Two meetings next week will sharpen the focus on school finances and state aid.
The first is next Wednesday at 7pm at Schoharie Elementary School and will target the district's budget stance. The second will be a regional meeting February 13 at Duanesburg to present information to legislators.
The meeting at Duanesburg High School on the 13th follows regional sessions held in January at Cobleskill-Richmondville and South Colonie.
The meeting is open to the public and starts at 6:3-0pm. The aim is to talk to legislators; Senators Jim Seward and Cecilia Tkaczyk and Assemblymen Pete Lopez and Angelo Santabarbara will attend.
Each legislator will give a perspective on the state budget and school aid, then will field questions from the audience.
"This is another in a series of opportunities for community members to receive accurate information about the negative impact of the Governor's proposed budget," Cobleskill-Richmondville Superintendent Lynn Macan said.
"It's an opportunity to speak directly with legislators to provide them with your thoughts and concerns."
Open to the public, the Schoharie meeting will "gather the community's input and priorities" as the district continues its budget process, Superintendent Brian Sherman said.
Compounding the tight finances this year is that Schoharie, like other districts, has a tax-levy limit of 1.46 percent.
How to stay within the limit and "underscore SCS's commitment to preserve--not diminish--educational programs" will be the key, Mr. Sherman said.
The meeting will open with preliminary budget information and a discussion of challenges and options for solving them.
The audience will then break into small groups to gather input, priorities and ideas about preserving programs.
Mr. Sherman is encouraging all to attend: parents, families, current and former students, faculty and staff, business owners, senior citizens, members of civic organizations and elected officials.