At last week's board meeting, the architect provided a summary of building needs and estimated total cost by building, but there were no costs attached to specific projects within each building, in part due to the preliminary nature of the evaluation.
At the board meeting last night, audience members and some board members expressed concern that the voters would not have a clear picture of what would be voted upon, should the board go ahead with presenting the $5 million capital proposal to the voters (potential voting date of Dec.8, 2009), nor would the voters have an understanding of individual project costs or the criteria by which a given project might or might not eventually be included in the final construction. As construction costs are refined later in the project, it might be necessary to include or exclude certain elements due to their costs being less than or more than originally thought.
The board agreed to develop and make known such criteria, but the voters should realize that the actual work that will be completed may differ from that which is specified, and that voters are voting for the $5MM bond issue, not for a specific package of projects.
The board will be holding public meetings and make available further information. At present I have the architect's spreadsheet showing the individual projects and total cost by building. If you would like a copy, send an e-mail to chathamny@gmail.com. Please keep in mind that this may be revised and may not represent the actual work that will be done!!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Capital Proposal - Board of Education meeting Oct. 6, 2009
At a very sparsely attended BOE meeting last night, there was a presentation by the district's (new) architect and the superintendent regarding a capital project proposal.
What they would like to do is to take $547,000 in federal stimulus money that must be spent by the end of the school year (6-30-2010), add to it $550,000 from the previous bond issue of approx. $6 million that was not spent due to some of the project coming in under budget and in addition allocate approx. $1.4 million from the district's existing capital reserve fund. This gives a total of approx. $2.5 million and then adding in estimated state aid of a little under 50% brings the total to approx. $5 million that could be used with no direct tax impact.
The architect reviewed the projects that would be implemented were the proposal to be approved. Details will be coming from the BOE but there were none of the grandiose projects that were in the original referendum that was defeated. There were mostly smaller items across all 3 buildings (costs attached to specific projects were not given) that related to improving energy efficiency, roof repairs still remaining, some ADA issues, and a number of others.
I'm not sure I agree with the necessity for every single one of the suggestions but as an entire package I think it's worthwhile for a number of reasons:
- No tax impact (however, see below)
- Use of federal stimulus money which will not be available on an on-going basis
- Availability of approx. 50% state aid which, due to the fiscal condition of the state, may be lower in the future
It does appear that the project can be implemented with no tax impact. However, using the capital reserve funds of $1.4 million will nearly deplete the district's capital reserve, which then must be rebuilt. I was assured by the superintendent and a number of board members that, although the fund will need to be rebuilt, it will be rebuilt over a number of years, not all at once, so it is possible that there might be an indirect impact on taxes in the future. I believe the board is very aware of taxpayer concerns and will consider the speed at which the reserve is rebuilt when formulating the 2010-2011 district budget.
Due to various regulatory constraints, this proposal would have to be presented to the voters for approval in December.
At this point, and subject to further details from the BOE, I think the project makes sense.
I will forward further details as they become available.
What they would like to do is to take $547,000 in federal stimulus money that must be spent by the end of the school year (6-30-2010), add to it $550,000 from the previous bond issue of approx. $6 million that was not spent due to some of the project coming in under budget and in addition allocate approx. $1.4 million from the district's existing capital reserve fund. This gives a total of approx. $2.5 million and then adding in estimated state aid of a little under 50% brings the total to approx. $5 million that could be used with no direct tax impact.
The architect reviewed the projects that would be implemented were the proposal to be approved. Details will be coming from the BOE but there were none of the grandiose projects that were in the original referendum that was defeated. There were mostly smaller items across all 3 buildings (costs attached to specific projects were not given) that related to improving energy efficiency, roof repairs still remaining, some ADA issues, and a number of others.
