Spring 2014

get rts Bud Sta tion 0 rma e 1 nfo Pag I on Voy ages www.valhallaschools.org

Valhalla UFSD: Dedicated to every child... stimulating learning, developing values and cultivating understanding Voting Information: The annual budget vote A Message from the Board President... for the fiscal year 2014- Dear Community, 2015 by the qualified voters of the Valhalla The Valhalla School District is still not seeing any relief from Albany. This year, we lost $600,000 Union Free School in our state Gap Elimination Adjustment (see more on page 12). We have not seen any financial District will be held on support for the ever-increasing mandates being placed on the district. Common Core Standards Tuesday, May 20, at the following locations: and Common Core testing are still a fact of education in New York State. Despite these challenges, we continue to make sure our children have the best educational opportunities possible. District 1: Town of Mount The Energy Performance Contract that the school board approved last year is making progress Pleasant (see more on page 4). There are new boilers, energy-efficient lighting and ceilings at Valhalla Kensico School Middle/High School, and the work will continue at our Kensico and Virginia Road schools. 320 Columbus Ave. Valhalla, NY 10595 Our administrators, teachers, support staff and custodians work hard to maintain our educational environment, and we continue to benefit from their dedication. District 2: Town of North Castle Our children also benefit from the dedication of parents and community members who volunteer North Castle their time to assist and support the children of the Valhalla School District. Advocacy within the Community Center 10 Clove Road district is at an all-time high thanks to the Advocacy Committee’s dedication and persistence. North White Plains, NY 10603 Every item in our upcoming budget has been analyzed and evaluated to find cost savings (see District 3: more on page 16). The Valhalla School Board continues to do its due diligence by balancing the Town of Greenburgh needs of our children against our financial abilities. Wherever savings could be realized, they Virginia Road Elementary School were incorporated into the budget. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond the control of the school 86 Virginia Road district are driving our budget. The tax levy limit is still in place and the Consumer Price Index was North White Plains, NY 10603 capped at 1.46 percent, resulting in a substantial decrease to the levy limit (see more on page Voting hours will be 13). Unfunded mandates continue to negatively impact the school district. 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Valhalla School Board supports the 2014-2015 budget and has worked diligently to review every aspect of it. These are difficult financial times, but we try to do what is best for our For more information… children without unduly overburdening our taxpayers. Learn more about the district and the proposed budget for Regards, 2014-2015 by logging onto our website at LaVerne Clark www.valhallaschools.org President, Valhalla Board of Education Voy ages PepsiCo Partners with VHS for STEM Fun become more aware of the STEM world. As students now begin contemplating Valhalla High School students sat in front of Stephanie Adams as she mixed a their future careers, the program showed thick, carbonated mango-flavored foam with Pepsi. She handed cups of the them that even if science is not their forte, concoction out to the teenagers and asked them to taste it. they can still work in the field. “We have a blast in here everyday," said Bridget Skahill, a senior culinary scientist at PepsiCo. “We’re doing science. We’re cooking and we’re having fun.” She and Chef Kyle Shadix told the students that PepsiCo was even in charge of creating special beverage flavors at Pepsi-serving fast-food chains. For example, they said, Taco Bell’s Sangrita Blast drink – a mix of cherry and pomegranate – was created by using the same culinary process that they use in the lab everyday. “For a lot of students, they don’t know what jobs are open to them with a science degree," she said. "A scientist has touched every product on the shelf of a store. It’s good for the students to realize that when they are young. There is a wide world open to them.” Students taste-test unique and original beverage samples at Valhalla's PepsiCo. The partnership between Valhalla High “It’s something you wouldn’t think would creation laboratory. School and PepsiCo ties into the state’s Common Core Learning Standards, which taste good together,” she said, “but it’s “We have never done anything of this aca - calls for critical thinking, hands-on work actually really good! That’s what I do here demic magnitude before,” said Mr. and 21st century learning. all day. I play with flavors.” Thomas. “t’s a great partnership. This is Ms. Adams is a culinary mixologist and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our PepsiCo Director Galo Cadena, who was researcher at Valhalla’s PepsiCo. In March, students to delve into the behind-the-scenes a key organizer of the STEM program, Valhalla High School was one of only area of learning science.” three schools nationwide to participate in The initiative’s goal was to help students CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 the company’s STEM Accelerator Day, which taught students about the endless opportunities within the science world. “This program is for the kids who aren’t thinking about science,” said VHS Principal Jon Thomas. “They might not have ever thought to enter a field in the science world. This will open their eyes up to a world of new possibilities for their futures.” At PepsiCo, students received practical experience regarding the creation of a beverage. They studied ideation, flavor creation, product development, pilot planning, and performing analytics and forensics. They visited PepsiCo’s culinary center, manufacturing center, sensory laboratory, product development sector, analytical laboratory, and flavor 2 Voy ages

