News from the Odessa-Montour Central School District OMCS News Notes May 2015 A letter from your Board President Dear Residents of the Odessa-Montour School District, The Board of Education of the OdessaMontour Central School District is pleased to present the District’s proposed 2015-16 budget. In developing this budget, the board and district administration again undertook a thorough review of the district’s programming and other needs within the strictures of mandated costs and resource limitations. As a result of these efforts, the district’s investment in its programmatic objectives has been enhanced and other necessary elements of the district’s function maintained. On the revenue side, the proposed budget stays below the district’s computed tax cap, and indeed even incorporates a small decrease in the tax levy for the second consecutive year. This newsletter provides some explanation and detail on the proposed budget’s revenues and expenditures and gives comparisons of budget function spending during the last two years. In addition to voting on the budget, you will be asked to vote on propositions increasing the annual tax levy for the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library and the Montour Falls Memorial Library, authorizing the forma- tion of a capital reserve fund for the purchase of school buses, authorization to purchase school buses out of that fund and authorizing expenditure of funds from the district’s capital reserve fund to pay for repairs and upgrades to the district’s facilities. The Board of Education invites you to our Annual Budget Hearing and Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Conference Room (Hanlon Elementary School Room 12), where Superintendent Chris Wood will present the budget and field any questions you may have on the information presented. Voting on the budget, the propositions and board candidates will take place on Tuesday, May 19 from noon to 8:00 p.m. in the Board Conference Room (Hanlon Elementary School Room 12). Sincerely, Robert Halpin Robert Halpin, President Odessa-Montour Board of Education O-M schools earn twelfth Safety Award The Odessa-Montour Central School District has been awarded the School Safety Excellence Award from Utica National Insurance Company for the twelfth consecutive year. O-M is one of 133 school districts and BOCES in the state to receive this award. The district received a certificate and $500 for future safety efforts at a recent school safety seminar. Page 2-4.................... 2015-16 budget, Propositions Page 5............Board of Education candidates, Notifications Page 6............Board candidates continued, Recent grads can learn a marketable skill Pages 7........Capital project information, Notifications Page 8........Dates to remember, Voting notice, Absentee ballots Utica insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York for property and liability insurance. The company’s School Safety Excellence Award Program helps participating schools enhance overall safety through measurable assessment. The program rates schools in several different areas, from bullying prevention to school playground safety. 1 Odessa-Montour Central School District Proposed Budget for 2015-16 Expenses Revenues Component 2014-152015-16 Source Program..............................$10,548,326....... $10,652,768 Administrative........................ 1,837,506............1,783,799 Capital..................................... 3,105,205............3,085,615 NYS Operating Aid............ $8,541,357..........$8,604,933 NYS Building Aid................... 1,357,980............1,500,131 Property Tax........................... 4,862,710............4,814,083 Fund Balance.............................526,221............... 451,986 Other Revenue..........................202,769............... 151,049 TOTAL.................................$15,491,037....... $15,522,182 2014-152015-16 TOTAL.................................$15,491,037....... $15,522,182 2015-16 Expenses Budget/ Capital Project Hearing 2015-16 Revenues Capital 20% Administrative 11% Property Tax 31% Fund Balance 3% NYS Bldg. Aid 10% Other Revenue 1% Thursday, May 7 6:00 p.m. Hanlon Elementary School Room 12 Program 69% NYS Operating Aid 55% How will my taxes be affected? The estimated district-wide tax decrease will be approximately 1 percent. Here’s how your taxes may be affected. These figures are based on a house valued at $100,000. Please note that property values are determined by local tax assessors and equalization rates are set by New York State. All figures are subject to change, and do not reflect STAR Program reductions or other exemptions. 2 Town Tax Decrease on a $100,000 Home without STAR exemption Catharine.......................................................... $(15.39) Cayuta............................................................... $(15.39) Dix...................................................................... $(15.39) Hector................................................................ $(15.39) Montour............................................................ $(15.39) Van Etten.......................................................... $(15.39) Veteran.............................................................. $(15.39) Enfield................................................................ $(15.39) Administrative Component The administrative section of the budget includes office and central administrative expenses for all certified school administrators and supervisors who spend a majority of their time performing administrative and supervisory duties. Included in these expenses are salaries and benefits, as well as travel costs, supplies and all costs to operate each school’s main office, as well as the Central Office, Office of Special Education and Board of Education expenses. Budget Function 2014-15 2015-16 Change Board of Education............................................ $15,303............................$15,066.................................$(237) BOCES Administration.......................................182,182........................... 179,070............................... (3,112) BOCES Capital...................................................... 57,374..............................72,799............................... 