All of the four school districts
Mohonasen Central School District taxpayers approved the district’s $42.9 million 2011-12 budget by 1,272 to 781. The budget will increase the tax levy by 2.5 percent and it carries a 0.43 percent spending increase, or $184,391, over the current year.
I want to thank everyone who came out and voted today. This budget represents a real collaborative effort by the members of our community, said Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Spring in a statement. `These are difficult economic times, but because of the participation we received from our residents at our budget forums and the concessions on the part of our teachers, support staff, supervisors and administrators, we were able to develop a budget that preserves our programs for our students. I look forward to continuing this joint effort as we navigate future challenges. We are fortunate to live in a community where people recognize the value of their schools.`
District officials had looked at cutting nearly 59 full-time equivalent positions district-wide to reach a zero percent tax levy increase, but the approved budget includes 34.5 FTE position cuts; of those passed cuts are 19 teachers, four teaching assistants, nine support staff and 2.5 administration positions.
The district’s four bargaining units all agreed to a partial pay freeze and other concessions, which saved $525,000. This agreement allowed approximately eight positions set for elimination to be restored.
Mohonasen voters also approved a $370,000 proposition to purchase three full-size 66-passenger buses and one Suburban, with 1175 voting in favor and 870 voting against it.
Two candidates were also elected to vacant seats on the Mohonasen Board of Education, which includes Nancy del Prado, with 1532 votes, and Mark Moran, with 1582 votes.
Schalmont Central School District taxpayers approved the $41.77 million 2011-12 budget by 690 to 241. The approved budget carries a zero percent tax levy increase and decreases spending by 1.31 percent, or $550,000, from the current year.
`We’re grateful for everyone who came out to vote in
their school budget and board elections today,` said Superintendent Valerie Kelsey. `The annual school budget plays a vital role in providing for the education of our youth. This budget, in particular, will help maintain the high level
of programming that our community values, even as our district faces ongoing fiscal challenges.`
The 23 full-time equivalent position cuts were primarily achieved through closing of Mariaville and Woestina elementary schools, which were 10 teachers, 10 support staff and three administrators. Declining enrollment was the main reason for the school closings, which the Board of Education approved in an attempt to maintain programming and services.
Voters also passed the school’s bus purchase proposition by 615 to 314, which will allow the district to purchase three 66-passenger buses. The initial cost for the buses is $315,000 over five years, but school officials said the district is eligible for state aid to offset the cost. This would result in costing the district $126,000 before factoring in trade-in discounts for older, heavily used buses, said district officials. The expense of the proposition was included in the debt service calculation for 2011-12 budget.
Three candidates also were running for the Board of Education, which included newcomers John DiCocco and Michael Pasquarella and incumbent Kevin Thompson. Pasquarella, receiving 568 votes, and Thompson, receiving 582 were elected to the board, with DiCocco receiving 449 votes.
Niskayuna Central School District taxpayers approved the proposed $77.19 million 2011-12 budget by 2,007 to 1,298. The approved budget holds a tax levy increase of 3.95 percent and increases spending by 0.97 percent, or $740,359, compared to the current year.
`The Board of Education, administration and staff greatly appreciate the support of our school community,` said Superintendent Kevin Baughman. `This may have been the most challenging budget development process that this district has faced, particularly with the loss of state aid. The board worked diligently to develop a budget that contained costs and preserved core academic programs while also responding to community input. It was critical that we strike a balance between the educational needs of our students and the ability of our community to support education.`
The voter turnout was the largest in at least the last 11 years, according to school officials, which totaled 3,305 district residents participating. The approval rating of 60.73 was slightly higher than last year’s approval rating of 60.71. This is the seventh time the approval rating has exceeded 60 percent in the past 10 years.
To help ease the burden on expenses, a wage freeze was agreed on by building principals, K-12 directors, district office clerical staff, district supervisors, assistant superintendent and administrator for human resources. The cost savings of the freeze is around $87,000.
District voters also approved a bus proposition to purchase seven buses by 1,952 to 1,343. The bus proposal included purchasing four 66-passenger buses, one 35-passenger bus and two 24-passenger buses with wheelchair access. The eight current buses would be retired and phased out due to high mileage and expensive maintenance costs, according to district officials.
The Board of Education election results placed incumbents John Buhrmaster, with 2,123 votes, and Deborah Oriola, with 1,970 votes, being reelected, with newcomer Richard Reitz losing his bid with 1,270 votes.
Scotia-Glenville Central School District taxpayer approved $47.08 million 2011-12 budget by 1,275 to 587. The approved budget holds a tax levy increase of 1.57 percent and decreased spending by $248,246 compared to the current year.
After realizing additional state aid, the board followed through on their vow to restore one OPAL teacher for one year, which is a program to help gifted students. The agreement for the restoration was also pending a reorganization of the program. The restored teacher will work with students in kindergarten to second grade, and a library media specialist will work with grades three to five for the upcoming school year. The board’s plan is to have a similar program run by the library media specialists.
Late buses for middle school and high school students were also restored, but on a less frequent schedule from the current four days per week. Swartz said she believes she can find savings in the transportation budget around $20,000 to help with the restoration.
The additional state aid will also help offset last year’s one-time revenue source from the Education and Jobs bill totaling $810,000. Out of the $400,000 funding boost, the board was willing to take $100,000 for the newly restored items and to help defer costs. The positions eliminated in the budget include two administrator positions, which will replace the two leaving principals; one teacher position and one float nurse position.
Four candidates filed petitions for three seats on the Board of Education and the votes choose two new faces. Incumbent and current President Pamela Carbone received 1,165 votes to retain her seat, but fellow incumbent Leslie Smith, elected in May 2010 to complete the final year of an unexpired board term, won’t be returning to the board after receiving 1,143 votes. Board newcomers William Pytlovany, receiving 1,252 votes, and David Bucciferro, receiving 1,166 votes to squeak past Smith, will join the board.“
The Spotlight
covers had its proposed 2011-12 budget passed. Also, the three schools proposing bus purchases were passed too. For a more detailed break down and board of election results for each district look for your community below.
Mohonasen
Schalmont
Niskayuna
Scotia-Glenville