Clarkstown Central School District Newsletter

A Message From the Superintendent
In the process of developing a school budget, the two components of a budget are reviewed - the expenses (needs) of the school system and the revenues- (dollars to pay for the needs).

Similarly, when developing a budget, we not only look at the impact our decisions have on the upcoming budget year, but the years that follow. We do this to ensure that those who provide the revenues to support our schools do not have years when increases spike in an adverse manner.

Recently it has been reported that the district "found" money, which has created the impression that we have unexpended funds which we can apply to next year's budget, or that the district was not using its money appropriately. I would like to clarify these very complex issues.

When voters approve a capital bond proposition, they authorize the district to borrow the money, as it is needed, for a specific capital project, at the time that the project is being executed and/or at a time when interest rates and bonding makes the most financial sense. When a project is completed, there may be money left in some of those accounts because a project came in under budget and/or a part of the project was not completed for various reasons.

For example, money was approved by the voters to build an addition to Little Tor Elementary School when the town approved the development of the Smith Farms property to include 55 new homes. Just before my arrival, a portion of that voter-approved money was borrowed, in anticipation of beginning that project. Approximately a year later, it became clear that the Smith Farms development would not be built in the short time frame originally planned and that the need for space at Little Tor would be years away, if at all. Thus, after my arrival, the Board of Education agreed that the Little Tor addition would not begin as originally planned. The money that is currently in that account, according to law, can only be used for that specific project, to pay back the principal on that borrowing, or for another capital project which would have to be specifically approved using a separate resolution by the voters. It cannot be used for general operating expenses, to hire staff, or even be paid back early without penalties.

The BOE is now in the position to determine how to apply dollars from capital accounts to the 2010-2011 and the 2011 -2012 budgets. A particular concern exists for the 2011-2012 budget because federal dollars called ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) that were given to districts all over the country for two years (2009-2010 and 2010-2011) to offset declining tax revenues, will cease to support our budget after 2010-2011. Given that we received approximately $5.5 million in ARRA funds, we need to be mindful of the impact that reduction will have on our budget and tax rate increase in 2011-2012.

In the face of the current fiscally challenging environment, the BOE is deliberating all aspects of the budget and the impact these decisions will have on our students, staff and school community. Our goal is to continue to provide the best quality education at the lowest possible cost to the residents of our community. Please join us on Wednesday April 14 at South High School or on Thursday April 22 at our regularly scheduled BOE meeting as final decisions are made.

THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL BUDGET

BOE Budget Workshop - April 8, 2010
On Thursday, April 8, the Board of Education met to begin the workshop process on the proposed 2010-2011 school budget. To begin the session, Dr. Keller-Cogan, joined by Dr. O'Connell, Dr. Leh and Mr. Sobel, gave a presentation providing additional detail on proposed cuts to close a $5.9 million budget gap. To review the presentation, click here.

Throughout the presentation, Dr. Keller-Cogan emphasized that the goal in making the recommended cuts is to economize but not eliminate any of the excellent programs offered to meet the variety of needs of our students. In every case possible, the programs will continue but in a way that help reduce the costs of administering the programs. For example, competition opportunities will continue to be provided, however if students go to state or national levels, parents will be responsible for costs. With Dimensions, historically, it operated as a pull out program with ten students in ten schools able to participate. Work is now underway to see if the same opportunities can be provided in the classroom for more students.

In terms of special education, the District will continue to provide all services and programs listed on students' IEPs and will not make cuts in any mandated portions of the program. In some areas, where non-mandated services are being provided, some reductions are being recommended, just as they are across other areas of our curricula and programs.

Dr. Keller-Cogan stressed that the budget work being done is focused on having the quality continue in our programs but also deal with the very real financial impact of higher tax rate increases for residents.

Director of Fiscal Management John LaNave than gave a presentation to update the Board on the district revenue picture, specifically with regard to monies associated with bonded capital projects. To review the Bond Summary, click here.

Following the presentation, the Board did a line-by-line review of the first two-thirds of the school budget proposal. The Board will meet again on April 14 to review the final budget codes, and discuss their recommendations for reductions. The workshop will take place on Wednesday April 14, 6:30 PM at the auditorium of Clarkstown High School South. The school is located at 31 Demarest Mill Road East in West Nyack.

Draft of the 2010-2011 School Budget Including the Proposed Cuts
Below is a copy of the draft 2010-2011 school budget with includes the proposed $5.9 million in spending cuts. The Board will be using this document for their budget workshop on April 14. If you plan on attending, you may wish to print a copy of this document to bring to the meeting with you to follow along as the BOE discusses the proposed cuts.
2010-11 Budget Reduction Presentation

Ranking CCSD's Financial Performance
To see how Clarkstown ranks against other school districts in terms of expenditures, visit the benchmarking report posted on the district website. The report compares CCSD spending to other districts in the downstate area, mid-Hudson region and statewide.

Nominations for Clarkstown Education Hall of Fame Close April 15
Nominations for Clarkstown Education Hall of Fame Close April 15
The Education Hall of Fame is open to past employees of the School District who made significant contributions to the school system in their own special ways over a sustained period of time. Nominees be retired from the Clarkstown Central School District for at least three years at the time of the nomination.
For more information, please visit our website.