The Schoharie Board of Education will host a forum about the fiscal challenges facing local schools tonight, Wednesday, at 7pm in the High School cafeteria.
This is the first of two forums designed to involve all members of the Schoharie community in discussions about issues that will affect students, schools and taxpayers next year.
At the first forum, participants will discuss how to address a projected $1 million gap for the 2012-13 school budget while still meeting local priorities for students' education. They will also discuss how to maintain or enhance educational programs despite ongoing budget challenges.
This idea was at the heart of the school board's recent decision to join neighboring districts in applying for a feasibility grant to study the possibilities for shared services and/or consolidation.
The school board will host a second forum on different topics on Wednesday, March 21.
At both forums, participants will engage in small-group discussions led by independent facilitators. The school board will then use participants' feedback as it crafts a 2012-13 school budget proposal.
To attend either forum, RSVP at www.schoharie schools.org/Forumrsvp.htm or 295-6679. All those who provide an e-mail address when they RSVP will receive discussion materials in advance of each forum.