To the Editor:

As the budget planning season begins for the 2016-17 school year, the Potsdam Central School Finance Committee intends to periodically publish informational columns. Our goal is to inform concerned residents about budget issues both specific to PCS and more generally at the state and federal level. We would like to create dialogue about community needs, priorities, and expectations.

We want to help people better understand the financial and legislative challenges schools face, as well as how schools are funded and how local taxpayer money is spent. District financial decisions are not made capriciously or arbitrarily; many laws govern expenditures and local control is limited. We hope to encourage community involvement in the budget process, foster understanding and trust in district administration, and inspire advocacy on behalf of our school.

To date, PCS faces a $500,000 deficit for next school year; decisions will need to be made. Our next finance committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m. in the high school library and is open to the public.

Rachel Wallace

Chair, Finance Committee, Potsdam Central Schools