15,425 Central Administration.......................................218,757........................... 180,650............................. (38,107) Finance .................................................................335,819........................... 336,266..................................... 447 Legal...........................................................................3,000................................ 6,000..................................3,000 Personnel................................................................. 39,322..............................38,622...................................(700) Public Information................................................. 18,004..............................15,437............................... (2,567) Printing/Mailing.................................................... 10,708..............................11,378..................................... 670 Central Data Processing....................................121,659........................... 124,638..................................2,979 Insurance................................................................. 58,000..............................58,000..........................................0 Curriculum Development.................................... 30,196..............................30,429..................................... 233 Supervision/Regular School.............................312,138........................... 326,968............................... 14,830 Planning/Evaluation............................................. 40,189..............................41,226..................................1,037 Employee Benefits..............................................394,855........................... 347,250............................. (47,605) TOTAL............................................................. $1,837,506......................$1,783,799...........................$(53,707) Vote on Tuesday, May 19 Noon – 8:00 p.m. Hanlon Elementary School Room 12 Capital Component The capital section of the budget covers all costs of operating the cleaning and maintenance departments, including salaries and benefits, service contracts, supplies, utilities and all other expenses for the maintenance, repair and cleaning of the facilities. Costs associated with debt service are included in this capital component. Budget Function 2014-15 2015-16 Change Operation of Plant...........................................$750,875.......................... $814,863............................ $63,988 Maintenance of Plant.........................................338,858............................ 321,678............................ (17,180) Refund of Property Taxes......................................4,000................................. 4,000.........................................0 Employee Benefits..............................................215,167............................ 214,939..................................(228) Debt Service..................................................... 1,796,306.........................1,730,135............................ (66,171) TOTAL............................................................. $3,105,206.......................$3,085,615..........................$(19,591) 3 Program Component The program section of the budget contains all costs of the educational program, including staff salaries and benefits, BOCES instructional services, athletics and transportation. Budget Function 2014-15 2015-16 Change Teaching – Regular School......................... $3,168,390.......................$3,273,691..........................$105,301 Special Education............................................ 2,054,334.........................2,117,848.............................. 63,514 Occupational Education....................................545,621............................ 533,618............................ (12,003) Legal........................................................................ 11,000...............................14,000.................................3,000 Library...................................................................102,161............................ 105,597.................................3,436 Computer-Assisted Instruction.........................367,399............................ 408,364.............................. 40,965 Guidance..............................................................204,782............................ 204,588..................................(194) Health Services....................................................103,162............................ 105,094.................................1,932 Co-Curricular Activities....................................... 54,000...............................50,409.............................. (3,591) Interscholastic Athletics......................................207,460............................ 203,101.............................. (4,359) Employee Benefits.......................................... 2,944,567.........................2,819,343..........................(125,224) Transportation.....................................................758,355............................ 790,020.............................. 31,665 Transfers to Other Funds.................................... 27,095...............................27,095.........................................0 TOTAL...........................................................$10,548,326.................... $10,652,768..........................