Proposed Budget Stays Within Tax Cap Limit

Hudson Falls Central School District
2015-2016
TOTAL budget:
$42,637,732
TWO BOE SEATS
BUS PROPOSITION:
$360,000
budget
hearing:
Monday
May 11, 2015
7 pm
HS Auditorium
budget votE:
Tuesday
May 19, 2015
Noon - 8:00 pm
HS Gymnasium
15th Annual
Celebration of
the Arts
page 4
ay
Tuesd
1
May 9
Spring 2015 • Budget Edition
Proposed Budget Stays Within
Tax Cap Limit
The Hudson Falls Central School District Board of Education adopted a
budget of $42.6 million for voter consideration at its April 6 meeting.
The anticipated tax levy increase is 1.5%, which is below the maximum
allowable increase.
The Board of Education is pleased to
announce that the district will receive an
increase in State Aid for the 2015-16 school
year, which will virtually eliminate funds lost
through the Gap Elimination Adjustment over
the past several years. The increase in State
Aid, combined with a reduction in costs from
the Teacher’s Retirement System, places the
district in a positive financial situation.
The district has decelerated the rising cost
of health insurance by switching the district
contribution to the lowest cost plan, the Point
of Service plan. Additional savings measures
include the peak shaving generators, running
programs and services through BOCES to
generate additional aid, and bringing out-ofdistrict special education placements back in
district. As a result, the district is able to stay
within the allowable tax levy limit and be
accountable to taxpayers, while at the same
time, serving the needs of students.
In 2015-16, residents of school districts
who stay under the property tax cap and can
demonstrate at least 1% savings from sharing
services will be eligible for a New York State
rebate check. The property tax rebate check
will be the difference between the taxpayer’s
2015-16 school tax bill and the school taxes
paid in 2014-15. In order to be eligible for this
rebate, taxpayers must own property and be
registered with the STAR program.
The dollars that were restored through State
Aid are going straight to classroom instruction.
www.hfcsd.org
The district will restore positions in the
elementary grades to keep class size low and
provide the solid academic foundation children
need. These positions include:
• An elementary reading teacher
• An Academic Intervention Services position
in Math (to serve grades 3, 4, 5)
• A Special Education instructor for a second
classroom for autistic students
• A Special Education instructor to co-teach
in grades 1 and 2
• An additional classroom teacher for grades
1, 4, and 5
By opening a second classroom for autistic
students, the district is able to keep students
close to home and accept students from other
districts on a tuition basis.
The district also plans to reinstate the
Director of Educational Technology position,
which has been vacant for one year.
Bus Proposition
The Board will present a separate proposition
to authorize the purchase of three 66-passenger
buses and one commercial van at a cost not
to exceed $360,000. The District will be
reimbursed 90% of the cost of these vehicles
in the form of NYS Transportation Aid.
The Board and administration worked carefully
to balance taxpayer concerns with students’
educational needs. We sincerely appreciate your
support in years past. We encourage you to vote
on Tuesday, May 19, 2015.
Hudson Falls High
School is pleased to
announce the Honor
Graduates for the
Class of 2015
These students have maintained
an average of 90% or above
throughout their four years of high
school.
Catherine Barton, Valedictorian
Honor Graduates (front row l.-r.): Samantha Osborne, Jessica Hogan,
Amelia Dochak, Kylie Tripp, Catherine Barton, Ny Nguyen, Megan LaValley.
Back row l.-r.: Thomas Hogan, William McCulley, Benjamin Hogan, Steven
Sullivan, Brian Barrett. Missing from photo: Emma Kitchner.
Catherine Barton is the Class of 2015 Valedictorian. The daughter of Cathy
and Kelly Barton, Cate is a member of Roots and Shoots, Academic Quiz Bowl,
Service Club, Hermes yearbook staff, Student Council, and National Honor
Society. She also participates in choir and softball team. Cate participated in
SADD, Siena IMPACT, RPI’s Plan Your Future Day, and HOBY. Her volunteer
service includes Thanksgiving basket assembly and distribution, speaking at
Middle School SADD presentations, reading at the Primary School open house,
Roots and Shoots highway cleanup, peer tutoring, ushering and selling tickets for
Drama Club presentations, teaching youth Liturgy of the Word, and helping with
the Roots and Shoots potluck dinner. Cate has been a judge at the SMSA science
fair, a timer at swim meets, and a student representative on the Superintendent
search committee. She worked the concession stands at football and basketball
games, set up for the Primary School Fun Fair, and raked leaves for the elderly.
Cate has been accepted at the University of Vermont, Clarkson University,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, SUNY Buffalo State, and the University of
Rochester.
This year’s salutatorian is Benjamin Hogan, son of William and Cheryl
Hogan. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Roots and Shoots. His
community service involves highway clean ups, Equinox Thanksgiving dinners,
Student Council Thanksgiving food drives, and the Red Cross blood drive. During
his high school career, Ben has competed in soccer, wrestling, and track. He is
currently a member of the tennis team. He will attend either Fairfield University
or Fordham University in the fall.
Benjamin Hogan, Salutatorian
2
Hudson Falls Central School District
Honor Graduates for the Class of 2015
Brian Burnett is the son of Brian Burnett and Darlene
Miner. During his high school career, Brian participated
in the National Coalition Building Institute. Brian enjoys
writing and drawing in his spare time. He especially
enjoys drawing animation and cartoons. In the fall, Brian
will be attending SUNY Adirondack and pursuing a
career in art, graphic design, writing, and math.
Amelia Dochak is the daughter of Maggie Murphy,
Michael Murphy, and the late Stephen Dochak. Amelia
is the president of National Honor Society, vice president
of Student Council, and vice president of the Class of
2015. She volunteers in Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and
Student Council activities such as Staff Appreciation
Day, Thanksgiving baskets, St. Baldrick’s Day, and
Operation Santa Claus. Her other community service
activities include the “Backpack Program” at the Primary
School, Primary School Fun Fair, blood drive, 21st
Century tutoring, class concession stands, and raking
leaves for veterans. During the fall, Amelia participated
in varsity swim and dive team and helped out for the
modified and boys swim meets. She is active in band and
participated in All County, NYSSMA, and the school’s
musicals, “Guys and Dolls” and “Oklahoma.” Amelia
plans to attend Daemen College to pursue a career in
physical therapy in the fall.
Jessica Hogan is the daughter of Rich and Mary
Hogan. Jess played tennis during the fall and participates
in dance year-round. She is a member of the National
Honor Society, Roots and Shoots, and Service Club.
She also was on prom committee for the Class of 2015.
Her community service activities include raking leaves
for veterans, Thanksgiving baskets, Operation Santa
Claus, and the blood drive. She also is involved in the
“Backpack Program” through the Primary School and
highway cleanup projects. Jess plans to attend college
in the fall to study marine biology.
Tiger Prints Spring 2015 • Budget Edition
Thomas Hogan is the son of William and Cheryl
Hogan. He is the treasurer of the National Honor Society.
Tom also plays cello in the orchestra. His community
service includes helping out with his church, St. Mary’s/
St. Paul’s projects, Family Fun Fair, Thanksgiving
baskets, and Equinox Thanksgiving dinners. Athletically,
Tom has participated in track, indoor track, and soccer.
Tom will be attending Providence College in the fall.
Emma Kitchner is the daughter of Peter and Kim
Kitchner. Emma is the Student Council president and
the National Honor Society secretary. She is a part of
the Abibliophobia book club and a member of the school
band. Emma participates in many community service
opportunities including raking leaves for the veterans,
putting together Thanksgiving baskets, and volunteering
for Operation Santa Claus and the St. Baldrick’s Day
event at the high school. She was a member of the
swim team and played varsity basketball for her last two
years of high school. She has been accepted into SUNY
Geneseo and St. Lawrence University.
Megan LaValley is the daughter of Brian and Stacey
LaValley. She is a member of the National Honor
Society, Choir, and Choraliers. She has participated in
NYSSMA, All-County and Area All-State festivals.
Megan is a member of Drama Club as well as being a
Thespian. She has participated in many musicals and
plays including “Little Women,” “Opening Night,”
“Oklahoma,” and “Guys and Dolls.” Athletically, she has
participated in soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track.
Her community service includes volunteering at the
Festival of Trees, Operation Santa, and the “Backpack
Program” at the Primary School. Megan will be attending
SUNY Adirondack in the fall and will later attend a
college to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Continued on Page 4
3
Honor Graduates continued
William McCulley is the son of Bill and Terri
McCulley. He is a member of the National Honor
Society and played soccer throughout his high school
career. William also enjoys playing guitar and piano.
