OR School Board asks budget panel to keep them updated, and be fiscally responsible

As reported by Roni Reino in Foster's today, the Advisory Budget Committee held a workshop with the Oyster River school board last night to review the upcoming budget season and goals.  Compared to the past, it seems as if we have strong support from BOTH the administration and the board about being open, informed, and transparent heading into the budget season.  

New superintendent Leon Levesque commented - "If we can tap into resources in the community to help use, we welcome that. It's all about being clear about what we're developing and communicating that."  

It took over three years to develop and approve an Advisory Budget Committee after being dismissed as "too much work" by former board members.  The community will start seeing the benefits this season as the committee has just over one year under its belt and heading into its second budgetary season.

DURHAM — School Board members are asking Advisory Budget Committee members to keep them updated throughout the fiscal year 2013 budget, while remembering to be fiscally responsible.

At the Wednesday workshop session, members of both groups discussed what makes a good budget process and what needs to change.
School Board member Krista Butts asked ABC members to bring forward a potential reductions list throughout the process so that the Board can figure out what will and what won't work in the final budget. Seeing a list of line items can get stressful, she said, adding without explanation along the way, it would be hard to just see an item and not know the reason for the proposed cut.
"It's get a little overwhelming for me to look at a laundry list," she said.

Superintendent Leon Levesque said he wants to keep a conversation going with all three towns.

"My sense is we have a big job ahead of us," he said. "If we can tap into resources in the community to help use, we welcome that. It's all about being clear about what we're developing and communicating that."

Member Ann Wright suggested the ABC work with the administration throughout the process to help keep everyone on track.

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