APPROVED MINUTES

PROPOSED                                                      MAY 9, 2006

MINUTES                                            ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING

of the                                                                      of the

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Held in the Senior High School Auditorium

Conklin, New York, County of Broome

 

BOARD            Mrs. Janice Young                                                          

MEMBERS       Mr. John Pollock

PRESENT:       Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton                                                    

                        Mrs. Mary Haskell                                                                

                        Mrs. Julia Bowers                                                          

                        Mr. Rusty Storm

                        Mr. Kevin McGuigan

                        Mr. Bill Yelverton

                                                                                                                 

 

Mrs. Carol Boyce, Superintendent, welcomed those present, and called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Mrs. Boyce introduced the Board members present. Mrs. Boyce reviewed the Board seats up for election and the candidates running for each seat.

 

Mrs. Boyce introduced those members of the administration in attendance. Mrs. Boyce reviewed the administrative, capital and program budget; and the DistrictÕs revenue from state aid and other sources. Mrs. Boyce talked about the measures that were taken to reduce expenses in the proposed budget, the real dollar tax impact the proposed budget would have, and the contingency budget. Mrs. Boyce gave an historic perspective, showing the budget and tax increase for the last decade.

 

Holly Finch voiced her concern that sports and programs are always the first thing cut if the budget is defeated. Ms. Finch stated that administration should be cut. Mrs. Boyce replied that if the budget is defeated at the May 16 vote, the Board will be looking at every area for possible cuts. Laurie Chantry asked if teachers had received two raises this year. Mrs. Young replied that they did not and explained what happened. Susan Sands and Bonnie Gates also voiced their concern with administrators. Residents voiced their concerns and asked questions about employee contributions to health benefits, the cost of educating a student, merging school districts, transportation and fuel costs, and going on a contingency budget. Other residents voiced their concern that failing to pass the budget on May 16 would hurt the students. Mrs. Young explained the employee contribution to health benefits. Mrs. Boyce talked about the cost of educating a student and the shared services school districts have with BOCES. Mrs. Boyce explained that transportations costs have not been determined yet, fuel prices are always changing. Mrs. Boyce also stated that fuel is bought at the state price. Mrs. Dana Wolfe asked what would happen if there were a surplus or deficit in this yearÕs budget, if it would be applied to next year. Mrs. Boyce explained that monthly budget reports are received and if there is a surplus what the options are. Mrs. Wolfe also asked about tuition revenue. Mrs. Boyce explained that tuition is revenue that you cannot count on, it can dry up at any time. Laura Gardner, Susan Pollock, and Jack Bell talked about how some of the issues facing school districts, such as health insurance costs, are a national problem and encouraged residents to write the government. Students Sara Morris and Caitlin Pemberton voiced their concern that students are hurt if the budget is not passed. Sara also stated that this is one of the best districts you can be in. Sue Sutton asked about the inventory at Cedarhurst. Mrs. Boyce explained that if anything can be used in the other schools it will be. Other items that are still usable may be sold at auction. Mary Rader and Donna Pflanz-May stated that voting no on the budget is not the way to bring changes, it hurts the students. They also stated that the Board does listen and has been making changes. Mary went on to say that taxpayers have to support and let the Board and administrators go on to try to save this District. Richard Stank complimented the Board, past and present, for the hours they put in. Mr. Stank also stated that he knows the dedication of the administrators, teachers, and support staff to the students.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk