Erin's Angels of CNY

Superintendent Chris Byrn's Response

May 11, 2020

From: Chris Byrne <cbyrne@phoenixcsd.org>
Date: May 11, 2020 at 9:42:13 AM EDT
To: Sheila Dion <erinsangels@mail.com>
Subject: Follow-Up

Good Morning Sheila,

I wanted to follow up with your regarding your request for the district to consider implementing the Community Eligibility Provision. As promised, the district looked into the cost of implementing the program. Based on last year’s data and our calculations, the program would have equate to a $140,000 loss to the district this year.

As I am sure you know, districts all across NYS are anticipating a very tough budget year this year and next year due to COVID-19. Due to our calculations and the anticipation of some very difficult budget years in the next couple years, my recommendation to the BOE is that we calculate the numbers again next year (using this year’s data), so that we have can make an accurate and informed decision based on 2 years of data.

I appreciate your time and thoughts and assure you that we will look at the numbers again next year.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Byrne
Superintendent of Schools
Phoenix Central Schools
315-695-1555
cbyrne@phoenixcsd.org

Follow up request sent Feb 2021 Response:

February 22,2021

Hi Sheila,
Thank you for your kind words! I am hopeful that things are heading in the right direction and that this challenging time will soon be behind us soon.
In regards to CEP, our Business Office did look at the program again this year. Based upon our current data and calculations, the program would result in a loss of over $150,000 to the district this year.

Due to our calculations and the anticipation of challenging budget years ahead, my recommendation to the BOE is that we continue to monitor and reevaluate this program again next year.

Follow up request sent Feb 2023 Response:

March 1, 2023

Good Morning Sheila,
As I am sure you are aware, a number of lawmakers are pushing for free breakfast and lunches for all public school students. As a district, we are hopeful that this will happen, but are still waiting for information.
In the next month, we will be running numbers and looking at what the cost to the district would be to participate in CEP for the 2023-2024 School Year.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Byrne

Superintendent of Schools

Phoenix Central Schools

315-695-1555