The COVID-19 pandemic has changed some aspects of how the Fayetteville-Manlius School District is sharing information about its proposed operating budget for the 2020-21 school year.
District residents will still be receiving in the mail the district’s traditional 8-page newsletter that focuses on the $88.30 million budget proposal, and information will continue to be shared on the district website.
Video highlights budget proposal
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district will not be holding its typical in-person community meetings to share information about the budget proposal. Instead, the district has produced a video detailing the proposal that residents may watch online.
Use Let’s Talk! for questions and comments
In addition, the district is encouraging residents to use F-M’s Let’s Talk! online platform to submit questions and comments about the budget proposal. Let’s Talk! is a web-based, two-way communications tool that allows anyone to share concerns or questions with district administrators at any time. Submissions will be reviewed and responded to within two business days.
Public hearing livestreamed
Amid concerns of the COVID-19 public health crisis, the state has exempted school boards from provisions of the state Open Meetings Law that require public access to locations where government meetings are conducted.
To comply with this order, the May 26 meeting will be available for public viewing and participation via YouTube Live only. The meeting will stream in real-time on F-M’s official YouTube channel beginning at 6 p.m. and will be archived on the channel for later viewing.
Absentee ballot voting only
Per the state, residents will vote on the budget proposal by absentee ballot only. The district will mail all qualified voters within the district an absentee ballot with a prepaid return envelope. Qualified voters are defined as U.S. citizens 18 years or older who have lived in the district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
If you do not receive an absentee ballot and believe you should have, absentee ballot applications are available online or by calling 315-692-1200. Applications must be received at the F-M District Office by 4 p.m. June 2 if the ballot is to be mailed, or 4 p.m. June 8 if the ballot is to be picked up.
Ballots may be returned by mail or dropped off at the F-M District Office, 8199 E. Seneca Turnpike, Manlius, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 3, 4 and 5 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 8 and 9.
Ballots received after 5 p.m. June 9 will not be counted.