In times of uncertainty, we need local leadership |
On Board Online • March 16, 2015
By Christine Schnars
AREA 3 DIRECTOR
Beyond a doubt, it's been one of the worst winters I can remember. Snow and cold are nothing new for us New Yorkers, but this season the weather has been relentless. It seems that as soon as one storm or blast of cold subsides, another one hits. This is not unlike what we as board members are facing this budget season. Like winter, budgets are always a challenge. But, this year, the chill is deeper.
Of course we can all recall tough years - years when we've made hard decisions and talked ourselves hoarse about the unfairness of unfunded mandates, inadequate state and federal funding and a 2 percent tax cap that, in most cases, turns out to be less than 2 percent. We've educated our communities and our legislators about the gap elimination adjustment that reduces our state allocations as well as the fact that aid formulas don't work well for most of us.
What's different this year is a high level of uncertainty. Changes in leadership at the State Education Department and in the state Assembly leave us all wondering what changes will follow. The governor's State of the State address and his budget proposals leave us still wondering what aid levels to expect. Unlike the governor, we do not view state aid runs as something less than essential for budgetary planning. NYSSBA has been a strong voice in Albany calling for state officials to provide reliable guidance for individual districts for use in the budgeting process. In the meantime, lack of reliable information could trigger a lot of worst-case scenario planning. The stress caused and distraction from the mission of educating children is significant. For instance, some of us have collective bargaining agreements that require advance notice of potential layoffs. Even if that doesn't happen, such notices can cause emotional damage and hurt morale.
So what are we to do? What is the school leadership equivalent of boots, wool coats and mittens? How can school boards be suppliers of elixirs akin to anti-freeze and rock salt? The answer is for us to remember that schools are full of human beings. Looking out for each other is how we survive tough winters, and it's how we can survive the budget season.
In times of uncertainty, the wisdom of having locally elected leaders is clear. School boards can provide needed sources of confidence. After all, nobody knows our schools and communities any better than we do. We can acknowledge uncertainty but inspire trust that cool heads will do what's best for our students, parents and taxpayers.
I hope you have a strong, functional board, because it's a terrible time for boards to be discordant. While debate on budgetary issues is unavoidable, and even desirable, I hope your discussions come in the context of a board that works to solve problems in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Likewise, we need to have trust and good working relationships with our key officials, including our superintendents and school business officials. When it's cold outside, it's even more important not to be cold inside. Keep in mind that NYSSBA's Leadership Development staff can help. You may just need a sympathetic ear on the phone, or maybe you need a custom board retreat.
Another way to fight the frigid cold is to be resourceful. Engage your superintendent and school business officials in meaningful discussions about the state of your district's finances and budgetary assumptions. Multiple scenarios probably will have to be considered. While boards need to provide guidance to these officials, the reverse is also true. Listen to the experts.
And, last but not least, we need to support each other through advocacy. We can work together to persuade and educate our legislators so that they understand what we're facing as we try to provide an education to the children of New York State.
Even if you are new to school board service, be sure to have at least one conversation with a state legislator this session. One of the benefits of NYSSBA membership is easy access to governmental relations experts who can give you facts to inform your advocacy. But the most powerful stories may be the one you tell about the situation in your school district.
So, it's been a hard winter. The temperatures have been in a deep freeze, and so has budget information from Albany. By the time you read this, I hope you will hear birds, see glimpses of green leaves and grass and feel in your bones that spring has arrived.
Be optimistic. When May rolls around and we present our budget proposals to the voters, the climate may be very different.