instructional positions where appropriate.

• Continue to participate in Schenectady County schools buying consortium for savings on bus parts, cafeteria food and supplies, computer supplies, paper, trash removal, etc.

• Continue to participate in BOCES energy consortium for savings in natural gas and electricity

• Continue an energy savings plan at all buildings

• Due to declining enrollment, cut 1 FTE position at the MS and 1.2 FTE at the HS

• Continue to combine supervisor of transportation and supervisor of buildings/grounds positions

• Provide stipend for head mechanic instead of filling bus repair supervisor position

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Budget focus area #3: Increase Fiscal Responsibility

The 2008-09 school budget proposal includes several measures designed to ensure the ongoing financial health of the district. Some measures are required by law, and others are based on recommendations from the state or independent auditors.

• Continue the Schalmont Board of Education Audit Committee

• Continue to implement GASB 45, a government accounting standard related to future costs for retiree benefits

• Continue the Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund and the Retirement System Reserve Fund

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Budget focus area #4: Maintain and Update Facilities

In 2006, the Facilities Committee developed a comprehensive maintenance and renovation plan that was integral in the creation of the Bond 2007 capital project. The capital project was approved by voters in October 2007.

• Capital project plans under review at the New York State Education Department

• Work scheduled to begin in 2008 and be completed in 2010

• No budget impact until 2009-10

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Budget focus area #5: Continue to Improve Security

The Schalmont Safety Committee – whose members include local safety professionals from the police and fire departments, Schalmont parents, a student, a board member, and school personnel – makes recommendations for the continual improvement of the Schalmont Districtwide School Safety Plan. Their recommendations helped shape security improvements included in the proposed budget. 

• Add exterior security cameras, door alarms, security sensors, and building access key fobs at all three elementary schools

• Install security cameras in computer labs at the high school (three classroom labs, distance learning lab and library lab)