It Is Time To Come Together – A Statement By The BCSD Interim Superintendent

Dear Berlin Central School District Residents:
The Berlin Central School District Board of Education unanimously adopted a proposed budget for 2011-12 of $17,374,400. This is $907,316 less than the 2010-11 budget. For the third year in a row there will be no increase in the tax levy which means a 0% tax increase. The budget also includes the lowest use of fund balance when compared to neighboring Rensselaer County Schools. The process to develop this budget took a great deal of time and effort by the Board of Education, faculty, staff, administration and others. Many difficult decisions had to be made, including cuts and reductions.
The cuts include five teaching assistants, one curriculum coordinator, the Middle School Summer Program, several extra-curricular clubs/teams that have not been utilized and a .2 reduction in the Treasurer’s position. Reductions were made in BOCES Services, contractual codes, supply codes and textbook codes plus several others. The cuts and reductions will result in a lean program but one that will allow the school to educate its students and reflect the economic difficulties of our community.
I want to make an appeal to the community. It is time to put the past behind you. It is time to stop the constant attacks, constant criticism and endless efforts to create villains. It is time for every group and part of our community to come together to address the needs of our community and its school. Turn off those who thrive on chaos and bickering. Turn to each other to make the Berlin Central School District Community and its school into what it can be and should be. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brian Howard, Interim Superintendent of Schools