Sound financial practices, community input keys to budget
HOWARD S. SMITH Williamsville School Superintendent
With the holiday season as the backdrop, this is a busy time of year for all of us.

It also marks the time when public school districts across New York State are immersed in the challenge of developing fiscal plans for the upcoming school year.

A goal set by the Williamsville Board of Education last August was to develop a fiscally responsible budget that “reflects the values of the community, sustains and enhances the educational program and is supported by the community.”

Our objective is actually twofold: to build a fiscal plan that will keep moving the district forward, directing as many resources as possible to the classroom; and to develop a budget that our community can, and will, support in May.

Continued community input is vital. The Board of Education and I encourage community involvement in the budget development process to assure that the values of this community are reflected in the decisions we make on behalf of our students. I encourage residents to ask questions, attend board meetings and understand the facts as the district’s 2007-08 spending plan evolves.

Educating the public about issues that will have an effect on our schools, including the proposed spending plan, is an essential aspect of the district’s budget development process. We all know that quality schools help protect the value of our property. Currently, a major area of concern beyond the control of the three school districts in the Town of Amherst is the Town Board’s recent decision to discontinue its practice of annual full value property assessment.

This decision to abandon its full assessment model and surrender its share of related state aid for this process will negatively impact the school property tax levy in the town as well as exemptions received by eligible taxpayers. According to information posted online by the NYS Office of Real Property Services (www.orps.state.ny.us), keeping assessments up-to-date each year is essential for fair tax distribution.

The ORPS indicates that when property is assessed at market value, it is easier for taxpayers to determine the equitability of their assessments. The Amherst, Sweet Home and Williamsville Central School District superintendents are working together to research in more detail the potential impact that the town’s action will have on property taxpayers. The school districts plan to communicate again with the supervisor and the Town Board in the hopes of mitigating the negative impact of this decision.

In Williamsville, the district has invested wisely in order to help all children succeed. From a financial perspective, the community can be confident that its investment in our school system is sound. The recent audit conducted by Lumsden & McCormick, LLP confirmed the sound financial status of our schools, the result of keen fiscal management led by Thomas Maturski, assistant superintendent for finance and management services, the administrative team, and an elected Board of Education, all of whom take their jobs as stewards of your tax dollars very seriously. The district’s strong financial status will prove helpful as the Board of Education and I move forward with the very thoughtful and well-planned budget development process.

During this holiday season, I encourage you to take time to enjoy your family and friends. My best wishes for health and happiness in the New Year.