OCSD 2021 Budget, School Reopening Plans Discussed During BOE Meeting

OSWEGO –   The Oswego City School District’s Administrative Budget was one of several items discussed during the first 2021 Board of Education meeting last night, Tuesday, January 5.

Superintendent Dr. Mathis Calvin III said the 2021 budget was created in such a way as to avoid excessive taxpayer increases while keeping flexibility within the budget codes. It also provides for emergencies while keeping enough cash flow available in case of state aid shortfalls.

The operational budget for 2021 is estimated to run at $8,148,648 – a reduction of $132,675 from 2020’s operating budget at $8,281,323.

Due to areas of diminished expenditures from the pandemic shutdown, retirements, and other key areas, budget modifications have been incorporated. For a complete breakdown of the 2021 budget during the meeting, please click here.

Lists of reduced areas are as follows:

• Chief of School Administrator – $105,662
• Business Administration – $28,790
• Tax Collector – $12,700
• Security – $4,165
• BOCES Administrative Costs – $165,310
• Supervision Special Programs – $14,467
• Supervision Regular School – $60,210

A proposed re-entry plan for in-person instruction at the Middle School and High School were also discussed during the Superintendent’s Report.

The School Planning Board Committee met on Dec. 22 to discuss and map out a workable in-person return for Middle School students – the tentative timeframe set for early February.  Preparations are dependent on the pandemic status at that time.

Reopening items include:

• A review of needed items for in-person return
• Masks will be worn at all times with scheduled/staggered mask breaks
• Students will stay in one classroom with teachers moving from class to class
• Breakfast and lunch will be served in the classroom
• Some classes will remain virtual
• Each student will have a new schedule

Remote learning for the district will continue until January 15, with a tentative return to in-person instruction on January 19.

An updated survey was sent to all parents/caregivers this morning asking for feedback surrounding student return to school. The survey is due back by January 15. Athletics are on hold until January 19 and the Athletic Director is communicating with parents on plans for future sporting activities.

“Even though we’re right now in remote learning, we have continued to plan for when the time does come for additional students to be able to come back. So, in terms of the Middle School and the High School, I want you to know that we are certainly making progress,” Calvin said. “The goal is to return as many of our students as possible for in-person learning as soon as we can. I want the Board to know that we are in the process, and have been in the process of really, in addition to planning for kids coming back, also making sure that when they do come back, they are safe.”

An overview of the Capital Improvement Project was discussed, with 94% of the work completed. An update on the flood plain and remediation of Wilbur Field was also covered. The following is the project timetable:

• Submit documents to the New York State Education Department for Expedited Approval: mid-January 2021
• Bid: February 2021
• Contracts/Construction: mid-February – April 2021
• Complete/Close out: April 2021
• Final Cost reports: May 2021
• Presumed Aid Receipt: 2022

All items on the agenda were unanimously passed by the Board. To view the January 5 agenda, please click here. All BOE meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually, viewable on YouTube at WBUC.

Print this entry