Cobleskill-Richmondville leaders received early input on the 2012-13 school budget last week.
But at the same time, many of the 50 or so attending Wednesday's budget forum hope C-R leaders heed that input.
Held in the high school library, the forum was C-R's attempt to get public opinion about the budget before budget construction actually begins. Last year, hundreds turned out to protest cuts in the proposed 2011-12 budget when it was almost too late to make drastic changes.
Those at the forum broke into small groups to focus on two questions: whether C-R should seek to override the two-percent tax levy cap; and what is valued most in school programming and extra-curricular activities.
Many at the forum agreed that surpassing the cap, which would require 60-percent voter approval in May, was worth a try if the spending benefited students and if the measure was clearly explained to voters.
But some felt it was too early to discuss overriding the cap without more information.
"It's kind of premature to ask that question without saying what the extra spending is for," one forum participant said afterwards.
"If it's for students, fine. If it's for administration, forget it."
Another participant agreed.
"Tell us why we'd be paying more," she said. "Without specifics, it's too early to ask that question. We have no idea what we're looking at."
As for the second question, many opted for a "well-rounded education" with depth and breadth to prepare students not only for college, but for life in general.
A few at the forum, however, believed they pushed for just those ideas last year and were rebuffed by the school board. Cuts in electives, sports and music--considered by many to help students be "well-rounded"--went through despite public protests.
"People put a lot of effort into getting information to the school board last year, we got the feeling that nobody was listening," a forum participant said.
Another at Wednesday's forum voiced the same feelings.
"I think a lot of what was said last year fell on deaf ears," she said. "Are you listening this year?"
Looking back at the forum, Superintendent Lynn Macan said board members timed the session early enough in the process so that they could use the input while building the budget.
"That's why the forum took the form and time it had," she said. "It gives the board the opportunity early in the process, not later."
As budget-building continues, C-R will develop a budget carrying over all programs from this year to next, Ms. Macan said.
Also, there will be a list of priorities--electives, sports and music, for example--that might be extra costs if C-R exceeded the tax-levy cap. Conversely, there will likely be a similar list showing what would be cut, and the costs, to bring a tax increase to zero, Ms. Macan said.
That pleased one forum participant.
"Show me what you're going to do with the money," he said. "Give me an itemized list."
Generally satisfied with the forum to get budget talks started, Ms. Macan said C-R may hold similar sessions as budget numbers become clearer.
"We're grateful to the people who took time out of their schedules to share their thoughts with us," she said.
"We value the opinions of our community, and we hope they will continue to remain active throughout the budget process."
Other suggestions and points from the forum included:
•Develop a marketing plan that explains the budget, tax-levy cap, programs and proposed cuts in simple language.
•Use stories and "put a face" on an issue to illustrate problems and successes.
•Have cuts spread more evenly; cut all programs in one department a little instead of eliminating one altogether.
•Keep the public abreast of the budget process as it develops.
•Explain unfunded mandates and how they affect the budget and student programs.