The proposed administrative budget of $7,042,814 is a 2.1 percent spending increase over the current year. The increase represents an average increase in assessment to component schools of 2.2 percent – less than 2.95 percent in the current year.

Over the past few years, the BOCES Central Office and Board of Education have made a concerted effort to reduce costs and develop the administrative and division budgets earlier in order to provide more accurate cost information to districts as they begin their own budget development. This year, the proposed 2009-10 administrative was presented to the BOCES Board of Education and school superintendents in November, a month earlier than last year and two months earlier than in years past.

"We're mindful of the downturn in the economy and the enormous challenges it poses for our component districts," said Mark Jones, BOCES assistant district superintendent for Management Services. "Given the economic uncertainty that surrounds us, we felt it was important to get out in front by communicating our administrative budget to our districts even earlier this year. Our budgets have been extremely lean over the last few years, and we feel that the budget we are proposing for next year reflects the current economic environment."

The administrative budget has two major components—current operations and post-employment benefits (retiree health care). Under Education Law, retiree costs must be placed in the administrative budget. The $146,050 administrative budget-to-budget increase represents an increase of $19,035 in current operations and a $127,015 increase in post-employment benefits costs. As a result of negotiated changes in health insurance during the 2007-08 school year, BOCES anticipates a $300,000 savings for the existing retiree pool.

BOCES' decision earlier this fiscal year to merge the Human Resources and Business Offices to form Management Services is also generating significant cost savings in the administrative budget. Under this reconfiguration, personnel were realigned to better serve the organization’s needs, resulting in a reduction of staff to support Central Office responsibilities. Staff reductions were accomplished through attrition and netted the organization savings of approximately $100,000 in salary and benefits.

Other factors affecting the administrative budget include a decrease in operational expenses for supplies, equipment travel, postage, conferences and contract service and maintenance. The Central Office has also implemented cost-reduction initiatives by making changes to the eligibility structure for benefits and streamlining hiring dates to occur after the 15th of the month to avoid paying the full month of health premiums.

For 2009-10, BOCES Administration will provide additional back-office services to support component school districts in the areas of energy management, negotiations and labor relations, regional transportation and cooperative purchasing.

"Quality 'back-office' support services are critical for the efficient and effective operations of schools," says Jones. "Despite the enormous cost pressures felt by schools, they are still required to deliver educational results at the same level. Our hope is to provide a viable alternative for schools to collaborate on the delivery of these critical functions. Every dollar saved here will allow districts to drive resources to direct educational delivery."

Capital budget

BOCES Annual Meeting

The BOCES Annual Meeting will be held on April 1, 2009, at the Albany Career and Tech campus. Planning for the evening is underway, and details will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

For more information about the administrative budget or annual meeting or any other questions you may have, please contact Assistant District Superintendent for Management Services Mark Jones at 862-4920.