His volunteer efforts include his church youth group,
collecting and organizing supplies for the food pantry,
yard work for disabled veterans, and Habitat for
Humanity. William will be attending Albany College of
Pharmacy in the doctorate of pharmacy program this fall.
Steven Sullivan is the son of Loren and Valerie
Sullivan. While in high school, Steven participated in
a variety of sports including tennis, swimming, soccer,
cross country, and track. Steven is also active in the
Outdoors Club and Boy Scouts, where he recently
completed his Eagle Scout requirements. This past year,
Steven was accepted into the New Visions Engineering
program. Steven plans on attending SUNY New Paltz
to study computer engineering.
Kylie Tripp is the daughter of Ben and Jodi Tripp. She
is a member of National Honor Society. Kylie has been
active in Drama Club, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra,
Choir, and Choraliers. She also played softball and
volleyball. Outside of school, Kylie is a junior leader of
her 4H Club and has also been involved with teaching
young girls the basics of pitching during pitching clinics
at the Kingsbury Recreation softball league. Kylie’s
community service includes Operation Santa Claus,
Samantha Osborne is the daughter of Carolyn and
filling Thanksgiving baskets, decorating for Festival of
Gordon Osborne. She was the goalie for the Junior
the Trees, and assisting with the “Backpack Program”
Varsity Girls’ Soccer team during her freshman year.
at the Primary School. Kylie has been accepted at Wells
Samantha plans on attending SUNY Adirondack for two
College and the College of Saint Rose College and will
years and transferring to an art school.
attend SUNY Adirondack in the fall.
Ny Nguyen is the daughter of Thanh Nguyen. During
her high school career, Ny has participated in soccer and
track and also volunteers in Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Ny
plans to become an industrial organization psychologist.
She has been accepted to the College of Saint Rose,
LeMoyne College, Hofstra University, and Quinnipiac
University. She plans to study psychology.
Celebration
of the Arts
Tuesday, May 19, 2015 • 6-8 p.m.
Hudson Falls High School
Students and their teachers will present a musical and visual montage for
parents and the community to enjoy. All students in the district who are involved
with art courses in grades K-12 will have at least one of their creations displayed.
The evening’s casual, stroll-the-halls program will include art, media, and
humanity displays, as well as vocal and instrumental ensembles from throughout
the district. The event is free and open to the public.
4
Hudson Falls Central School District
2015-16 BUDGET
Expenditure Summary
Estimated Expenditures
Notes
• Administrative expenditures
cover expenses related to district
management. The Administrative
expenses comprise 8.71% of the
overall budget.
• Program expenditures include
items directly related to instruction.
These include salaries, benefits, and
transportation. The Program budget
comprises approximately 67.98% of
the total budget.
• Capital expenditures account for
23.31% of the total budget. They
include the cost of maintenance,
operation, utilities, transportation,
and debt service.
• Central Services, under both the
Administrative and Program
categories, include the cost of
copiers, central printing and mailing,
and central data processing.
• Building projects allow the district
to address needs within the district
that would otherwise not be possible
without the off-setting revenue
to minimize the local share of the
expenditure. Thanks to the support
of the community, the district has
been able to leverage our Building
Aid (part of our State Aid on the
opposite page) to offset the increase
in the Capital part of the budget
(specifically, Debt Service).
