BUDGET PROPOSAL 2017-2018 Propositions Proposition 1 School Budget Proposition 2 Bus Purchase Proposition 3 Hoag Library School Board Member Election Two Vacant Seats - Five Year Terms You may select up to two candidates (pages 10 & 11) BUDGET HEARING Tuesday, May 9 @ 7:00 p.m. High School L.G.I. (Parking: Use the gym entrance located behind the high school) BUDGET VOTE Tuesday, May 16 12 noon - 8:00 p.m. Elementary School Conference Room A (Parking: Use community entrance near football stadium, behind district offices) Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS
Albion Central School Budget To The Community FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT Great things are happening at Albion Central! This year the District was recognized, for the tenth consecutive year, as one of the NAMM Foundation s Best Communities for Music Education. This nationwide honor was presented to only 527 school districts about 3.5% of all school districts in the country. 120 ACS students pursued 967 credits at Genesee Community College this year. Their GCC ACE enrollment saved them nearly 70% or $ 172,126 off standard GCC tuition costs and gave them a jump start on their college plans. Once again, Albion students exceeded the statewide graduation performance. While 79% of New York students who started high school four years ago graduated this past year, 88% of the same group at Albion did so. And 38% of those ACS students earned the more challenging Advanced Regents diploma while only 31% of their peers did so statewide. The proposed 2017-2018 school budget detailed in this document has been built over the past school year as a cooperative effort between school personnel and the Board of Education. The budget was developed to allow us to continue our goal of providing a child-focused educational program for our students that our community can support, while we explore new opportunities for growth that will benefit both our students and District. The proposed budget increases spending by 2.67 % in the coming year to meet increased costs in employee salaries and benefits, career and technical education tuition costs, and special education program needs. The District is seeking voter approval for an increase of $ 119,000 or 1.4 % in the tax levy the second time in the past ten years that the District has sought a local levy increase. If the budget is approved, the 2017-2018 tax levy would be nearly $ 253,000 less than the levy was ten years ago. The District has decreased the local tax levy over the past decade while providing a full program to students because we continue to right-size as our enrollment has decreased. Careful budgeting and energy efficiency improvements have also helped us to lower the funds needed from our local taxpayers. We will continue to protect our community s investment in the campus and realize utility savings as phase two of the facilities improvement project replaces windows at the middle school and the main campus boiler and heating loop with a more energy efficient system. Additional items in the project voters approved two years ago include safety enhancements, athletic fields improvements, and enhancements at the high school library. The annual budget hearing will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 in the High School s Large Group Instruction Room (LGI). At this time District personnel will present an overview of the budget, the bus purchase proposition, and introduce the candidates for the two Board of Education seats up for election. Voting on the budget, the bus proposition, and the Board of Education seats will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from Noon until 8:00 pm in Conference Room A, just inside the Community Entrance at the back of the Elementary School. At the same time, voters will be able to vote on the budget for the Hoag Library. Margy Brown, Board of Education President VOTER QUALIFICATIONS 1. Be a citizen of the United States 2. Be eighteen (18) or more years of age 3. Be a resident in the District for thirty (30) days or more before the vote 4. Show proof of residence at the poll such as a printed document with name and physical address (not a P.O. Box) which may include driver s license, utility or other bill, etc. For information on absentee ballots, contact the District Office at 589-2056. 2 Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS