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 performed the infamous “Soda and Mentos” said that the Accelerator Day was all experiment. PepsiCo about combining fun and education for the employees told the students to acquire a unique advantage teenagers that the in the science world. carbonated blast shoots PepsiCo Director and Data Analyst Eric out better when using Milgram, a scientist and bioengineer, Diet Pepsi due to its noted that new scientific ideas can often ingredients. While many be stymied in favor of maximizing a believe that the Mentos company’s success. While that success is affects the soda due positive, sometimes restrictions limit the to its sugar content, it company’s overall creativity to experiment actually causes the and produce inventive ideas. The STEM reaction due to its Career Accelerator Day was a gateway to shape and its small new ideas and limitless creations, he said. ridges across its surface. While at PepsiCo, the students also explored the forensics lab. Scientist Nancy As a student tested out Hirdt taught them that her job is see what is safe to put in a new drink. the experiment – careful not to get his to troubleshoot and problem-solve issues Ms. Hirdt noted that it is beneficial to have clothes wet – his classmates watched from that arise in the field. For example, she that expertise in-house. She also added their seats with smiles and wide eyes as mentioned that if someone said that they that the forensics lab can work on product the soda burst out of the bottle. found an object in their drink, the forensics counterfeiting, where they examine the “We want the students to enjoy science department can perform experiments to liquids and compare them to their and be attracted to it, even if they never reveal if the object was from the factory or original product. saw themselves in the field,” said Mr. if it was from a hamburger that the Thomas. “The STEM Accelerator Day was Meanwhile, in the ideation lab, Pepsi person was eating at the same time. great for them to play around and learn exploded through a plastic tube and exciting details about the science world.” The forensics lab also tests ingredients to volcanoed onto the ground as students

Students work with PepsiCo employees to perform the "Soda and Mentos" experiment. They watched as Pepsi shot through the air. 3 Voy ages District-wide Energy Performance Contract Implemented Seamlessly The Valhalla School District’s Energy Performance Contract, which began in late 2012, is continuing its execution without a hitch.

Throughout the 2013-2014 school year, Valhalla High Valhalla’s grounds and maintenance School students stand team was busy updating several facilities together in around the district as part of a plan that the VMHS saves $3.7 million per year in energy cafeteria conservation fees. under better lighting during The largest change can be seen in the the Whitney Valhalla Middle/High School’s gym and M. Young cafeteria, which is now brighter than in Dinner in past years. While those venues used February. to be dark, the crew installed new lighting fixtures throughout the areas to increase brightness and to conserve energy. “I am happy with how all of the updates are going so far,” said Peter Kelly, the district’s grounds director. “We haven’t run into any major problems, and we have maintained a positive relationship with the contractors. Our coordination is good, The grounds and maintenance crew also the grounds crew will have new snow and, thankfully, we are on schedule.” changed some of the district’s plumbing to removal and salting procedures in place The Energy Performance Contract also help with water conservation. They that will ensure safety on in-class days calls for district-wide lighting renovations. installed water-restricted faucets to lower with bad weather. The interior lights have already been water pressure, as well as weather-stripped In addition, the administration coupled completed, while the outdoor LED lights – the plumbing units to include insulation its Energy Performance Contract with its which will increase brightness at night – installation and insulated piping. ceiling contract. Marrying the two projects have recently begun installation as the Many other tasks were completed in the together, the grounds crew worked nights weather warms. four schools, including district-wide heating and weekends to redo the ceilings at Two new efficient boilers were also and ventilation repair, installing motion sen - all schools. installed at Valhalla Middle/High School sors in all classrooms, replacing windows On another note, the Valhalla School to replace the aged and inefficient one at the middle/high school, and modifying District’s $3.6 million capital plan, which that was beyond its useful life. Mr. Kelly the front entrances so that each school only was approved by voters in November, is said that the new boilers will ensure proper has one point of entry to ensure safety. still on schedule. It is currently awaiting water heating and energy savings. Before the snow begins to fall next winter, New York State Education Department approval, and will be bid for in May and Superintendent June. The capital plan’s construction is, Brenda Myers (left) and then, expected to last 18 to 24 months. School Board While students are on vacation over the President summer, safety upgrades will be executed LaVerne Clark (center) chat at Virginia Road Elementary School and with the Kensico School. At Valhalla Westchester Middle/High School, the turf will be fixed County and the parking lots will be resurfaced. Legislator Michael Smith. “Our goal is to get as much done as we can during the summer,” said Christina Howe, Valhalla’s business official, “so that kids can come back in September and see updates and upgrades throughout their schools. We are delighted that the process is going so smoothly.”

