newsletter - Franklin Central School
Transcription
newsletter - Franklin Central School
FCS Newsletter FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL, Franklin, NY www.franklincsd.org Superintendent’s Message Recently, we asked our parents and community members to sign letters of support regarding the Governor’s proposed school funding changes. The response to our requests were wonderful, and we sent them to our legislators as promised. The letter on page five was sent to me by Assemblyman Clifford Crouch. He asked that I share it with my community, and the newsletter seemed the appropriate method to do so. I have cont i nued to com mu n icate w it h ou r assemblyman, senator and the governor’s office about the need for appropriate and equitable funding of public education. Elimination of the Gap Elimination Adjustment program alone is not enough. The current foundation formula will not result in a fair distribution of funding for Franklin Central School. Thank you for your support of our school and the students we serve. —Gordon Daniels, Superintendent MAY 2015 Valedictorian and Salutatorian JESSICA DOWNIN, VALEDICTORIAN Franklin Central School is proud to an nounce that Jessica Downin, daughter of Chris and Penny Downin of Franklin, has been selected as Franklin’s Valedictorian of the Class of 2015. Jessica’s hard work, diligence and commitment to academics has earned her the honor of being named Valedictorian of the class of 2015. Jessica is a leader both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. She is the recipient of many local academic awards including an award for attendance, the Academic Letter, and the Bronze and Silver Academic pins. In athletics, she has been recognized on various all-star teams in Franklin and the state level. Jessica has received the Tri-Valley League for Soccer 1st Team and the NYSPHA Scholar Athlete Award for the past three years. Jessica will attend SUNY Oneonta in the fall to major in Biology/Pre-Pharmacy. JACOB GREGORY, SALUTATORIAN PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, May 7—6:30 p.m. Room 206 BUDGET VOTE Tuesday, May 19—Noon-9:00 p.m. Main Lobby Franklin Central School is proud to announce that Jacob Gregory, son of Paul and Heidi Gregory has earned the honor of being named the Salutatorian for the class of 2015. Jacob is in the National Honor Society and the Alternative to Violence club. Jacob is the recipient of many local academic awards including the Academic Letter, Bronze Academic Pin along with highest average awards in science and social studies the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, RPI Award Medal, Youth Bureau Humanitarian Award and the Elmira College Key Scholastic Award. Jacob will continue his education in Pre-Law. BUDGET OVERVIEW The 2015-16 proposed budget increases total District spending by $89,466. The proposed increase in the tax levy is 2.18% for next year. The following schedule presents a comparison of the proposed expenditures for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 budget: 2014-15 ADOPTED BUDGET $6,642,982 2015-16 PROPOSED BUDGET $6,732,448 $ CHANGE % CHANGE OF TAX LEVY $89,466 2.18% The proposed budget provides funding for all current programs. In addition, this budget includes resources for updating technology and textbooks, new classroom furniture, and additional special education costs. This budget also continues renovations of the school bathrooms. What Will be the Effect on my Taxes? Tax rates vary from town to town and are affected by many factors beyond the District’s control such as Assessed Values, State Equalization Rates and STAR Exemptions. Actual tax rates will not be set until August when New York State finalizes equalization rates. The proposed increase in the tax levy is 2.18% for next year. The following example provides a simplified illustration of the tax levy impact, with all other factors remaining equal. FIND YOUR HOUSE1 Value of Property Proposed 2015-16 Schools Taxes Current School Taxes Dollar Increase $50,000 $436.22 $418.64 $17.58 $75,000 $848.33 $821.95 $26.38 $100,000 $1,260.44 $1,225.27 $35.17 $125,000 $1,672.55 $1,628.59 $43.96 Total tax figures are adjusted for reductions from STAR. The basic STAR reduction for 2014-15 school taxes was $388. 1 This year the NYS budget includes a tax rebate program. Under this program, District taxpayers will be eligible to receive a rebate check from New York State for any increase in school taxes. CAPITAL RESERVE The District is seeking approval to use up to $100,000 from the capital reserve to continue renovations of the school bathrooms. It is anticipated that all bathrooms will be upgraded in phases over the next few years. We have chosen to renovate in phases because projects costing up to $100,000 are eligible for New York State Aid in the next school year. We currently receive 80% State Aid for all building projects. Therefore, in the following year we would receive approximately $80,000 additional State Aid. The District would then use the additional State Aid, pair it with money in the capital reserve and undertake an additional $100,000 project in the following years. This method will allow the District to complete renovations with virtually no impact on the tax levy. This project will be phase three of the bathroom renovations. Phase three will include renovations to the elementary and high school boy’s bathrooms. The opportune time to renovate the bathrooms is during the summer months when school is not in session. We need several months lead time to ensure that the project is approved by the State Education Department and contractors are lined up for summer work. Work on Phase three would begin in the summer of 2016. Phase one, which consisted of upgrades to water lines and asbestos abatement, was completed in April 2015. Phase two, which will include renovation of the girl’s bathrooms, is scheduled to start in July 2015, and should be completed for the start of the new school year in September. 