Propositions * Proposition 1 * SCHOOL BUDGET RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Albion Central School District of Orleans and Genesee Counties New York be authorized to expend the sum of thirty four million, seven hundred ninety six thousand, six hundred seventy six dollars ($34,796,676) during the fiscal year 2017-18 and a general tax levied thereon. * Proposition 2 * BUS PURCHASE RESOLVED, that the Board of Education be authorized to appropriate an amount of four hundred sixty thousand dollars ($460,000) from the Albion Central School Bus Purchase Reserve Fund to purchase buses for the 2018-2019 school year. * Proposition 3 * HOAG LIBRARY Shall the following resolution be adopted, to-wit: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Albion Central School District of Orleans and Genesee Counties, New York, pursuant to the provisions of Section 259 of the Education Law of the State of New York, be authorized and empowered to raise an annual sum of six hundred eighty seven thousand, two hundred and eleven dollars ($687,211) for library purposes; that this amount be raised by tax levy during the school year for support of the maintenance and operations of the Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association; and that this sum be in addition to the funds raised to meet the estimated expenditures of the School District, in the form commonly known as the School District budget. Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS 3
Projected Revenues REVENUES 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed Real Property Tax Levy/STAR $8,355,939 $8,355,939 $8,474,939 Other Tax Items $185,128 $162,770 $127,599 Appropriated Fund Balance $680,209 $625,709 $595,224 Charges for Services $82,975 $80,906 $78,852 Use of Money and Property $54,190 $52,880 $46,840 Miscellaneous/BOCES Refund $29,314 $30,004 $35,994 State Aid $23,422,301 $24,150,671 $25,004,530 Interfund Transfers $430,884 $432,111 $432,698 TOTAL REVENUE $33,240,940 $33,890,990 34,796,676 Other 2.1% STAR 5.7% Local Property Tax 18.6% Fund Balance 1.7% State Aid 71.9% 4 Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS
Proposed Expenditures EXPENDITURES 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed General Support Administration $2,742,513 $2,737,511 $2,788,118 Instruction Program $23,170,619 $24,037,625 $24,848,258 Transportation Program $1,892,754 $1,929,964 $2,016,896 Maintenance Capital $3,226,679 $3,175,140 $3,154,104 Debt Service Capital $2,208,375 $2,010,750 $1,989,300 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $33,240,940 $33,890,990 $34,796,676 Maintenance - Capital 9.1% Debt Service - Capital 5.7% General Support - Administration 8.0% Transportation - Program 5.8% Instruction - Program 71.4% Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS 5
General Support - Administration & Operations General Support represents 8 percent of the proposed budget. This category of the budget includes expenses for operation of the entire District including costs for District and Building administration, the mandated N.Y.S. Teacher Evaluation System, Board of Education expenses and curriculum development. Also in this category are appropriations for legal services, required financial audits, and BOCES administrative charges. Each school district in the BOCES region pays a proportional amount to maintain BOCES sponsored programs. General Support Administration/Operations 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed Board Of Education $18,437 $18,335 $19,335 District Administration $198,777 $192,644 $196,036 Business Office $244,305 $242,002 $241,685 Auditing $29,050 $29,354 $31,200 Legal $46,760 $46,810 $47,548 Insurance $131,080 $131,750 $134,466 BOCES Administrative Charges $216,210 $205,466 $205,610 Data Processing $50,390 $51,868 $51,621 Personnel & Public Information $94,276 $105,784 $116,021 Central Printing and Mailing $89,750 $89,080 $88,978 Curriculum Development & Supervision $21,764 $25,725 $32,180 Regular School Supervision $955,689 $926,451 $950,277 Employee Benefits $646,025 $672,242 $673,161 TOTAL $2,742,513 $2,737,511 $2,788,118 Pictured: Seventh grade service-learning students dedicated an historical marker at Hillside Cemetery in Holley. The marker recognized Herbert Walker Taylor, the only known Civil War soldier from Orleans County who fought and died at the Battle of Gettysburg. Students are pictured with Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard. He assisted students with research and securing a Pomeroy Foundation grant for the marker. 6 Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS
Instruction Program Instructional appropriations amount to 71.4 percent of the total proposed budget. All expenses directly related to the education of 1875 pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students are in this category. This section includes the costs associated with Advanced Placement courses, college credit courses offered through G.C.C., and vocational education through BOCES. The Community Schools Grant programs, which began this past year, are included in this category. Students with specialized needs that require private school placements, costs for music and the arts, and a comprehensive athletic program are also included in this category. Instruction Program 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed Teaching Regular School $10,224,077 $10,651,716 $10,882,387 Special Needs Program $3,814,104 $3,987,418 $4,268,425 Library and Computer Assisted Instruction $1,150,856 $1,196,804 $1,214,193 Pupil Services $1,009,340 $972,311 $1,034,679 Co-curricular/Interscholastic Athletics $787,796 $796,346 $817,024 Community Service $56,440 $56,320 $58,380 Employee Benefits $6,128,006 $6,376,710 $6,573,170 TOTAL $23,170,619 $24,037,625 $24,848,258 Transportation Program Transportation accounts for 5.8 percent of the total budget. This includes transportation for over 490,000 miles of regular runs annually, the equivalent of 200 trips to Tampa, Florida and back. Albion Central School buses are owned by the District and are managed contractually by Student Transportation of America. Bus maintenance and inspections are controlled by the N.Y.S. Department of Transportation under the strictest guidelines. Maintaining an updated fleet of buses has helped the District to control costs in this area. Transportation Program 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed Fuel, Tires, Insurance $474,034 $353,257 $348,774 Garage Building $67,714 $47,714 $46,854 Contract Transportation $1,351,006 $1,528,993 $1,621,268 TOTAL $1,892,754 $1,929,964 $2,016,896 Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS 7
Debt Service Capital Debt service represents 5.7 percent of the budget. This category of the budget displays the principal and interest on bonded debt for past capital improvement projects completed in the elementary, middle and high schools. Debt Service Capital 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed Bonds Principal $1,910,000 $1,795,000 $1,830,000 Bonds Interest $298,375 $215,750 $159,300 TOTAL $2,208,375 $2,010,750 $1,989,300 Maintenance Capital Maintenance represents 9.1 percent of the budget. The buildings in the District are valued at over $82 million. A proactive replacement and maintenance schedule is in place to ensure the facilities remain in good condition. This category includes annual maintenance for the buildings and 85 acres of roads, parking lots and athletic fields. Major maintenance items included in this year s plan are painting, carpet replacement, health and safety updates, blacktop striping, replacement of baseball dugouts, and water fixture upgrades. Maintenance Capital 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed Maintenance/Custodial $1,544,103 $1,481,346 $1,475,256 Energy/Utilities $773,603 $758,300 $727,521 Major Maintenance $299,864 $301,664 $294,935 Employee Benefits $609,109 $633,830 $656,392 TOTAL $3,226,679 $3,175,140 $3,154,104 8 Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS
Albion Central School Budget Questions and Answers We have tried to anticipate typical questions that you may have regarding the propositions submitted to you for your consideration. If our answers are not clear or you have questions that are not answered in this format, please feel free to contact the district office at 589-2056 and request to speak to the Superintendent. If we do not have the information you need, we will be sure to seek it and provide it to you. PROPOSITION #1: Budget Vote Question: What is the proposed budget for 2017-2018? Answer: The proposed budget is $34,796,676. That s an increase of 2.67% over the 2016-2017 year. Question: Answer: Question: Answer: How will the proposed budget impact the tax levy? The tax levy is scheduled to increase by $119,000 or 1.4%. A small increase in taxable property within the District means that the projected tax rate will increase 0.91% from $15.43 to per thousand of assessment. How does the state tax levy limit and the state 50% and 60% vote rule impact this budget? Because the tax levy increase is below our District s tax levy limit, this budget requires a simple majority vote (50% + 1) to pass. PROPOSITION #2: School Bus Purchase Question: Answer: What impact does the bus purchase have on the budget and tax levy? If approved, the bus purchase proposition would have no impact on the budget or the tax levy. Approval of the bus proposition allows the District to purchase busses using the District Bus Reserve previously created and funded by voters. PROPOSITION #3 Hoag Library Vote Question: Answer: Question: Answer: Does the Board of Education give money to the Hoag Library? The Board does not give District money to the Library or participate in the development of the Library budget. The District vote is merely the location of the Library vote and the District, as directed by law, collects the funds Library voters approve and turns those funds over to the Library. If I have questions about the Hoag Library budget, who do I ask? You may contact the Hoag Library directly at (585) 589-4246 with questions. Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS 9