I'm not sure I agree with the necessity for every single one of the suggestions but as an entire package I think it's worthwhile for a number of reasons:
- No tax impact (however, see below)
- Use of federal stimulus money which will not be available on an on-going basis
- Availability of approx. 50% state aid which, due to the fiscal condition of the state, may be lower in the future
It does appear that the project can be implemented with no tax impact. However, using the capital reserve funds of $1.4 million will nearly deplete the district's capital reserve, which then must be rebuilt. I was assured by the superintendent and a number of board members that, although the fund will need to be rebuilt, it will be rebuilt over a number of years, not all at once, so it is possible that there might be an indirect impact on taxes in the future. I believe the board is very aware of taxpayer concerns and will consider the speed at which the reserve is rebuilt when formulating the 2010-2011 district budget.
Due to various regulatory constraints, this proposal would have to be presented to the voters for approval in December.
At this point, and subject to further details from the BOE, I think the project makes sense.
I will forward further details as they become available.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Final Budget Information
The Board of Education met last night, the final meeting before the budget vote next Tuesday, May 19 at the MED (9AM - 9PM). No new budget information was presented.
To summarize, the total budget is .98% above last year's, with the tax levy increasing 1.55% as a result of decreased state aid. The one-bell transportation system is incorporated in this budget.
A few items directly or indirectly relating to the budget:
-Funds are included for an external hire if necessary to replace the retiring MED principal.
-No new buses will be purchased this year.
-The district has identified a bus surveillance system that will be purchased if the budget is approved; details were sketchy but it will apparently be able to view the entire bus and store the data on a hard drive. While not mentioned at the meeting, it seemed as if the video would be saved for a period of time and be viewed only if circumstances require.
-There are two BOE seats being voted upon and two candidates. The candidate with the higher vote total will get a 3 year term; the other candidate will fill out the 1 year remaining on Ric Campbell's term.
-There is also a proposition to allow a student to sit on the BOE as a non-voting member.
Please come out on the 19th and vote to support this budget!
To summarize, the total budget is .98% above last year's, with the tax levy increasing 1.55% as a result of decreased state aid. The one-bell transportation system is incorporated in this budget.
A few items directly or indirectly relating to the budget:
-Funds are included for an external hire if necessary to replace the retiring MED principal.
-No new buses will be purchased this year.
-The district has identified a bus surveillance system that will be purchased if the budget is approved; details were sketchy but it will apparently be able to view the entire bus and store the data on a hard drive. While not mentioned at the meeting, it seemed as if the video would be saved for a period of time and be viewed only if circumstances require.
-There are two BOE seats being voted upon and two candidates. The candidate with the higher vote total will get a 3 year term; the other candidate will fill out the 1 year remaining on Ric Campbell's term.
-There is also a proposition to allow a student to sit on the BOE as a non-voting member.
Please come out on the 19th and vote to support this budget!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Board of Education meeting April 21, 2009
The board approved the 2009-2010 budget. It is essentially unchanged from the initial draft, and includes the one-bell transportation proposal and a tax levy increase of 1.55%. Here's the link:
http://www.chathamcentralschools.com/April212009Budget.pdf.
It is a good budget, preserving and improving Chatham's educational values and making good use of our scarce budget resources.
Remember, we must vote to approve it on May 19!
The board also introduced the new superintendent, Cheryl Nuciforo, who will start on July 1.
http://www.chathamcentralschools.com/April212009Budget.pdf.
It is a good budget, preserving and improving Chatham's educational values and making good use of our scarce budget resources.
Remember, we must vote to approve it on May 19!
The board also introduced the new superintendent, Cheryl Nuciforo, who will start on July 1.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Board of Education meeting April 7, 2009
At the meeting, a brief budget presentation was made. It is essentially unchanged from the original presentation.
As a result of stimulus money, state aid will be increased by approximately $500,000. The interim superintendent strongly recommended that this one-time (although there may be a second payment next year) payment be used to fund capital improvements, rather than operating expenses. When added to a like amount already in the capital improvement fund, and leveraged with state aid for capital improvements, approximately $2 million in needed capital improvements can be funded with no tax increase. This makes a lot of sense and the board agreed.
In addition, the board announced that, pending final contract negotiations, a new school superintendent has been hired.