2 FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL ANALYSIS OF THE 2015-16 PROPOSED BUDGET 2015-16 Proposed Expenditures 2015-16 Estimated Revenues Fund Balance 6% Capital 14% Interfund Transfers 1% Other Revenue 1% Administrative 16% Program 70% Real Property Taxes 38% State Aid 54% PROGRAM COMPONENT NEW YORK STATE AID This represents $4,694,642 or 70% of the budget. The Program Component includes all costs directly associated with the instruction of students. Included in this component are salaries and benefits of teaching staff; textbooks; classroom supplies, materials and equipment; extra-curricular activities; interscholastic athletic programs and certain BOCES services. This component also includes the costs associated with operating the District’s transportation program. This accounts for $3,653,621 or 54% of total revenue. This category represents NYS Aid in all categories including regular operating, transportation and building aid. CAPITAL COMPONENT This accounts for $100,000 or 1% of total revenue. This is a transfer from the debt service fund to cover the cost of obligated debt service payments. This represents $953,642 or 14% of the budget. The Capital Component includes the costs to maintain and operate school facilities. Included in this component are utilities; custodial salaries and benefits; custodial supplies, materials and equipment and debt service payments. This component also includes the costs associated with upgrading the District bathrooms. ADMINISTRATIVE COMPONENT This represents $1,084,164 or 16% of the budget. The Administrative Component includes anticipated expenditures associated with the administrative, business and supervisory costs of the District. Included in this component are costs relating to the Board of Education, Office of the Superintendent, the Business Office and the Principal’s Office. It also includes certain BOCES related expenditures and legal and auditing services. REAL PROPERTY TAX This accounts for $2,541,327 or 38% of total revenue. This is the local share of the budget, to be raised through the school tax levy. A portion of this amount will be paid for many residents through the NYS STAR program. INTERFUND TRANSFERS FUND BALANCE This accounts for $380,000 or 6% of total revenue. This category consists of funds accumulated over the past several years to be used to offset taxes. Also included in this category is the use of certain reserve fund money designated for particular purposes such as retirement system contributions and capital projects. OTHER REVENUES (MISCELLANEOUS) This accounts for $57,500 or 1% of total revenue. Included here are funds received from interest earnings; penalties on school tax payments, gifts and donation and refunds of prior years obligations. BUS PURCHASE On May 19, residents will also vote on the purchase of a 66 passenger bus at a cost not to exceed $120,000. If approved, this purchase will be funded with a bus bond anticipation note. The cost of the bus is 70% State Aid reimbursable, resulting in a net cost to District residents of $36,000. The District replaces buses on a 10-year cycle. This practice allows us to keep the bus fleet in good operating condition without spending excessive amounts on maintenance and repairs. FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL 3 Franklin Central School 2015-16 Proposed Budget Public Hearing THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 AT 6:30 P.M. — ROOM 206 AGENDA The agenda will be as follows: • Call to order by president • Pledge of Allegiance • Reading of official notice • Introduction of chairman • Reading of the 2014 Annual Meeting minutes • Title I Parent Information Session • Reading of voting procedures including: inspectors of the election, voter qualifications and Board Member seats • Presentation of propositions PROPOSITION 1: BUDGET Shall the Board of Education of the Franklin Central School District be authorized to expend therefore a sum of $6,732,448 which said sum or so much thereof as may be necessary shall be raised by tax on the taxable property of the Franklin Central School District? PROPOSITION 2: SCHOOL BUS Shall the Board of Education of the Franklin Central School District, Franklin, New York, be authorized to finance the costs of the acquisition of a 66-passenger bus at a maximum cost of $120,000 and to authorize of a Bond Anticipation Note? PROPOSITION 3: WITHDRAW FROM CAPITAL RESERVE FUND Shall the Board of Education withdraw from the capital reserve fund, a sum not to exceed $100,000.00 for purposes of repairing and renovation of the bathrooms located in the school (Phase Three)? • 