Community Budget Meeting - January 29, 2004

January, 13, 2004

Education has always been a top priority in our community. Factors such as increased enrollment, escalating employee pension and health care costs, New York State financial uncertainties, and the impact of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit are combining to make school district budgeting increasingly difficult. As we begin our discussion of the 2004-05 school year operating budget, the Chappaqua Board of Education would like to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding the school district.

The Board has scheduled a special public meeting to discuss budget issues and is inviting local leaders throughout the community to attend. This Community Budget Meeting, the first of its kind, will be held on Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bell Middle School. The discussion will include an overview of the 2003-04 school district budget to familiarize you with the structure and mechanics of school district finances. Items, issues and trends expected to impact the 2004-05 budget will be highlighted. An open discussion between the Board and community members will follow.

This Community Budget Meeting will mark the beginning of the 2004-05 budget development process. The School Board is very interested in obtaining your input prior to developing the budget. Regular public meetings and budget work sessions will take place throughout February and March. The Board will adopt the 2004-05 budget at its April 13 meeting. Public vote on the budget will take place Tuesday, May 18. Two mailings are planned to inform the community about budget issues and to provide extensive budget information prior to the May 18 vote. As always, community participation throughout the budget development process is welcome and encouraged.

We hope you will participate in this important Community Meeting on January 29. Please feel free to contact any Board member in advance if you have questions. Our email address is board@ccsd.ws. Background materials are available at www.ccsd.ws.

Sincerely,

Ken Godshall, President
Lisa Davis, Vice-President
Janet Benton
Paul Good
Susan Habermann