Thank You SCSD Community!

June 17, 2020
To the Skaneateles Community:

We write to report the results of Tuesday night's school vote tally, including the three propositions and the two school board seats.  While the vote normally occurs on the third Tuesday of May, by COVID-19 executive order, the vote was moved to June 9 and further extended until June 16.  All voting was conducted by absentee ballot, with ballots opened and scanned tonight for official results.

The proposed 2020-21 Skaneateles school budget of $34M passed with a vote of 1937 yes and 628 no.  The proposition to purchase four school buses passed with a vote of 1841 yes and 731 no.  The proposition to establish a capital reserve fund to be funded in future years passed with a vote of 1950 yes and 614 no.  In the field of five candidates for two board seats, Gary Gerst with 1436 votes and Daniel Evans with 1397 votes earned three-year terms.  While not being elected, Michelle Ederer received 1108 votes, Valerie Jerabeck received 563 votes, and Ezra Wegbreit received 419 votes.  Congratulations to all five individuals in their willingness to serve as unpaid volunteers on the board.

The Skaneateles Board of Education would like to express sincere appreciation to all who voted.  With the economy in great difficulty and so many out of work, the school district is especially grateful to receive support from residents this year.  Every tax dollar spent on the Skaneateles school system stays within the community for education of local students.

An overarching concern remains the loss of state aid due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  With 20% of state money in jeopardy, the school district would drop to being only 97% funded, with a shortfall approaching $1M.  While the school has modest funds in reserve, such a budgetary shortfall would still demand painful reductions of the school's excellent workforce, unless compensated through federal aid to localities.

Finally, tonight we recognize Geralyn Huba who will be leaving the Skaneateles Board of Education on June 30 upon completing her term of office.  Since joining the board in 2013, Mrs. Huba has been a faithful advocate for all children, has worked tirelessly to improve student outcomes, and has also served the larger region as a member of the Cayuga-Onondaga School Boards Association.   We wish her best of luck as she begins her next chapter in service to the community.
Sincerely,
The Skaneateles Board of Education and Dr. Jeffrey K. Bryant, Interim Superintendent