Administrative .......8.71%
Program ...............67.98%
Capital...................23.31%
CAPITAL
23.31%
ADMINISTRATIVE
2014-15 2015-16Change
Board of Education
$13,907
$13,883
($24)
Central Administration
207,334
192,110
(15,224)
Finance
360,499
334,748
(25,751)
9,000
9,000
0
Personnel
25,400
24,900
(500)
Public Information
25,600 26,391
791
Central Services
38,765
39,718
953
Special Items
470,607
506,922
36,315
Curriculum Development
140,230
172,310
32,080
Supervision-Regular School
938,793
964,298
25,505
Supervision-Non Instructional 135,773
139,167
3,394
Instruction
212,158
Legal
Benefits
Subtotal
PROGRAM
214,617
1,080,857
1,077,276
2014-15 2015-16Change
$36,000
$36,000
Central Services
197,982
204,386
District Transportation
Garage Building
Benefits
subtotal
CAPITAL
Plant Operation
(3,581)
$3,661,382$3,712,881 $51,499
Legal
Instruction
(2,459)
$0
6,404
17,267,886
17,970,379
702,493
1,591,413
1,533,218
(58,195)
51,800
51,800
0
9,223,814
9,190,359
(33,455)
$28,368,895 $28,986,142 $617,247
2014-15 2015-16Change
$1,542,241
$1,509,027
($33,214)
889,070
906,378
17,308
10,000
10,000
0
889,874 886,709
(3,165)
Debt Service
6,410,524
6,626,595
216,071
Subtotal
$9,741,709
$9,938,709
$197,000
Plant Maintenance
Special Items
Benefits
TOTAL Expenditures $41,771,986$42,637,732$865,746
ADMINISTRATIVE
8.71%
PROGRAM
67.98%
Tiger Prints Spring 2015 • Budget Edition
5
Revenue Summary
Notes
Estimated Revenues
REVENUES
State Aid
2014-15 2015-16Change
$27,443,418
$28,094,774
$651,326
11,509,876
11,682,524
172,648
Payment in Lieu of Taxes
60,000 60,000
0
Interest Earnings
40,000
20,000
(20,000)
250,000
275,000
25,000
35,000 35,000
0
918,500
968,500
Property Tax Levy
Medicaid Reimbursement Summer School Tuition Miscellaneous
Gifts and Donations
50,000
1,500 1,500
0
Appropriated Fund Balance
600,000
600,000
0
Appropriated Reserves
200,000
200,000
0
Employee Benefit Reserve
100,000
100,000
0
Transfer from Debt Services
613,692
600,464
(13,228)
TOTAL Revenues
$41,771,986
$865,746
MISC.
Revenue:
The majority of district revenue
comes from state aid and other
sources, such as grants.
$42,637,732
4.60%
PROPERTY
TAXES
27.40%
STATE AID
65.89%
• State Aid is made up of Foundation
Aid and expense driven aids. The
district is receiving a gap elimination
adjustment decrease of $28,600 in
State Aid. An expense-driven aid is
an expense in the prior fiscal period
that we receive aid on in the next
fiscal period.
• The Hudson Fall Central School
District is a high-needs district
with a selected 2015-16 enhanced
building aid ratio funded at 95
cents on the dollar. The expense
driving this revenue is Debt Service
(refer to the Capital part of the
Expenditure Summary on opposite
page). For the 2015-16 fiscal year,
our State Aid is estimated to be
65.89% of our entire revenue.
• Other revenue sources are Fund
Balance (1.41%), Appropriated
Reserves (.70%), Miscellaneous
Revenue (4.60%) and Real Property
Taxes (27.40%).
2015-16 Property Tax Report Card
2014-15
Budget
2015-16
Budget
Percent
Change
Total Budgeted Amount, not including Separate Propositions
$41,771,986
$42,637,732
A. Proposed Tax Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount
$11,509,876
$11,682,524
B. Tax Levy to Support Library Debt, if Applicable
$0
$0
C. Tax Levy for Non-Excludable Propositions, if Applicable
$0
$0
D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy, if Applicable
E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C – D)
F. Permissible Exclusions to the School Tax Levy Limit
$0
$0
$11,509,876
$11,682,524
$217,819
$0
G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions
$11,598,454
$11,826,152
H. Total Proposed Tax Levy for School Purposes, Excluding Permissible Exclusions and Levy for
Library Debt, Plus Prior Year Tax Cap Reserve (E – B – F + D)
$11,292,057
$11,682,524
$306,397
$143,628
2,354
2,358
I. Difference (G – H); (negative value requires 60% voter approval)
Public School Enrollment
Consumer Price Index
Adjusted Restricted Fund Balance
Adjusted Unrestricted Fund Balance
Adjusted Unrestricted Fund Balance as a Percent of the Total Budget
1.5%
0.17%
1.62%
2014-15 Actual
Assigned Appropriated Fund Balance
2.07%
2015-16 Estimated
$1,528,399
$1,228,399
$608,579
$600,000
$1,571,004
$1,585,000
3.76%
3.72%
*Please note that this Property Tax Report Card presentation is in accordance with NYS Education Law sections 1608, 1716(7) and 2601-a(3).
