THE Forks Chenango Forks Central School District Chronicle Spring/Budget 2019 VOTE MAY 21, 2019 • 2019-20 Budget • School Board Election • Capital Project Details inside A community where learners excel... 1 Letter from the Superintendent It is hard to believe that another school year is winding down. It has been a very busy and productive year academically, athletically and in the fine arts. Two of the key areas the district is currently focusing on are the 2019-2020 school budget and a new capital project slated to begin in the summer of 2020. The Board of Education and district administration have worked diligently to develop a 2019-2020 budget proposal that keeps the tax levy increase at 2.47%, which is below our allowable tax levy increase. Through efficient long-range planning and meticulous attention to expenses, the district is able to maintain programs and staffing levels despite decreasing state aid and rising operational costs. The budget is outlined on page 18 of this newsletter. On May 21, 2019, the community will vote on our 2019-2020 budget proposal and will Lloyd L. Peck, Ed.D. select a candidate to fill one vacancy on the Board of Education. In addition, voters will Superintendent of Schools decide on a proposed $28,550,000 capital project that will not raise local taxes. (See next page.) By strategically adding $3,150,000 to the capital reserve over the past few years and maximizing an 87% building aid reimbursement rate from the New York State Department of Education, we are able to finance the entire $28,550,000 project without additional tax burden to our local community. Highlights of the capital project include: • A reconstructed eight-lane pool with new warmup pool and moveable bulkhead to create divided swim areas • An addition to the pool area for expanded spectator seating • Renovations to two swim locker rooms (ADA compliance and upgrades) • Team rooms and restrooms connected to the school that can be used by the community when attending events on the all-purpose field • All-weather track and athletic field turf resurfacing • Tennis court reconstruction • Parking lot expansion • HVAC air handler replacements in several areas • Middle School restroom renovation (ADA compliance and upgrades) • Middle School roof replacement • Elementary School select classroom floor replacements • Elementary School boiler and pump replacement These are all areas of concern as identified in the Building Conditions Survey and Five-Year Plan. Over the past five years, we have made significant progress in providing our students with the best possible educational environment, and we are committed to continuing that effort. As always, it is my pleasure to work with the community, staff and students on a daily basis and to strive for continued excellence that makes the Chenango Forks Central School District a special place for all. If you have any questions or con- cerns, please feel free to contact the District Office at 648-7543 prompt one. My door is always open. Best wishes, Lloyd L. Peck, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 2 Capital Project proposal On May 21, 2019, Chenango Forks CSD residents will vote on a $28,550,000 Capital Project referendum that provides for much-needed repairs and upgrades to our facilities without increasing local taxes. Funding Sources Capital Reserves Total Project Cost $3,150,000 (11%) $28,550,000 $28,550,000 Total Project Building Aid Debt Service NO Additional Local Tax Levy Impact Capital Reserves $685,000 (2%) Debt Service Tax Levy Estimated Building Aid $0 (0%) $24,715,000 (87%) Project Highlights 4 Turf Field Replacement 4 Track Resurfacing 4 Parking Lot Expansion (80 cars) 4 4 4 Pool Addition Pool Reconstruction Middle School Roof Replacement Pool Reconstruction & Expansion 4 Tennis Court Reconstruction CFE - Select Floor Replacement Our existing pool was built in 1967 and has provided the com- munity with decades of use for swim lessons, competitions and recreation. After many years of repairs, its condition warrants a complete replacement, which is the fiscally responsible solution. The capital project plan includes a building addition to accom- modate an expanded spectator seating area and mechanical Select classrooms in the Elementary School systems. The plan also includes a warmup pool, a moveable will receive new flooring as part of the capital bulkhead to create divided pool areas, and upgraded, ADA project plan. compliant locker rooms. 