At the December 4, 2008 meeting, the Chester Board of Education approved a calendar for the development of the 2009-2010 school budget. In the past, the District utilized a Budget Advisory Committee as a means of including a varied cross-section of the community in the budget development process. After evaluating the process used over the past two years, the Board recognized that the time required to attend multiple meetings over a three month period was too demanding on the Committee.

The Board wishes to include diverse points of view that will generate insightful discussion, brainstorming and problem solving. The process this year, which seeks community input as the budget is constructed, will begin with a "town hall" meeting on January 29, 2009at 7:00 p.m.

The Board of Education is asking parents and other District residents to attend this important meeting so that your input can be included in the decision-making process.

All District residents will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Board and Superintendent with regard to District priorities and state requirements. At this meeting, District residents will be asked to assign value to curricular programs and extracurricular activities that the community believes are vital to the overall education of our students.