Dear Lake George Community Members,
As we approach the upcoming budget vote, I want to take this opportunity to share the key priorities and initiatives that are reflected in our proposed 2024-25 budget. Our primary goal is to maintain the high-quality educational programs and services that our students and families have come to expect, while being fiscally responsible and addressing the evolving needs of our district.
The proposed spending plan maintains all programs and services while introducing enhancements, such as the Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK), to better meet the needs of our youngest learners. Overall, the proposal makes the commitment to preserve the wide range of instructional, athletic, safety, and co-curricular programs that enrich the educational experience for our students.
Investing in our teachers and staff is an investment in our students’ futures. The proposed budget includes provisions for professional development opportunities focused on areas such as math instruction, phonics, and instructional technology. By equipping our educators with the latest pedagogical strategies and tools, we ensure that our students receive high-quality instruction.
Investing in our young learners
We recognize the importance of early childhood education and have secured state and local funding for our UPK program. Additionally, we’ve allocated resources for a new K-5 phonics and phonemic awareness program. This evidence-based approach will nurture strong reading and writing skills, fostering a love of reading and empowering our students to become thoughtful readers.
We understand the importance of providing our students with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on experiences. The proposed budget allocates funds for supplies and resources to support our K-12 Vex programming, fostering critical thinking, problem- solving, and innovation.
Innovation for the future
The proposed budget includes provisions for software and hardware upgrades, emphasizing cybersecurity measures to safeguard our systems and data. Additionally, we will continue supporting the annual replacement cycles of instructional technology for our students. Also included in the proposal is field grooming equipment, to better ensure our athletic fields and grounds are maintained to our community’s high standards, and a new dishwasher in the Jr.-Sr. High School to replace the existing 18-year- old failing dishwasher.
We have earmarked $100,000 for capital outlay projects. The capital outlay funds will address door security hardware and replacements in the Jr.-Sr. High School, along with gymnasium enhancements which include refinishing the gymnasium floor and paint. Our gymnasium serves as a versatile space for various educational and community events, and it is essential to keep it in optimal condition.
In response to declining enrollment trends, we have made strategic staffing reductions through attrition and reduction in force. Since 2008, we have eliminated 49.1 positions from our workforce, representing a 22% reduction in our overall staffing. In the last year, to coincide with declining enrollment, eight positions were reduced this year through attrition. These difficult decisions were made to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our district, while minimizing the impact on our educational programs.
We understand that balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of our students and community is a delicate task. However, we believe that the proposed budget strikes a thoughtful balance, prioritizing educational excellence, safety and technological advancements through responsible resource allocation.
We encourage you to review the detailed budget information included throughout this flyer. You can find additional information regarding the 2024-25 budget by scanning the QR code (above) or by visiting our website at www.lkgeorge.org.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our district and student success as we strive to provide the best educational opportunities.
Sincerely,
John Luthringer
2024-25 Proposed Budget Information
Click here to view the 2024-25 Proposed Budget Post Card.
Click here to view 2024-25 Budget Information Page and B.O.E Election Information
Click here to view updated information on the Transportation Facility Capital Project