While not formally announced at the meeting, it is essentially public knowledge that board member Ric Campbell will be leaving the board due to increasing demands on his time at Bard College. His depth of experience and the perspective as an educator that he brought to the board will be missed and will leave a hole that hopefully can be filled.
At the next board meeting on April 21, the board will vote to adopt a budget.
At the May 12 meeting, the board will present the education plan and the budget, and the taxpayers' vote will take place on May 19.
As a result of stimulus money, state aid will be increased by approximately $500,000. The interim superintendent strongly recommended that this one-time (although there may be a second payment next year) payment be used to fund capital improvements, rather than operating expenses. When added to a like amount already in the capital improvement fund, and leveraged with state aid for capital improvements, approximately $2 million in needed capital improvements can be funded with no tax increase. This makes a lot of sense and the board agreed.
In addition, the board announced that, pending final contract negotiations, a new school superintendent has been hired.
While not formally announced at the meeting, it is essentially public knowledge that board member Ric Campbell will be leaving the board due to increasing demands on his time at Bard College. His depth of experience and the perspective as an educator that he brought to the board will be missed and will leave a hole that hopefully can be filled.
At the next board meeting on April 21, the board will vote to adopt a budget.
At the May 12 meeting, the board will present the education plan and the budget, and the taxpayers' vote will take place on May 19.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Summary of 3-10-09 Board meeting
Interim superintendent Lee Bordick presented the proposed 2009-2010 budget. Details are posted on the district's web site (http://www.chathamcentralschools.com/budget/budget_draft.pdf).
Highlights:
Structural trends in Chatham's budget indicate that expenditures overall would significantly increase over time unless steps were taken now to minimize future spending increases.
Business as usual (maintaining all existing programs, staffing levels, supply agreements, etc.) would result in a 7.9% budget expenditure increase, and due to an initial anticipated decline in state aid of approximately 5% would necessitate a 17.5% increase in the tax levy. However, the actual decline in state aid as currently proposed is 11.6%, which would require a tax increase of almost 20%.
Approximately 12 staff positions being voluntarily vacated will not be filled. Thanks were given to those leaving for their dedication and years of service. Significant savings will be realized as a results of a 15% reduction in equipment, material and supplies. Certain programs are being maintained or added at little or no additional cost, including interscholastic sports. A comment was made that the proposed elimination of the adult education brochure would disadvantage those who did not have a computer to access the same information on the district's web site.
As expected, however, much of the discussion from the audience involved the plan to institute a 1-bell bus routing, rather than the current 2-bell system. This means essentially that there will be only a single bus run rather than 2 as is currently the case. Cost savings were estimated at slightly less than $200,000 for the year, and this assumes no reduction in transportation staff, even though a reduction (and further cost savings) would be likely over time due to retirements/resignations (and decreased need for bus replacements).
A number of parents expressed concern that their younger children would be on the same bus as older students, and raised questions about pickup locations, length of time on a bus, availability of seating if buses are filled, and other issues. It was pointed out that younger students currently do share a bus with older students on the late bus.
Mr. Bordick addressed some of these questions, but did indicate that this was a work in progress and further study would be needed. A number of audience members spoke out either in favor of the 1-bell proposal, or indicated that they would maintain an open mind as details of the 1-bell system were worked out. This latter group included parents whose child/children would be directly affected.
Dr. Wapner indicated a working group of parents, transportation department and board members would be formed to work out these issues. It was also suggested that representatives (parents, administrators) of school districts that have implemented a 1-bell system be invited to relate their experiences with the system.
Assuming that the budget is passed as proposed (and there are a number of steps and meetings that will take place before the taxpayers vote on May 19), the actual budget appropriation (the amount that voters will authorize to be spent) will decrease by 1.7% from 2008-2009, but due to the large decline in state aid, the amount to be raised via taxes will increase by 1.6%.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the details of the proposal, a tax increase of only 1.6% represents a significant change from the larger increases of the past, and the superintendent and board should be congratulated for a new way of thinking about running the district and breaking away from the business as usual mindset we have seen in the past.
