Dec. 14, 2011—The Schalmont and Duanesburg school boards are working collaboratively find creative cost-saving options in light of the state’s budget crisis.

“The reality is schools cannot continue to operate the same way as they have in the past,” said Schalmont Superintendent Dr. Valerie Kelsey. “We need to provide the best education possible for all of our students in any way we can.”

Both districts are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the level of programs and services they currently offer in light of rising costs for health insurance, pension contributions and salaries in combination with decreasing enrollment and declining state aid. Additionally, living within the realities of a new property tax levy cap law will likely force more difficult budget decisions this year.

Following a joint workshop on Nov. 30, both school boards tentatively agreed to continue talks about the possibility of conducting a feasibility study for a shared bus garage and/or repair facility as well as begin piloting a program to share elective courses. Both items will need to be discussed further by each school board, separately.

“By exploring our options now, we’ll be one step closer to finding the best long-term solutions,” said Kelsey.

The workshop provided an opportunity for board members to learn more about their neighboring school district, ask questions, and brainstorm ways to maximize student learning. A similar conversation was held between the Schalmont and Mohonasen school boards this summer. Duanesburg will be having a similar conversation with the Schoharie school board in January 2012.

“Brainstorming is the best way to come up with new ideas,” said Duanesburg Superintendent Christine Crowley. “I applaud everyone for their willingness to talk.”

Conversations focus on shared bus facility, pilot program
Conducting a comprehensive feasibility study would help board members evaluate the potential cost-savings, if any, of a shared bus facility.

“If our bus facilities could be combined with another district and have no impact on our students and save taxpayers’ money, we’d consider this option,” said Crowley.

Both superintendents expressed concerns about the ability to continue funding low enrollment elective courses, which are beneficial to students going on to college. Next year, a pilot program could allow students to participate in a shared elective course via a high-tech camera installed on a classroom computer. This method would serve as an alternative to the distance learning labs, which are utilized fully in both districts and expensive to build.

“Even if we save nothing, we’ll be providing our students with opportunities they might not have otherwise had,” said Crowley.

Already sharing services
Both districts currently take advantage of ride-sharing opportunities for students traveling to vocational schools, private schools, special needs programs, sporting events and other school functions. Sharing transportation costs helps cut fuel and overtime costs, as well as wear and tear on vehicles in both school districts. In addition, the district’s split the cost of a Media Immersion Program open to sixth- through eighth-graders, which is facilitated by Proctor’s Theatre at Schalmont Middle School.

Board members also discussed the possibility of sharing services in the areas of transportation, business support services, administration, faculty and staff, special education, alternative education, professional development, athletics and academic programs.

“We want to show our communities that we’re finding ways to save money and preserve our existing programming,” said Sandra Beloncik, Schalmont’s board president. “We’re trying to be as creative as we can.”

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