2015-2016 Budget Discussion • Adjournment of the meeting until 12:00 noon, Tuesday, May 19, 2015. • Voting at the main entrance of FCS on the above propositions until 9:00 p.m. School District Voter Qualifications VOTER QUALIFICATIONS • A Citizen of the united States, • At least 18 years of age, or • A resident of the District for at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which he or she offers to vote. Voters will be required to present personal identification or, if none is available, they must sign a declaration confirming their Franklin, New York residency and that they are a qualified voter in this District. Such forms of personal identification may include, but are not limited to: • A driver’s license, • A non-driver’s identification card, • A utility bill, • A voter registration card, • Or any other evidence of residency School District ABSENTEE BALLOTS Applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the District Office at P.O. Box 888, Franklin, NY 13775. BOARD MEMBER SEAT(S) One member for the Board of Education of the Franklin Central School District is to be elected for one five-year term most recently held by Linda DeAndrea whose term expires at this time. 2015 Dinner Concert Candidate(s) for this position: Jamie Archibald 12568 St. Hwy. 357 Franklin, NY 13775 Jennifer Buffington 202 Main Street Franklin, NY 13775 FRANKLIN FREE LIBRARY Shall the proposition be approved authorizing the Board of Education of the Franklin Central School District to levy taxes annually in the amount of thirty-nine thousand dollars ($39,000) and to pay over such moneys to the trustees of the Franklin Free Library? (Said funds represent a $1,500 increase above the existing levy) 4 FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL 5 Purple and Gold Golf Tournament to Benefit FCS Students SATURDAY, JULY 18, 9:00 AM $5,000 HOLE-IN-ONE CONTEST $1,000 1ST PLACE PRIZE The Franklin Community Educational Committee is holding a golf tournament July 18th at the Ouleout Creek Golf Course in North Franklin to raise money to fund school field trips and other educational programs for Franklin Central School Students. The Purple and Gold Golf Tournament will be a Captain and Crew event with a shotgun start. The greens fees are $65 a person which includes cart, breakfast snacks, sodas, water, lunch and automatic entry into the $5,000 hole-inone prize. The low scoring team will win a 1st place cash prize of $1,000 and 2nd place of $500. There will also be a raffle for gifts donated by local sponsors. FCEF President John Campbell says, “Two years ago we started awarding monthly scholarships to students. We secured a grant to send some classes to the Natural History Museum in Manhattan, as well as some other class trips, and we’ve been able to fund a few other worthwhile projects. This year’s goal is to get a much-needed after school program in place for the 2015-2016 school year.” Teams are asked to register by July 11th. Call the Ouleout Creek Golf Course at 829-2100. The Franklin Community Educational Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) corporation. All donations are tax deductible. 2015 (SYEP) Summer Youth Employment Program Looking for a summer job? The Summer Youth Program for young adults ages 14-20 will include both paid workshops and employment! The program is based on family income-200% of poverty level or if you are receiving Family Assistance/Safety Net, Medicaid, Food Stamps, HEAP, SSI or Free School Lunch, you automatically qualify for the program. Note: We will contact you for an interview. Once funding is settled, things will go very quickly and those that have all required documentation in by the due date will be given priority. Remember—If you are under 18, your parents or guardians must co-sign all paperwork and you will need working papers. Please contact your local school regarding getting working papers and to pick up a summer application. Applications are available in the Guidance Office at Franklin Central School, or call 607-829-3551, ext. 304. 6 Principal’s Corner As winter leaves us and the excitement of spring and summer awaits on our doorsteps, I would like to remind each and every community member the importance you play in our children’s education. Your attendance at plays, concerts, games and parent/teacher conferences makes a difference. Curriculum challenges and State testing aside, you make your child’s educational experience what it will be. We cannot thank you enough for your support in fundraisers, hauling your musicians and athletes here and there, re-supplying your child’s backpack, and sitting down and reading to your child after a long day at work. It all matters! Our Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams earned scholarathlete honors this past winter. Our results on State testing are improving and all our seniors are on track to graduate. Jess Downin was named valedictorian and Jacob Gregory salutatorian for the class of 2015. Our Elementary band and chorus, along with our Senior chorus, held their annual Music in Our Schools concert this month and the performances were outstanding. Our Elementary Drama Club also performed their 2nd play this year. The senior trip is planned and our preparations for the Prom have been solidified. Our keynote speaker for graduation is U.S. Congressman the Honorable Chris Gibson. As we speed towards our 180th graduation ceremony, slow down and take time to cherish your time with your children. Read, draw, play and have fun. Before you know it summer will be here. —James Harter, Principal National Honor Society Project HELP WITH ALL YOUR HEART February saw the Honor Society students at Franklin selling hearts to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Both the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society sold hearts and $158 was raised and sent on to the Ronald McDonald House in Albany. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this worthy cause. FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL National Honor Society Holds Induction Ceremony On Tuesday, March 24th an Induction Ceremony was held to induct this year’s new members into the National Honor Society (NHS). President Joseph Terrano, assisted by Vice-president Gloria Banks, hosted the ceremony at Franklin Central Schools’ cafetorium. New selectees must show they have achieved excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. The new members for school year 2014-2015 are: Emily Chaloupka, Alexis Eichler, Malorie Jordan, Miranda Little, Joseph Nowhitney, Stacey Sickler and Sabra Warner. Congratulations to all. Induction Ceremony for National Junior Honor Society Franklin Central School hosted an Induction Ceremony for the new members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on Thursday March 26. The ceremony was run by President Malorie Jordan and assisted by Vice President Stacey Sickler. To be selected for NJHS, students must achieve high marks in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. The new members of NJHS are Corynne Nordberg, Jillian Parascandola, Cain Rodriguez, Amber Jordan, Jennifer Meo, Peter Niebanck, Cora Van Kingsley and Kristin Cronk. FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL 7 7th Grade Cell Project Students in 7th grade science were given an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge in completing this year’s cell project. Students had the option of creating either an edible or inedible version of a plant or animal cell. They were required to label and describe the function of at least 10 different organelles found in their cells. Gabe Smith’s plant cell model was voted Best in Show by his peers. All-County Festival Congratulations to all band and chorus members who qualified for the All-County Festival that was held in Walton on March 20-21. Elementary Chorus members included Sixth graders Gretchyn Ackley, Abby-Noelle Potter, Dhalia Van Kingsley, Meghan Worden and Megan Yager, and Fifth graders Matthew Serrao, Lucia Temple, Nicketa Utter and Zoe Warren. High School Chorus member Felix Bridel represented Franklin in the All-County High School Chorus. In the All-County Junior High Band, Franklin was represented by Julie Archibald, Lilly Bevilacqua, Collin Campbell, Alyssa Nowhitney and Cora Van Kingsley, with Christina Worden selected as an alternate. Excellent work Franklin Band and Chorus members! After School Program The After School Program is in its third year. The program is held the first and third Wednesday of each month at the CB church on Center Street. Children in grades three and up are welcome to come. We usually have between 30 and 40 children each week. At the church, children are given a snack of a peanut butter and jelly roll, pretzels or goldfish and a juice. After an hour of activity or homework, children are given an opportunity to have a sweet snack, usually cake or cookies. Some activities that the children enjoy include playing four on the couch or fruit basket upset. Recently Monopoly has become a hot activity. Children have also enjoyed sledding this year. This program runs on volunteers. Special thanks to those who help me each week. Thanks to Shawn Patrick, Stephanie Patrick, Ellie Sickler, Gary Bedenharn, Laura Ogborn and Chris Geertgens. Thanks also to the Franklin Community Educational Foundation for making it possible to give the children a healthy drink each week. Thank you to Dave Buel for providing most of our snacks. If you are interested in helping out with this program, please contact Sue Patrick at the school. You can also come to the CB church for one of our programs. The schedule for the rest of this school year includes May 6 and 20, June 3 and 17. 8 FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL Alternatives to Violence Project The Alternatives to Violence Project at Franklin Central School has welcomed 23 new student facilitators in grades 9-12 this year. These students participated in a series of three workshops needed to become trained leaders in the program. A team of students from the AVP group also worked on a project entitled Brick by Brick which helped raise funds toward building a family a new home in Jamaica. As a result of their efforts and the generous donations of students in grades Pre-K–12, we were able to raise a great deal of money and there is now enough funding to build homes for two families. Our future plans for this year include holding a Dignity Day for students in grades 7-12, a mix-it-up lunch program for Pre-K–6th grade students and continuing to run service projects for both our local and global communities. We