District News

District voters to decide on 2008-09 budget on May 20

On Tuesday, May 20, Fonda-Fultonville taxpayers are being asked to vote on a proposed $25,234,443 budget for 2008-09 that reflects a 2.98 percent increase in spending over the 2007-08 budget. The total estimated tax levy increase is 2.96 percent.

At this point, the actual tax rates for 2008-09 cannot be projected because the state will not finalize assessment values and equalization rates until after July 1.

New and expanded opportunities

The 2008-09 budget represents the Board of Education’s efforts to improve the quality of education our students receive and to keep any increase in the tax levy in line with the rate of inflation. Among the new or expanded programs are:

Expanded Universal Pre-kindergarten—enrollment will increase from the current 30 students
to 36.

District sponsored PSAT exams—the district will pay the cost for high school students to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, a measure of student readiness for college.

Continuation of Reading First—our highly successful reading program will continue under
local funding, despite an end in federal funding. Since the program’s introduction three years
ago, the number of remedial reading students in elementary school has fallen by over 80 percent.

Interscholastic bowling team—a new sport opportunity during our winter athletic season.

Crisis communication system—a new system will notify parents/guardians via telephone, e-mail, or texting with critical information in the event of an unanticipated school closing or crisis situation.

Controlling costs

The cost of the goods and services necessary to run an effective school rises each year. Among the greatest increases for 2008-09 are transportation fuel, heating
fuel and utilities. The proposed budget includes plans to help offset those increases:

Reduce one high school teaching position— changing student enrollments will require one less
teacher without impacting our course offerings.

Use staff more efficiently for upkeep—a new full time cleaner will free existing staff to address routine projects.

Closely manage health benefits and energy costs—self-insurance and energy conservation
continue to yield savings.

Voters to decide on capital reserve fund

Also on May 20, residents will vote on a resolution that, if approved, will authorize the district to set aside $2.4 million in a capital reserve fund to offset the cost of future repairs to the elementary school.

These funds are part of a negotiated legal settlement awarded to the district to remedy construction problems that caused the floors to heave. The district has already paid out $1.8 million to repair the most critical areas. This resolution proposes to place the balance of the award and any interest into a dedicated fund to make additional repairs as needed.

“These funds are not extra money,” explained Superintendent Dr. James Hoffman. “We received this money to reimburse the district for repairs we have already made and to address future repairs. This is not a financial windfall.”

Placing the money in the fund ensures that the money will only be used to make the anticipated repairs.

For more information on the budget proposal, Board of Education election or capital fund
referendum, or call the Superintendent’s Office at 853-4415 ext. 4230.

Two run for three Board of Education positions

Candidates John Wiltey and Timothy Wendell are on the ballot for two three-year terms and
one two-year term on the Board of Education. The top three vote-getters will serve the three year terms.

(download the color budget brochure)

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