Oswego Rotary Club Learns About School Budget

On May 12 Dr. Raymond Kilmer III, Superintendent of Oswego Schools, spoke to the Oswego Rotary Club. He talked about the proposed budget and the process to reach it. This process and the proposed budget reflect the mission, vision and core values of the Oswego City School District and is done with the purpose of always putting students first. The budget maintains all student programming for both academic and extracurricular activities.
The budget is comprised of three components: program, administrative and capital. Dr. Kilmer explained that the proposed budget includes 1.3 million dollars in cuts. 20 positions will be cut, 18 of which are by attrition. Capital projects are budget neutral which means they have no tax impact. The funding comes from aid and capital reserves. Because of socio-economic conditions the aid ratio is higher, which maximizes the amount of work that can be reimbursed.
The budget also provides for the purchase of new buses. Dr, Kilmer explained that it was district policy to replace 9 buses each year. The cost is offset by aid and savings on maintenance.
The district is also working with Senator Ryan to get an extension on the State’s electric bus mandate. The reason is that it’s one of two districts in the State within 10 miles of a nuclear plant. The evacuation plan put in place by FEMA requires Oswego school buses to be used to transport people to the New York State Fairgrounds. This would be impossible to do in a timely fashion with electric buses.
The budget vote as well as election of 3 school board members will be May 19. Polls will be open from 9am-9pm. For more detailed information on the budget go to www.oswego.org.

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