are also holding another Summer Community Workshop based on the success of the workshop last year. This workhop is for people of all ages. If you are interested in participating in the Summer Community Workshop, please email Noelle Granger at ngranger@franklincsd.org or call 829-3551, ext. 217. Before After FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL 9 Thank You from This was another great season for skiing and snowboarding! The Franklin Ski/ Snowboard Club is a wonderful outdoor opportunity that all the members enjoy. There are approximately 30 students from 7th-12th grade that are currently involved. It wouldn’t be possible without all the help and support we receive. We would like to express our gratitude to the community, teachers and school staff for their continued support during our sub sale and all of the other activities we did this year. Mrs. Karen Terry for the use of her kitchen and her help this year to make the sub sale a success. Mrs. Hilton for her help every week. The bus garage and their wonderful drivers for getting us to and from the mountains safely every week. To all the parents, for allowing their children to participate, and for driving and picking them up every week. To Franklin Central for your support. To Plattekill Mountain and Greek Peak for a great time. For anything you may have done, big or small, we are very grateful. Ski Club Also, a big thanks to any and all donations that were given to support our club. And of course, last but not least, our members, our wonderful students, for really making some fond memories, really pulling together and helping out so much during sub sale, being well mannered and respectful. We are looking forward to next year with even more students taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity. ! u o Y k T ha n 10 FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL Dave Ruch Visits Grades 3-5 Activity Guide Pyramid Eating a variety of foods and being physically active every day will help children be strong and healthy. Get Your Child and Yourself Moving! Be Active! r e you Includ ite r o v a f r ies fo activit fun! e mor Cut Down On •Watching TV •Watching videos •Using the Computer Often •Swing •Tumble •Slide •Swim •Hop •Run •Basketball •Dance •Soccer •Jump •Kick ball •March to music On Thursday, December 18, Dave Ruch presented a Native A merican Program to grades 3-5. It was enjoyed by all! Slim Goodbody at Franklin Every Day •Play outside •Ride a bike •Go for a walk •Help around the house •Walk to the store, mailbox, or library •Go for at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. •Climb the stairs •Help with yard work •Walk your dog •Pick up your toys You c an every be activ e w insid here . . recre e, outsid . e, ation al ce dayc nter, are, playg home, roun d •There is a link between TV viewing and being overweight so turn off the TV, the video games, the computer and move your body. New York State Department of Health FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL 11 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAI D PERMIT NO. 18 Norwich, NY 13815 6678 County Road 32 Norwich, New York 13815-3554 BOARD OF EDUCATION Linda DeAndrea, President Joan Cronauer, Vice President Stanley Swears Patricia Taggart Thomas Worden DCMO BOCES Printing Service DCMO BOCES Gordon Daniels, Superintendent Published quarterly, Cindy Carey, Editor 607 - 829 - 3551 CURRENT RESIDENT OR ECRWSS BOXHOLDER 2015-2016 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Notice If you wish your child to attend the Pre-Kindergarten program, please send a letter of interest by May 29 to the following address: Franklin Central School Attn: Elementary Office P.O. Box 888 Franklin, NY 13775 All eligible students will be allowed to enroll in the program based on the following criteria: 1. Student must be a resident of Franklin Central School District 2. Student must be 4 years of age on or before December 1. Children who are 5 years of age on or before December 1 will not be eligible for the Pre-K program, unless recommended by the Superintendent. Should in-district enrollment requests exceed 18 students a lottery drawing will be held. All students not chosen will be put on a waiting list. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school at 829-3551, ext. 316. Kindergarten Registration Franklin Central School will hold Kindergarten Registration on Thursday, May 14, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Parent letters have been sent to families who, according to the school census data, have children eligible to attend Kindergarten in September. To be eligible, a child must be five (5) years of age on or before December 1, 2015. Children currently enrolled in our Pre-K program do not have to attend Kindergarten Registration. Parents of eligible children who did not receive kindergarten information letters should call the Elementary Office at 829-3551, ext. 316 by May 12 to schedule an appointment time for registration on May 14. Angel Tree This holiday season there were 25 families and 70 children that were assisted by the generosity of the angel tree (includes Head Start). Thanks to Dawn’s Deli, the Franklin/Treadwell food bank, the United Methodist church, the Franklin community and a group of elves at Franklin Central School.