With New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s state budget proposal expected by the end of January, Clymer Central School has begun the work on developing their 2025-2026 school year budget.

Work began during the January Board of Education meeting, and will continue throughout the next three months. Superintendent Beth Olson said that over the next three months the district will be carefully reviewing all aspects of district operations and instructional programming to create a comprehensive and fiscally responsible budget for the local community.

Currently, the budget planning is moving forward with assuming there will be no increase in state aid compared to the 2024-2025 school year.

“While this is a challenging and disappointing scenario for budget development, it is preferable to the proposed ‘Save Harmless’ take backs from last year,” Olson said. “Under that proposal, Clymer was projected to lose over $800,000 in state aid due to the elimination of ‘Save Harmless’ funding.”

“Save Harmless” is a state program meant to guarantee school districts the same amount of Foundation Aid from the state that they have received in the past, and a policy that also shields districts with declining enrollment from losing state funding. During the last budget cycle, Governor Hochul sought to effectively end that provision, but the proposal was rebuffed by state lawmakers.

Also during the Clymer Board of Education meeting the board discussed looking for a new Director of Facilities, a role held by Richard Luke for the past four and a half years, who’s resignation was accepted during the January meeting and is effective as of Jan. 22.

Olson said the school will now be taking the time to find the right person to take over the position.

“We recognize the importance of this position, and although the transition may be challenging, we will take the time necessary to find the right person for the role,” Olson said.