$104,442 Propositions put before voters on May 19 Proposition 1: Budget/ Capital Project Hearing Thursday, May 7 6:00 p.m. Hanlon Elementary School Room 12 4 Shall the Odessa-Montour Central School District budget for the 2015-2016 school year authorize the spending of $15,522,182? Proposition 2: Shall the annual tax levy for the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library (currently at $34,549) be increased by $3,455 and shall the annual tax levy for the Montour Falls Memorial Library (currently at $37,635) be increased by $3,700? Proposition 3: Shall the Board of Education be authorized to establish a capital reserve fund under the provisions of Education Law Section 3651(1) for the purpose of purchasing school buses; in a total amount not to exceed of $2,000,000; for a probable term of ten years; and funded by any or all of the following sources: unappropriated fund balances from the general fund, state aid related to expenditures from this capital reserve fund, interest income related to the investment of monies in this fund, and any other additional monies hereafter authorized by the voters of the District? Proposition 4: Shall the Board of Education be authorized to purchase two 65-passenger school buses for the purpose of providing student transportation, including original equipment and incidental expenses for the foregoing purpose, at a total estimated cost not to exceed $270,000; and to expend funds from the bus purchase capital reserve fund to the extent that it is funded? Proposition 5: Shall the Board of Education be authorized to undertake certain repairs and improvements to District buildings and facilities, including, but not limited to, replacing the track at the Junior/ Senior High School, replacing the bus garage roof, and performing repairs and upgrades in the auditorium at the Junior/Senior High School, all at a total estimated cost not to exceed $1,700,000; and to expend funds from the District’s existing capital reserve fund established May 20, 2008, to cover such costs? Vote for school board members There are three school board positions up for vote. Below are brief biographies of the five candidates running for the Board of Education. Debbie Fellwock Coddington Place, Odessa Occupation: Sales Clerk Education: Graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, Executive Medical Secretarial Degree from Elmira Business Institute. Activities: Works at the Watkins Glen Skating Rink and substitutes for the Odessa-Montour Central School District. Personal: Grew up in Alpine and has been back in the area for five years. Family: three children. “I want my son to graduate from Odessa as proud as I was, and I want to put the focus back on the students.” Todd Mertens State Route 13, Cayuta Occupation: Small Business Owner Education: Attended high school in Colorado, attended the University of Colorado. Activities: Family hikes, coaching daughter’s soccer team, camping and kayaking. Personal: Has lived in the district for 12 years. Family: married 20 years, one daughter who attends Hanlon Elementary. “I am running for the board to help, rather than just complain and to bring common sense solutions and fiscally responsible ideas to the board.” Karen Rock Vote on Tuesday, May 19 Noon – 8:00 p.m. Hanlon Elementary School Room 12 Hitchcock Road, Odessa Occupation: Dental Hygienist Education: 1974 graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, Associate Degree from Erie Community College. Activities: Has served on the OMCS board since 2004, volunteers at district schools and for the Schuyler County Relay for Life and Diabetes Tour de Cure. Enjoys yoga, golf, camping and reading. Personal: Has lived in the district for 49 years. Family: husband Dan, son Brian, daugter-in-law Joy, grandchildren Gavin, Henry and Samantha. “I am running for a seat on the Odessa-Montour Board of Education because I am interested in giving back to my school district and I would like the opportunity to enhance the student learning experience.” Continued on page 6 Section 504 notification Sexual harassment policy The Odessa-Montour Central School District hereby gives notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The district gives further notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in the admission or access to its programs and activities, including vocational education programs. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any physical, mental or medical impairment which is unrelated to the person’s ability to engage in the activities involved in the job for which application has been made. Inquiries concerning this policy may be referred to Mrs. Veronica P. Lewis, Section 504 Coordinator, 300 College Avenue, Odessa, NY 14869. The Board of Education is committed to providing an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity and equality and is free from all forms of sexual harassment. To this end, the board condemns and strictly prohibits all forms of sexual harassment on school grounds, school buses and at all schoolsponsored activities. For the board to effectively enforce this policy and take prompt corrective measures, it is essential that all victims and persons with knowledge of sexual harassment report it immediately to Christopher Wood, Title IX Coordinator, 300 College Avenue, Odessa, NY 14869. 5 Vote for school board members, continued Jeff Parmenter State Route 224, Montour Falls Occupation: Vice President of Commercial Operations, Parmenter Inc. Education: Graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, aeronautical engineering courses through the Community College of the Air Force, business and accounting courses at Elmira Business Institute. Activities: Schuyler County Youth Baseball coach, 2014 United Way campaign chairman, volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Personal: With the exception of his time in the military, has lived in the district his entire life. Family: wife Amy, son Phoenix attends Hanlon and son Drew attends BC Cate. “As a parent and a supporter of our community, I would enjoy an opportunity to contribute to the education and the well being of our next generation of leaders.” Robert Halpin Newtown Road, Odessa Occupation: Attorney Education: 1993 graduate of Odessa-Montour Central School, Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University, Master’s Degree from SUNY Albany, Juris Doctor Degree from Albany Law School. Activities: Current president of the OMCS board, Schuyler County Little League coach, active in Odessa Catharine United Methodist Church. Personal: Has lived in the district for 10 years. Family: wife Sadye, children Hailie (17), Lillian (8), James (6). “I want to continue to work with the rest of the Board and the administration to ensure the District’s long-term fiscal stability and ability to provide quality educational opportunities.” Recent grads can learn a marketable skill GST BOCES Adult Education and Career Services offers specialized career training programs to recent high school graduates. Right after graduation, students can develop a marketable skill by enrolling in a shortterm career training. These