Albion Central School Budget Board of Education Candidates Please choose up to two of the candidates from pages 10 & 11. Each will serve a term of 5 years beginning July 1, 2017. Wayne Wadhams Kathy Harling Residence: 13926 Allen Road Marital Status: Married: Kelly Two children: Kelsey and Ben Education: (Graduate of) Buffalo State College & Albion High School Occupation: Retired - former Albion High School Teacher I am a lifelong Albion resident, a proud Albion graduate and a recently retired Albion teacher. Our community and our schools have provided my family and I with numerous opportunities of which I am very thankful. I would like to continue serving our students, as the district offers them a solid foundation, upon which to build their futures. Our kids should DREAM BIG and our schools must continue to provide them with the skills needed to achieve their dreams and goals. Thank you. Residence: 15382 East Barre Road Marital Status: Married: Steve Children: Michael, Emily, Nicholas Education: (Graduate of) Nazareth College & University of Buffalo School of Law Occupation: Stay-at-home mom/licensed attorney I hope to contribute to the Albion Central School District Board of Education by supporting the mission of ACS and promoting excellence in all areas of education, including but not limited to academics, athletics and the arts. My professional background, combined with the five years I spent as an Elementary PTA officer, will help me objectively analyze all sides of an issue and advocate for programs that will benefit our children, faculty, staff and school community. I would welcome the opportunity to represent you as we support our students and schools, and continue to strive to be a leader in all areas of education. 10 Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS
Albion Central School Budget Board of Education Candidates Please choose up to two of the candidates from pages 10 & 11. Each will serve a term of 5 years beginning July 1, 2017. Marlene Seielstad BUDGET HEARING: Date: Tuesday, May 9 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: High School LGI BUDGET VOTE: Date: Tuesday, May 16 Time: Noon-8:00 p.m. Place: Elementary School Conference Room A Residence: 302 West Park Street Marital Status: Married: Erik Two children: Morgan and Riley Education: (Graduate of) SUNY Oswego & Albion High School Occupation: Real Estate Broker w/snell Realtors I would like to begin by saying thank you for the last five years. Serving our community and our students has been both a learning experience and a privilege. I believe that your Board of Education has worked together with district administrators over the last several years to maintain a fiscally responsible budget. This budget has also maintained a level of service to our students without cutting programs. Now that we have created that strong base, I look forward to working toward the future and building on those things we already have. It has been an honor to serve, and with your support I hope to continue. As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. Elementary school students participate in the annual fire prevention and safety program sponsored by local first responders. They learn safety tips and what to do in case of a fire. They also enjoy touring emergency vehicles and learning how fire apparatus works. Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS 11
Albion Central School Budget Tax Rate Projections Estimated Tax Rates Town School Tax Rates 2015-2016 (Actual) School Tax Rates 2016-2017 (Actual) Estimated School Tax Rates 2017-2018 Albion $16.06 $15.43 Barre $16.06 $15.43 Carlton $16.38 $15.43 Gaines $16.06 $15.43 Kendall $16.06 $15.43 Murray $16.06 $15.43 Ridgeway $16.06 $16.41 Elba $16.06 $15.43 The above tax rates are estimates based on an estimated change in assessments and equalization rates. Actual assessments and equalization rates were not available at the time of publication. Equalization rates are used by the State to determine how much of the tax levy is to be collected from each of our towns. The use of these rates is required by the State and is not under the control or the influence of the Board of Education. May 16 Events FFA Chicken Barbeque 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. (until sold out) High School Cafeteria Tickets are $10. Men s Select Chorus Open Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. High School LGI Watch a rehearsal of our outstanding music department s performers. 12 Achievement, Character and Success for Life...ACS