Board of Education members are entrusted with making decisions that ensure the financial health of our schools-not just for today, but for the years ahead. That requires foresight, leadership, and the willingness to make tough decisions, even when they may not be politically convenient.
Unfortunately, under Board President Donna Carey, the approach has been to kick the can down the road instead of facing fiscal realities head-on.
This year, instead of making the necessary adjustments to align the district’s budget with available funding, she is pulling $275,000 from the district’s reserves to cover budget shortfalls. That’s not responsible budgeting-it’s a temporary patch that delays the problem until next year, when the hole will be even bigger.
How Did We Get Here?
Last year, Donna Carey and Tony Alfano pushed for a 0% tax increase, voting against the budget that would have provided a more stable financial foundation for the district. While keeping taxes flat may sound appealing, it does not change the reality of rising costs in education.
Now, with unavoidable expenses still needing to be covered, the district is being forced to dip into reserves-funds meant for emergencies, not as a substitute for responsible long-term financial planning.
A responsible leader does one of two things:
- ✅ Adjust spending to match the district’s actual revenue, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and within available means.
- ✅ Have an honest conversation about revenue, including whether tax adjustments are necessary to maintain key services.
❌ What you don’t do
Deplete reserves just to avoid making difficult choices-because that only sets up the next board, and ultimately the taxpayers, for a bigger financial crisis down the line.
Tough decisions must be made when they arise, not postponed until the situation worsens. True fiscal responsibility means planning ahead, making adjustments where necessary, and being honest with the community about the district’s financial realities.
Under strong leadership, the Board of Education shouldn’t be spending tomorrow’s money to fund today’s budget.
🚨 It’s time for leadership that puts fiscal responsibility first. 🚨
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