6
Hudson Falls Central School District
School District Budget Notice
Overall Budget Proposal
Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions
Increase for the 2015-16 School Year
Budget Adopted Budget Proposed
for 2014-15
for 2015-16
School Year
School Year
$41,771,986
Percentage Increase in Proposed Budget
Change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
A. Proposed Tax Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount
B. Levy to Support Library Debt, if Applicable
C. Levy for Non-Excludable Propositions, if Applicable**
D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy
E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C – D)
F. Permissible Exclusions to the School Tax Levy Limit
G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions
H. Total Proposed Tax Levy for School Purposes, Excluding
Permissible Exclusions and Levy for Library Debt, Plus Prior Year
Tax Cap Reserve (E – B – F + D)
I. Difference: (G – H); (Negative Value Requires 60% Voter Approval See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions)**
Administrative component
Program component
Capital component
Contingency
Budget 2015-16
School Year*
$42,637,732
$42,527,732
$856,746
$755,746
2.07%
1.81%
1.62%
$11,509,876
$11,682,524
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$11,509,876
$11,682,524
$271,819
$0
$11,598,454
$11,826,152
$11,238,057
$11,682,524
$360,397
$143,628
$3,661,382
$3,712,881
$3,564,069
$28,368,895
$28,986,142
$27,592,447
$9,741,709
$9,938,709
$9,693,403
* Pursuant to Section 2023 of the Education Law, should the proposed budget be defeated, certain equipment in the capital and
program components would be reduced.
**Separate propositions that are not included in the Total Budgeted Amount: purchase of two 66-passenger buses, one
30-passenger wheel chair bus, and one 33-passenger bus at a cost not to exceed $360,000
Basic STAR Exemption Impact
Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings Based on a Hypothetical Home
Within the School District with a Full Value of One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($100,000). The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section
425 of the Real Property Tax Law.
Basic STAR tax savings
$408
The Annual Budget Vote for the fiscal year 2015-2016 by the qualified voters of the Hudson Falls Central School District,
Washington County, New York, will be held at the High School in said district on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 between the
hours of 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM prevailing time, at which time the polls will be open to vote by voting ballot or machine.
Contingency Budget
In the event the proposed budget is defeated, the Board of Education must adopt a contingency budget.
By law, if a contingency budget is enacted, the tax levy must remain flat. Certain expenses are exempted
under a contingency budget, including costs for new enrollment, gifts, and grants. A contingency budget
may allow field trips, sports, and transportation to school. However, most equipment and pupil supplies
are not allowed (i.e. buses, computer equipment, classroom furniture, and community use of buildings
and grounds).
Tiger Prints Spring 2015 • Budget Edition
7
Hudson Falls Central School District
PO Box 710
Hudson Falls, NY 12839-0710
747-2121
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801
PERMIT #511
Superintendent of Schools
Mark E. Doody
Board of Education
Robert A. Dingman, President
Michael W. Palmer, Vice President
Bernard W. Burke
Jeffrey G. Gaulin
Cheryl P. Hogan
Danielle L. Kuba
Richard K. McCann
Dr. Joseph E. Potvin
Dr. Bryan M. Steele
Produced in cooperation with WSWHE BOCES Communication Services
In an continuing effort to contain costs, the district is moving toward sending district news via email.
If you would like to receive news, information, and updates, please send your email address to:
tsullivan@hfcsd.org with the subject line: ENEWS. Thank you.
Voting
Three Candidates Vie for Two Board Vacancies
For the seat of Michael W. Palmer:
For the seat of Richard K. McCann:
Where and When
Michael W. Palmer Daniel Washburn
(5-year term)
Richard K. McCann
Budget Hearing:
Monday, May 11, 2015
7 pm
HS Auditorium
(5-year term)
Learn more about the proposed
2015-16 school budget.
Annual Vote:
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Noon - 8 pm
HS Gym
Please use the gym entrance off LaBarge Street. Absentee Ballots
District residents may apply for absentee ballots at the Office of the Clerk at the
District Office located on Burgoyne Avenue, Fort Edward. The District Clerk
must receive the application at least seven (7) days before the election if the
ballot is to be mailed to the voter; OR prior to 4:30 p.m. on the day before the
election if the ballot is to be personally received from the District Clerk. A list
of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be posted in the
polling place on the day of election.
Voter Qualifications
A person shall be entitled to vote at the Annual School District Meeting and the
Annual School Election who is: a citizen of the United States; eighteen years of
age; and a resident within the District for a period of thirty days next preceding
the meeting at which he/she offers to vote.
Note: The law allows the district to ask for identification from potential voters.
A more detailed copy of the proposed
budget will be available on Tuesday,
May 5, at any school office. Copies
will also be available at the Budget
Hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, May 11 at
the High School.
15th Annual
www.hfcsd.org
Celebration of the Arts