programs are designed specifically to meet the needs of local employers. Participants will be prepared to enter the workforce in their chosen field after successfully completing one of these courses. Options include Commercial Driver’s License (Class A or B), 6 Cosmetology, Esthetics, Electricity, Healthcare Career Pathway, Industrial Manufacturing, Nail Technology, Practical Nursing, Office Support Specialist, Precision Machining and Welding. All other adult career training programs are open to recent graduates as well. Each program will train participants in job readiness skills such as résumé building, job search support and employment preparation. Programs range in price from $1,250 to $12,000 and many students will qualify for financial assistance. For those who do not qualify, payment plans are available. To learn more about these courses and our other career training options, please call 739-7905 and ask to speak with one of our vocational specialists. Pre-admission testing is required for all courses. For a program brochure and application, please go to www.gstboces.org/adulted. Capital project information The project at a glance • Proposed Work: Replace bus garage roof The bus garage roofing system was installed in the 1980s and is approximately 30 years old. General life expectancy for a roof of this type is 25 years. The existing roof is requiring extensive ongoing repairs and maintenance and has several active leaks. • Proposed Work: Remove track surface, mill and repair asphalt base, install new asphalt leveling base, install new track surface, remove existing fencing and edging, relocate new fence away from outside lane The track surface is 15 years old; a typical track surface life expectancy is 12 years. The track surface is delaminating from the base. The asphalt base is settled, not level and has large cracks and soft spots. The existing fence is too close to the outside lane, presenting a safety concern for runners. • Proposed Work: Upgrade room acoustics, upgrade house and theater lighting with LED fixtures, upgrade lighting system and controls, upgrade audio system and controls and up grade the stage rigging Auditorium improvements include replacing aging equipment and system controls, improving energy efficiency with new LED lighting and providing additional safety enhancements to the stage rigging and equipment. The result of this work will provide an improved environment for daily instruction and everyday use by our students as well as the community. Budget/ Capital Project Hearing Thursday, May 7 6:00 p.m. Hanlon Elementary School Room 12 Financial impact The total project cost is $1.7million. The District will use $1.7 million in capital reserve funds. There is no tax impact for our taxpayers. The District receives 89 percent building aid on eligible building activities from New York State. Title IX notification The Odessa-Montour Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability in the employment or educational opportunities it offers, including vocational educational opportunities. Also, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, the Odessa-Montour Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of gender in the educational programs or activities which it provides (including vocational programming), appointment of employees, employment pay and benefits, counseling services for students, access by students to educational programs, course offerings, textbooks and student activities. Christopher Wood, Title IX Coordinator, 300 College Avenue, Odessa, NY 14869, will provide information, including complaint procedures, to any student or employee who feels that his/her rights under Title IX may have been violated by the district or its officials. In addition, any student or employee may make an inquiry or a complaint directly to the Federal Office for Civil Rights. Notice regarding pets Due to health and safety concerns, the OMCS District asks community members not to bring pets onto school grounds. Thank you for your consideration. 7 Odessa-Montour Central School District NON-Profit US postage PAID Permit #6 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 300 College Ave. Odessa, NY 14869 (607) 594–3341 Board of Education Robert Halpin, President Scott Westervelt, Vice President Damita Chamberlain Christian Maphis Karen Rock Robert Tuttle Post Office or Box Holder Superintendent Budget Edition... see inside for details of the 2015-16 budget. Christopher Wood Dates to remember May 1 Early Release Day: BC Cate-11:10 a.m.; Hanlon/Jr./Sr. HS-11:30 a.m. 7 O-M PFO Meeting, Hanlon Library, 5:00 p.m. Annual Budget Hearing & Meet the Candidates Night/Board of Education Meeting, Hanlon Room 12, 6:00 p.m. 11-15 BC Cate & Hanlon Book Fair (Buy One/ Get One Free) 18 Fine Arts Boosters Meeting, HS Faculty Dining Room, 7:00 p.m. 19 Budget Vote & Board Election, Hanlon Elementary School Room 12, 12:00 8:00 p.m. 22 No School 25 Memorial Day, No School, All Offices Closed 27 Senior High Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m. Voting Notice All voting will take place at the H.A. Hanlon Elementary School in Room 12. Please be sure to bring a photo ID with you when voting. 8 June 3 Junior High Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m. 9 Great American Picnic and Fine Arts Awards, 6:00 p.m. 10 Sports Boosters Reception and Awards, 5:30 p.m. 11 O-M PFO Meeting, Hanlon Library, 5:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting, Hanlon Room 12, 6:00 p.m. 15 Last Day of Classes, Grades 7-12 17 Hanlon Fine Arts Night and Concert Art Gallery, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Band & Chorus Concert, 7:30 p.m. 22 Fine Arts Boosters Meeting, HS Faculty Dining Room, 7:00 p.m. 22-25 Early Release Days: B.C. Cate-11:10 a.m.; Hanlon-11:30 a.m. 23 Baccalaureate, Odessa Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. 25 Last Day of Classes, Grades PreK-6 26 Graduation, HS Auditorium, 6:00 p.m. Absentee ballots Applications for absentee ballots are available for residents who are unable to vote in person on May 19. To obtain an application, write or telephone the District Office before May 12. Absentee ballots will be mailed on May 8 through May 12. Ballots are due in the District Office by 4:00 p.m. on May 19.
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