CLINTONVILLE — The AuSable Valley Central School District has received a financial boost as it works to tackle its budget woes.
Assemblymember Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) said he secured funding for various educational programs throughout the 115th district recently, including $100,000 for AVCSD.
AVCSD Superintendent of Schools Mike Francia shared his excitement about the funding in a statement Tuesday.
“We are extremely grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for securing $100,000 in Bullet Aid for AuSable Valley Central School District,” Francia said.
“Earlier this fall, members of our Board of Education and I had the opportunity to meet with Assemblyman Cashman and discuss the financial challenges facing rural school districts. He took the time to listen, understand our concerns and advocate on our behalf.”
The announcement came after the state legislative session concluded late last week.
“I am especially proud of the $100,000 I was able to designate to the AuSable Valley Central School District,” Cashman said.
“The district has been strained with the realities that come with being a rural school district, and these monies will assist with various educational experiences within the district. I will continue to engage with school leadership from across the district to better understand their needs and goals in advance of next year’s budget.”
In May, AVCSD’s proposed school budget went to a vote, and taxpayers shut it down handily. At the time, the district asked voters to approve a budget that included a 12% tax levy increase in its proposed $38,605,400 plan.
If approved, taxpayers would have paid $2,011,560 more than they did last year, but the district could have continued with regular programs and educational opportunities without making substantial reductions in staff.
After failing to pass that budget, the district created a revised budget that has less of a financial burden on taxpayers but made staff reductions.
The revised budget vote is set for June 16.
If it fails to pass, further reductions in staff and programming will take place, including a complete elimination of all AVCSD athletics.
TOTAL FUNDING
In total, Cashman said he was able to secure $255,000 for six different organizations that support early and adult education throughout the North Country.
The allocations include:
— $100,000 to AVCSD for various educational programs.
— $50,000 to Clinton Community College for the Pathways for Women to Careers in Technology and Manufacturing program.
— $40,000 to the North Country Chamber of Commerce for on-the-job training activities.
— $25,000 to Lake Placid Association for Music, Drama and Art for the Art of the Olympians Program.
— $20,000 to John Brown Lives! for the annual Adirondack Family Book Festival.
— $20,000 to the 1814 Commemoration for the annual Battle of Plattsburgh events.
“From events that introduce the importance of literacy at an early age to on-the-job training for adult learners, each of these organizations puts on incredibly important programs, and I am proud to have continued to bring resources back to the North Country,” Cashman said.