The Annual Budget Informational meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria by Board President Robert Mihevc and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
President Mihevc welcomed members in the audience, staff members, along with Stephanie Sorrell-White, a reporter from the Times Telegram to this evening’s meeting. He informed the Board that Patricia Giffune was unable to attend the meeting due to a family commitment.
President Mihevc informed all those present that the purpose of this evening’s meeting was to present a public overview of the district’s proposed 2018-19 Operations Budget.
Approval of the Agenda
Mr. Conley moved and Mrs. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the meeting agenda as submitted. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
2018-2019 Budget Hearing Presentation
President Mihevc introduced Superintendent Miller to formally present and review the proposed 2018-19 Operations Budget.
Superintendent Miller publicly thanked the Board of Education and Administration for their support of the 2018-2019 Operations Budget.
Superintendent Miller provided information relating to the 2018-19 Operations Budget via a PowerPoint presentation as follows:
Superintendent’s Budget
| Component | 2018-19 | 2017-18 | Change |
| Program | $17,212,000 (68%) | $16,442,000 (67%) | $770,000 (4.7%) |
| Capital | $5,752,000 (23%) | $5,793,000 (24%) | -$41,000 (-0.7%) |
| Admin | $2,226,000 (9%) | $2,179,000 (9%) | $47,000 (2.2%) |
| Total | $25,190,000 | $24,414,000 | $776,000 (3.2%) |
High School/Middle School
- Planned restoration of Computer Science and Business programs 2018-19
- Restore Physical Education position
- Continuation of the College Art program
- Expansion of Project Lead The Way with Frankfort-Schuyler ($12,000 BOCES aided)
- Expansion of VP Tech to third cohort ($40,000 BOCES aided)
- Expanded and revitalized middle level electives
- Return the Incarcerated Youth program to in-house
Elementary School Program Highlights
- Add third section of full-day pre-K ($120,000)
- Decrease one section of third grade in 2018-19 ($75,000)
- Implement after-school swim instruction 2018-19
Special Education
- Increased enrollment in high needs programs
- Return speech services in-house
- Potential shift of some secondary programs to in-house or component based programs
- Continue shift to least restrictive environment
Technology
- Continued shift to 1:1 computing
- Completing first and second SMART Bond projects
- Continue the sequences of BOCES-aided multi-year purchases
- Increase Model Schools PD
- Increase public outreach
- Plan the next SMART Bond project
State Aid Executive Budget
| Component | 2018-19 | 2017-18 |
| Foundation Aid | $8,308,000 | $8,161,000 |
| Building Aid | $3,225,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Transportation Aid | $960,000 | $861,000 |
| Public High Cost Aid | $250,000 | $329,000 |
| Private Excess Cost | $155,000 | $88,000 |
| Textbook | $91,000 | $94,000 |
| Computer Hardware | $22,000 | $23,000 |
| Community School | $75,000 | $65,000 |
| Subtotal | $15,061,000 | $14,862,000 |
| Incarcerated Youth | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Medicaid | $45,000 | $50,000 |
| Total Aid | $15,121,000 | $14,927,000 |
Maximum Levy Calculation
- Prior year tax levy: $8,510,000
- Tax cap reserve: 0
- Tax base growth factor: 1.0005
- Pilots 2017: $40,000
- Tort exclusions 2017: 0
- Capital levy 2017: $512,000
- Allowable levy growth factor: 1.02
- Pilots 2018: $40,000
- Allowable carryover 2017: 0
- Tax levy limit 2018 before exclusions: $8,163,100
- Tort, TRS and ERS exclusions 2015: 0
- Capital exclusions 2018: $690,000
- Tax levy limit: $8,853,100 (4.03%
Tax Levy History
Tax levy increase since 2012:
- 2018-19: 3.9%
- 2017-18: 1.72%
- 2016-17: 0.67%
- 2015-16: 1.9%
- 2014-15: 2.84%
- 2013-14: 4.00%
- 2012-13: 2.00%
- 2011-12: 10.11%
Tax Rate Projections
- Tax on true value 2017-18 $23.31 per $1,000
- Projected tax on true value 2018-19 $24.22 per $1,000
- Tax increase on a property with true value $100,000 projected $91 per year or about $1.75 per week
- Tax increase on a property with true value $100,000 with STAR projected $74 or about $1.42 per week
- Tax increase on a property with true value $100,000 and Enhanced STAR projected $67 or about $1.29 per week
- The district sets the total tax levy. Rates/valuations are determined by the Herkimer County Assessor’s Office.
Revenue Fund Balance Plan
- State aid: $15,121,000
- Tax levy: $8,845,000 (3.9%)
- Other revenue: $574,000
- Total revenue: $24,540,000
- Fund balance: $650,000
- Proposed budget: $25,190,000
Fund balance use
Fund balance use since 2012
- 2018-19: $650,000
- 2017-18: $250,000
- 2016-17: $250,000
- 2015-16: $250,000
- 2014-15: $815,000
- 2013-14: $615,000
- 2012-13: $800,000
- 2011-12: $650,000
Reserves and Fund Balance
| Category | 6/30/15 | 6/30/16 | 6/30/17 | 6/30/18 | 6/30/19 |
| Fund balance | $144,000 | $922,000 | $975,000 | $1,007,000 | $943,000 |
| EBLAR | $21,000 | $21,000 | $281,000 | $275,000 | $325,000 |
| ERS Reserve | $114,000 | $490,000 | $700,000 | $700,000 | $695,000 |
| Unemployment | $0 | $80,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Tax Cert | 0 | *$40,000 | $80,000 | $120,000 | $160,000 |
| Insurance | 0 | 0 | $40,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Capital | 0 | 0 | $462,000 | $800,000 | $1,300,000 |
| Debt Service | $50,000 | $200,000 | $324,000 | $400,000 | $375,000 |
| Repair | 0 | $80,000 | $280,000 | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Total Reserves | $185,000 | $911,000 | $2,267,000 | $2,825,000 | $3,385,000 |
Capital Outlay Project – Safety Upgrades
- Our district has incorporated a state aided $100K project to help maintain our facilities
- The district’s architect and Building Committee coordinate this work
- Our district’s aid ratio is 93%, which means the needed work will cost the district approximately $7,000
- This year’s capital outlay project will consist of a districtwide door hardware security work.
