State Senator Richard Dollinger addresses the Spencerport School Board. Pictured, Superintendent Phillip Langton (in foreground) and board members Laura McFarlane and David Dorofy.

The Spencerport Board of Education has invited two state lawmakers to address the Spencerport School Board on December 11. Senator George Maziarz and Assemblyman Charles Nesbitt will discuss legislative matters of educational importance as board members begin the budget process. Maziarz and Nesbitt's visit follows a similar one at the November 13 board meeting by State Senator Richard Dollinger, who discussed projections for state aid for education. Because of the events of September 11 and the national economic downturn, Dollinger says schools will probably not receive any increase in state aid for the next few years.

As the Spencerport School District begins developing the budget for the 2002-2003 school year, Superintendent Phillip W. Langton says, "This next budget process will be challenging. The financial situation at the state level could make it extremely difficult for schools. However, we will do what is necessary to maintain the district's educational program and to meet state mandates while controlling costs." Board members are using the time with lawmakers to ask tough budget questions and advocate for local taxpayers. According to district officials, some of the challenges facing the Spencerport School District are:

• In the spring of 2001, the state informed the district it would receive a grant to reduce class sizes in the primary grades, and additional teachers were hired. However, the state has informed the district that it will not be receiving the funds as promised.
• State aid for special education has been frozen, but federal and state mandates have resulted in a significant increase in costs for public schools.
• The state budget froze BOCES aid to schools, resulting in a loss of projected revenue for Spencerport.