3 Capital Project Q & A Q: What is a capital project? A: A capital project is like home improvements for schools. By NYS law, the school district inspects its property regularly, working with an architect to maintain a five-year, capital improvement plan. Some issues require immediate attention, while other repairs and upgrades can be spread out over time. This process is done in much the same way a homeowner plans to fund major repairs such as a roof. For school districts, this is called a “Capital Project.” To further encourage schools to maintain or improve their facilities, the State Education Department (SED) reimburses districts through “Building Aid” for capital projects. SED pays a percentage of capital project costs, and the district pays the balance known as “Local Share.” Q: Why is this project needed? A: The district owns and maintains 457,086 square feet of buildings and 80.1 acres of property. Like in our homes, various mechan- ical and electrical systems reach the end of their useful life, spaces become worn from use and age, and weather takes its toll on roofs and site amenities. We continually prepare for such improvements, evaluating our long-range plan and prioritization of necessary work. Our pool was built in 1967 and is in poor condition. Repairs have become a “band aid” solution, and are no longer the fiscally respon- sible way to address the issues. Replacement is warranted. Similarly, the roof at the Middle School, boilers at the Elementary School, various HVAC equipment, our tennis courts, track and turf field have all reached the end of their useful life. Toilet rooms need upgrad- ing to meet current ADA requirements and for modernization and maintenance of materials. We also have the opportunity to provide safe, clean and modern academic program spaces to benefit our students, our staff and our community. Q: Why now? A: Through a combination of retiring debt and establishing a Capital Reserve fund, the district can now perform much needed con- struction work with no additional tax impact. Q: What will be the impact of the project on our taxes? A: This project has no additional tax impact to our community. With the state assuming 87% of funding, combined with actions taken by the Board of Education to cover the local share, there will be no increase in local taxes to pay for this capital project. Specif- ically, the district has set aside $3,150,000 from the existing capital reserve fund and $685,000 from the debt service fund to cover the local share of the costs. This funding model is very similar to a homeowner who takes out a home improvement loan after paying off a previous one. It is also important to note that this current state funding formula brings back a considerable amount of state dollars to our community while preserving a key asset -- our school. Voter information To vote, you must be: • a U.S. citizen • a resident of the District for at least 30 days prior to the election • 18 years of age or older Qualified voters must present identification. Proof of residency may include the following valid and current documents: New York State driver’s license, New York State non-driver identification card, utility bill, or voter registration card. Voters will also be required to provide their signature, printed name and address. Absentee ballot applications are available at the District Office, One Gordon Drive, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day other than Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, or by calling the District Office at 648-7543. 4 2019-2020 Budget Vote, Board Election & Capital Project Referendum Tuesday, May 21, 2019 12 noon - 8 p.m. VOTE: Chenango Forks High School Auditorium Budget Hearing & Capital Project Information Session Thursday, May 9, 2019 - 5:30 p.m., Middle School Library 2019-20 Budget Information Budget Component 2018-2019 Budget 2019-2020 Proposed Budget Difference Administrative $3,460,295 $3,451,396 ($8,899) Program $23,908,910 $24,773,276 $864,366 Capital $6,437,651 $6,070,401 ($367,250) TOTAL $33,806,855 $34,295,073 $488,218 Transportation Contract The budget also includes a renewal increase in the Regular School Year Transportation Contract of $86,445 in year one of a three-year contract, the total cost of which is $4,599,469. Chenango Forks Central School District 2019-20 School District Budget Notice Overall Budget Proposal Budget Adopted 18-19 Budget Proposed 19-20 Contingency Budget 19-20* Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions $ 33,806,855 $ 34,295,073 $ 34,004,922 Increase/Decrease for the 2019-20 School Year $ 488,218 $ 198,067 Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget 1.44 % .59 % Change in the Consumer Price Index 2.44% A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount $ 11,741,111 $ 12,031,262 B. Levy to Support Library Debt, if Applicable $ 0 $ 0 C. Levy for Non-Excludable Propositions, if Applicable ** $ 0 $ 0 D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy $ 0 $ 0 E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D) $ 11,741,111 $ 12,031,262 $ 11,741,111 F. Total Permissible Exclusions $ 614,977 $ 627,516 G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions $ 11,126,134 $ 11,403,746 H.