Administrative Team

P. Gibbons

PATRICIA GIBBONS, SUPERINTENDENT  

April 2025
 
Dear Lyme Central School Community Members:
 
I hope this letter finds you well. As we approach the upcoming budget proposal for the 2025-2026 school year, I want to take this opportunity to share important details about our financial plan and how it aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences for all our students.
 
This year, we are proposing an overall spending increase of 3.27%, which amounts to an additional $302,614.  This increase is essential for us to continue offering the academic programs and extracurricular activities that our students deserve.   I understand that any budget increase can raise concerns among our community members, especially regarding its impact on taxes.  I am pleased to report that the projected tax levy increase for this year is 2.85%, which is a reduction from last year’s tax increase of 3.87%.  We believe this demonstrates our commitment to balancing our financial responsibilities while minimizing the burden on our taxpayers.
 
Our district remains dedicated to pursuing our existing goals, which include expanding and maintaining as many academic and extracurricular opportunities as fiscally responsible.   We are committed to ensuring that our students have access to a well-rounded education that supports their academic and personal growth. This includes not only our core curriculum but also arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities that foster a sense of belonging and community.
 
In addition to program expansion, we recognize the importance of maintaining our facilities and staffing needs.  It is crucial that all stakeholders in our district have access to a safe and well-maintained learning environment.  Last fall, the community overwhelmingly approved our $7.5 million-dollar capital building improvement plan to complete much needed upgrades to our facilities, gymnasium, and lobby area.  This significant investment will greatly enhance our amenities, and we are excited to announce that we will be breaking ground this Spring.  We anticipate completing the project this coming fall, and we are delighted to unveil the hard work of our contractors, general managers, and architects when this project is completed.  Their dedication to improving our facilities is a testament to our collective commitment to creating a better environment for all who enter our school.  We could not have done this work without the vision and support of our community members.
 
The increase in our overall spending plan from last year is driven primarily by the growing demand for student services, rising general operating costs, and our contractual obligations.  We are committed to responding to these financial requirements in a way that minimizes the burden on our taxpayers while ensuring that our students receive the support they need.
 
To maintain our focus on efficiency and fiscal responsibility, we will continue implementing various cost-saving measures, including shared services.  For the 2025-2026 school year, we will continue partnerships that allow us to operate more effectively while maximizing our resources.  These measures include:
 
  • Shared Food Service Director with SLL BOCES: By collaborating with BOCES, we can provide high-quality meals to our students while controlling costsShared Fuel Facility: Our partnership with the Town of Lyme, Village of Chaumont, the Three Mile Bay Fire Department, The Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department, and the Cape Vincent Ambulance allows us to share resources efficiently and reduce expenses related to fuel usage
  • Utilization of Grant Funds: We will identify and utilize available grant funds to cover staff development opportunities, ensuring our educators have access to ongoing professional growth while alleviating budget pressures
  • Staffing Adjustments for Enrollment: We will continue to adjust our staffing needs in alignment with student enrollment to ensure we are making the most effective use of our financial resources
As we more forward, we are hopeful that Lyme’s tradition of strong community support for our district’s commitment to academic excellence and a safe, student-centered environment will continue into the coming year.  Your involvement and support are vital to our success, and we encourage you to engage with us throughout the budget process.
 
We invite you to attend our budget presentation scheduled for May 8th, 2025 at 6:00pm in our school library.  This will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about our proposed budget, ask questions, and provide feedback.  Your input is invaluable as we work together to create the best possible educational experience for our students.
 
Please note that there will be a change in our voting time for the upcoming budget vote.  We will provide detailed information on these changes as we approach the voting date, ensuring you are well-informed and able to participate in this important decision-making process.
 
In closing, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and commitment to the Lyme Central School District.  Together, we can ensure that our students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.  Thank you for being an integral part of our community.
 
Warmest regards,
Patricia Gibbons
Superintendent