Finally, many commented on the excellence of Mr. Bordick's presentation.
Highlights:
Structural trends in Chatham's budget indicate that expenditures overall would significantly increase over time unless steps were taken now to minimize future spending increases.
Business as usual (maintaining all existing programs, staffing levels, supply agreements, etc.) would result in a 7.9% budget expenditure increase, and due to an initial anticipated decline in state aid of approximately 5% would necessitate a 17.5% increase in the tax levy. However, the actual decline in state aid as currently proposed is 11.6%, which would require a tax increase of almost 20%.
Recognizing the impact that a tax increase of that magnitude would have, a decision was made to take advantage of declining enrollments and staff retirement/resignations to rethink how the district operates without affecting Chatham's educational values and staff.
Approximately 12 staff positions being voluntarily vacated will not be filled. Thanks were given to those leaving for their dedication and years of service. Significant savings will be realized as a results of a 15% reduction in equipment, material and supplies. Certain programs are being maintained or added at little or no additional cost, including interscholastic sports. A comment was made that the proposed elimination of the adult education brochure would disadvantage those who did not have a computer to access the same information on the district's web site.
As expected, however, much of the discussion from the audience involved the plan to institute a 1-bell bus routing, rather than the current 2-bell system. This means essentially that there will be only a single bus run rather than 2 as is currently the case. Cost savings were estimated at slightly less than $200,000 for the year, and this assumes no reduction in transportation staff, even though a reduction (and further cost savings) would be likely over time due to retirements/resignations (and decreased need for bus replacements).
A number of parents expressed concern that their younger children would be on the same bus as older students, and raised questions about pickup locations, length of time on a bus, availability of seating if buses are filled, and other issues. It was pointed out that younger students currently do share a bus with older students on the late bus.
Mr. Bordick addressed some of these questions, but did indicate that this was a work in progress and further study would be needed. A number of audience members spoke out either in favor of the 1-bell proposal, or indicated that they would maintain an open mind as details of the 1-bell system were worked out. This latter group included parents whose child/children would be directly affected.
Dr. Wapner indicated a working group of parents, transportation department and board members would be formed to work out these issues. It was also suggested that representatives (parents, administrators) of school districts that have implemented a 1-bell system be invited to relate their experiences with the system.
Assuming that the budget is passed as proposed (and there are a number of steps and meetings that will take place before the taxpayers vote on May 19), the actual budget appropriation (the amount that voters will authorize to be spent) will decrease by 1.7% from 2008-2009, but due to the large decline in state aid, the amount to be raised via taxes will increase by 1.6%.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the details of the proposal, a tax increase of only 1.6% represents a significant change from the larger increases of the past, and the superintendent and board should be congratulated for a new way of thinking about running the district and breaking away from the business as usual mindset we have seen in the past.
Finally, many commented on the excellence of Mr. Bordick's presentation.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Chatham schools 2009 - 2010 budget
There is a board of education meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 in the high school library.
The board will present its first draft of next year's school operating budget. The board and superintendent have been working very hard to minimize the impact on the tax levy, which will be particularly challenging in light of the dramatic cuts in state aid for the upcoming year. They are very aware of the difficult financial situation and its impact on taxpayers.
They will also present the "single bell" proposal which would substitute one bus run for the current two, which is a key element in holding down expenses.
I will summarize significant aspects of the meeting on this blog, but I encourage you to attend to hear firsthand their proposals.
The board will present its first draft of next year's school operating budget. The board and superintendent have been working very hard to minimize the impact on the tax levy, which will be particularly challenging in light of the dramatic cuts in state aid for the upcoming year. They are very aware of the difficult financial situation and its impact on taxpayers.
They will also present the "single bell" proposal which would substitute one bus run for the current two, which is a key element in holding down expenses.
I will summarize significant aspects of the meeting on this blog, but I encourage you to attend to hear firsthand their proposals.
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