Lewis Proposes School Budget Solution to School Board, Common Council, Mayor and Superintendent
August 17, 2001
Laurie Menkin
Syracuse Board of Education President
Dear President Menkin:
Today, I am recommending that the City take immediate action to resolve the budget crisis the City School District is facing.
The budget approved by the Board of Education and the Common Council was based upon an assumption of receiving $12.2 million more in State Aid than the previous fiscal year. However, the Baseline Budget adopted by the Legislature last week provides $8 million less than the amount expected by the School District.
As a result, the School District has begun the process of contingency planning, which involves reducing and eliminating some education programs. All members of the Syracuse community are affected by the budget shortfall. With only three weeks before the start of school, parents, students and teachers need assurance that our schools will have the critical resources available for all students when the doors open on September 5th. If our schools continue to face perpetual financial uncertainty, many families will question the priorities of our City. Even more "for sale" signs will appear on front lawns.
As a candidate for Mayor, I have proposed a four-year budget plan entitled "Serious Solutions for Serious Problems." This plan calls for the City and the School District to work together to address the present crisis and prevent similar situations in the future. Although the School District may receive additional funds in a Supplemental Budget from the State, the City must be prepared to make up any remaining deficit.
The City has accumulated substantial reserves of over $16 million. I call on the City to use a portion of the available fund balance to rectify the current crisis, rather than relying solely on the State. Setting aside $8 million of reserve funds will allow the City School District to balance its budget and assure the community that the City is committed to providing a quality education for every child. The plan demonstrates clearly that the financial base of the City and the School District can be reestablished if the current year crisis can be solved.
When this action is taken, several positive results will benefit all the participants:
- This year’s budget crisis will be resolved without the elimination of any programs
- The City and the School District will form a vital, long-term partnership with the City accepting new responsibility to support education locally
- Future crises will be prevented through the preparation of multi-year budgets
- Consolidation of administrative units of the City and the School District will begin, increasing efficiency and providing cost savings
- The resources will be available for a three-year construction program to modernize schools
I call upon the City to take decisive action. The vitality of the City of Syracuse is dependent upon a strong, vibrant school district. With a quality urban school system, we will encourage local homeowners and businesses to remain in Syracuse, while attracting new families and companies to the area. We are in a serious situation, but there is hope if immediate action is taken and a strong working partnership is formed between the City and the School District.
If you would like to discuss the details of my plan to solve this year’s budget shortfall or my comprehensive four-year plan, call me at 463-9064 or visit my website www.minchlewis.com. Together, let us assure all Syracusans that education is a priority and that we are willing to enact serious solutions for serious problems.
Sincerely,
Minch Lewis
Syracuse Mayoral Candidate