Transportation
- Enter 3-year contract with Birnie Bus
- 2018-19 budget $1,030,000
- Increase limited to 90% of CPI year 1
- Increase limited to 90% of CPI year 2
- Increase limited to 95% of CPI year 3
Administrative Budget
- Two administrative positions remain vacant: Assistant Superintendent and Business Official (saves $250,000)
- BOCES Facilities Director (saves $70,000)
- Combined Athletics Director and Assistant Principal position (saves $80,000)
- Grade realignment
Contingent Budget
- Reduce expenditures by at least $335,000
- No building/facility use by outside groups
- Reduce five instructional FTE
- Adjust components to comply with contingent budget rules:
- Shift equipment purchases to contractual repair and leasing expenses;
- Insure component budgets comply with contingent budget regulations
Update important dates
- Budget vote: May 15, 2018, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., HS Library Media Center
- Budget Revote: June 10, 2018, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. HS Library Media Center
- Potential Building Project Vote: Fall 2018
Superintendent Miller informed everyone as a requirement by New York State, the budget is presented in three categories: Administration, Program, and Capital. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/02/18.]
According to Superintendent Miller, the district’s proposed 2018-19 Operations Budget totals $25,190,000 which represents a spending increase of 3.18% and includes a projected tax levy of $8,845,000; a 3.94% increase. The district anticipates it will receive $15,121,000 in state aid.
Superintendent Miller shared other main points of the proposed budget: expenditures and revenues. The New York State Report Card Fiscal Accountability Supplement; cost increases and decreases for the 2018-19 budget and revenue distribution.
Superintendent Miller stated there would be one proposition being presented to district residents—Operations Budget.
According to Superintendent Miller, the terms of BOE members Brian Crandall and Michele Gilbert will expire June 30, 2018. Mr. Crandall and Ms. Gilbert both filed nominating petitions to seek re-election. Each open seat is for a 3-year term expiring June 30, 2021.
Superintendent Miller concluded the presentation by stating that the 2018-19 Operations Budget supports the mission of the district.
Superintendent Miller thanked the Board for reviewing the budget in depth. The annual Operations Budget/Board Vote is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, from 1-9 p.m. in the Junior/Senior High School Media Center.
On behalf of the BOE, President Mihevc thanked Superintendent Miller and the Business Office for their dedication and hard work on preparing the budget.
President Mihevc explained to all that the BOE sets aside time at each Board meeting to give those in the audience an opportunity to address the Board directly on any subject they wished to discuss.
President Mihevc explained the BOE welcomes public comment and community input at meetings. However, we caution that we are not authorized to engage in conversations pertaining to individual students, faculty, staff, or administrators. Topics of this nature may only be discussed during executive session and must be coordinated with the Superintendent of Schools prior to a BOE meeting.
Public Comments
Mr. Conley expressed his concern regarding security during school hours the day of the school election/vote. Discussion followed. Superintendent Miller informed the BOE he would touch base with Chief Jory to see if another school resource officer could be on site.
Superintendent’s Reports
Superintendent Miller provided the following updates:
1. Grade Reconfiguration has been approved by the State Education Department.
2. The district was awarded a cafeteria grant for $20,000.00.
3. Safety Task force—SRO Planning.
4. Data Security Requirements/Policy.
5. Student Art Recognition is scheduled for May 23, 2018.
Memorandum of Agreement/Staffing Recommendations
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Conley seconded by Mr. Crandall discussion followed; motions withdrawn.
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Crandall seconded a motion to table agenda item 5.B. Memorandum of Agreement and agenda item 5.C. Staffing Recommendations until after an executive session. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
On a motion made by Mr. Conley, seconded by Mrs. Fischer, the BOE entered into an executive session for the purpose of discussing the Memorandum of Agreement, staffing recommendation and negotiations with a particular corporation or corporations. The Board may take action in public session after the executive session ends and the Board returns to public session. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Executive Session
The Board moved into an executive session at 6:30 p.m.
President Mihevc declared the public meeting reconvened at 7:20 p.m.
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Crandall seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 5.B. Memorandum of Agreement. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Memorandum of Agreement
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Crandall, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE approved the Memorandum of Agreement as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/02/18]
Mr. Petucci moved and Mrs. Fischer seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 5.C. Staffing Recommendations. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Staffing Recommendations
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Crandall, seconded by Mr. Conley, the BOE approved the following personnel action:
Non-Teaching Retirements/Resignations
Name: Clark, Mary Ellen
Position: School Nurse (Registered Nurse)
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Effective: June 30, 2018
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Mr. Conley, seconded by Mrs. Fischer, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 7:22 p.m. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.