On March 14, the nine ConVal towns will be the voting for the 2023-2024 school budget. The vote is a decision to be made thoughtfully, and we have information to help.

Here at ConVal, every year has its challenges, and this year is no different. We are still dealing with some ongoing issues: a slow but steady decline in the 6- to 18-year-old demographic that results in a drop in student enrollment, leading to decreased revenue. There are increasing security risks, aging facilities and a school configuration that requires attention – possibly major surgery. We are also experiencing inflation and cost increases, like other municipal budgets.

How does the 2023-2024 budget meet these challenges? We’ve added a school resource officer. We are working with federal and state agencies to evaluate and improve school security. We’re embarking on a multiyear program to develop a plan to renovate and modernize our high school and two middle schools, and we have approved the plans to begin the process of restructuring the district to improve both educational and financial health. The good news is our students and staff continue to excel.

Our proposed budget increase is 1.35 percent -- a remarkable achievement in the current inflationary environment that required a collaborative and creative approach from a hardworking administration. You can find a set of slides with budget highlights at convalsd.net. Additional articles are available  at schoolboard.convalsd.net/budget. There will also be a community forum on the budget on March 6 at Lucy HurlinTheatre.

Thank you in advance for your support of the proposed ConVal budget. We believe it addresses our district needs in a financially prudent manner while providing the excellence in education expected in the ConVal School District. We hope you agree.

Janine Lesser

ConVal School Board

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