4 Voy ages Math Lessons Go Digital for VMS Students lessons that build knowledge and skills,” she said. “For the most part, students have The first year’s implementation of a new web-based math program at responded favorably to the digital Valhalla Middle School went smoothly, integrating more curriculum into the experience. They can re-watch the lesson technological world. viewed in class that the homework is based upon. Teachers can give immediate feedback on homework performance – and that data drives the next day’s instruction.” Candace Russo, the sixth grade accelerated math teacher, said that using “Digits” in class has helped the students understand a problem’s specific details. As it is hands-on, the students can choose the correct answer or can manipulate a problem in class on the Smart Board until it is correct. “The students are excited to do their math work,” Ms. Russo said. “It’s very hands-on for everybody. It’s very interactive. They are really enjoying it. On every level, the program is going well.” Ms. Gannalo added that the program also Valhalla Middle School students enjoy themselves with online math classes. offers the option to print out a homework In September, the school began using answered incorrectly, they have the option assignment. When completing homework, “Digits,” which guides students through math to try it again. The program explains where teachers often ask students to write out the problems and equations with its online the student went wrong, and offers more steps to the answers as well as submit component. Raved by teachers, the program than one way to solve it correctly. the homework electronically. is offered to sixth grade accelerated math, “The children like it so far,” said Mr. Mr. Trigosso noted that the school could seventh grade math and accelerated math, Trigosso. “We are excited that we bring “Digits” to a fuller capacity if it and eighth grade math. implemented a progressive program for implemented a “Bring Your Own Device” “This new program gives our students them to bolster their math studies.” rule for the teenagers. That way, students would be free to bring their laptops or everything that they need to understand and VMS teachers are also fans of “Digits,” and tablets to class and perform the work directly develop their mathematical skills,” said are seeing how their students are learning onto their devices. VMS Principal Roberto Trigosso. “It helps through the online world. Pat Gannalo, who them study, prepare and practice at their teaches eighth grade math, noted that the “When the students are continuously being own pace.” implementation has been very positive. challenged and are still enjoying it,” said Ms. Russo, “it’s the greatest thing of all.” Not only does “Digits” offer appropriate “Students benefit from engaging, digital grade-level curriculum, but it also acts like a personalized tutor, showcasing videos The computer lab is available for that break down the equations. The videos students to do their ensure that students receive step-by-step homework. guidance through any math problem that they cannot solve on their own. “The program is application-based, which allows the students to see math being used in real-world situations,” said Lynne Lewin, who teaches seventh-grade math and accelerated math. “The concepts are taught in-depth and require students to think about each situation.” When students do their homework online, they receive automatic feedback from the program as they finish. If a problem is 5 Voy ages Furry, Scaly, Winged Animals Wow at VRES The children screamed as Travis Brady pulled a snake out of a pillowcase. Some students smiled excitedly while others backed up a few inches. The snake remained calm in Mr. Brady’s hands, and stuck its tongue out at the group.

Mr. Brady took each animal out of its cage, and the students gasped audibly when they saw it. He introduced them to each animal individually, mentioning that ferrets are originally from Spain while chinchillas hail from the Andes Mountains and the boa constrictor from the South American rain forests. Throughout the program, the students learned that ferrets only stay awake for four hours each day and that doves poop before they fly. Mr. Brady also taught them “We have a great time doing this that snakes smell with their tongues, and Students touched snakes, learning that they are not slimy. program,” Mr. Brady said. “The kids that chinchillas enjoy the nighttime. Mr. Brady, the Greenburgh Nature Center’s are like sponges – they soak up so much educational director, visited the Virginia great information. They are going to Road Elementary School in January to have fun and they are going to learn. teach the children about animals. Along It doesn’t really matter what specific parts with the snake, Mr. Brady also brought a they remember because they will remember ring-necked dove, a ferret and a chinchilla. so much.” “This is a unique experience that the kids might never get anywhere else,” said teacher Sarah Elliot. “They will always remember this experience. To see the animals up close is really something different. It’s not the same as seeing them in a book or a picture.” The goal of the program was to introduce the young students to different types of animals that they might not see too often. As a classroom can sometimes become regimented and structured, having a visitor introduce the students to animals is a great The students were very inquisitive, asking way to learn in a hands-on environment. The chinchilla found a new place to sit! Mr. Brady questions about the animals, including why chinchillas have such small feet, and why ferrets are so flexible. Explaining why the ferret is a bendy creature, Mr. Brady said that it is not because he does yoga every day, but rather because he crawls down into tiny holes to catch his prey. However, the chinchilla seemed to be a student favorite with its big ears, sweet face and soft fur. As Mr. Brady toured it around so that each student could pet it, one girl called out that the chinchilla was softer than her pillow. During the spring semester, the students drew animals in art class. Seeing them firsthand – and being able to touch them, feeling the texture of their skin or fur – Girls tried to open their mouths wide, mimicking how a snake swallows its prey. helped with their illustrations. 6 Voy ages Actors Shine on Stage and “Succeed” in played the role of Miss Smith, was most excited to sing a three-part harmony with Spring Musical Kristen. She noted that she likes feeling the spotlight on her face, and loves working Even though the student-actors had butterflies in their stomachs before alongside her Drama Society colleagues. stepping out onto the stage on opening night, the Valhalla High School’s “We have a great cast,” she said. production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” went “Working closely with everyone, especially off flawlessly. with the music, has been a lot of fun.” In late March, the Drama Society presented its spring musical to a crowd of parents, friends, staff and local community members. The musical was written by Frank Loesser and based off of Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book. “It was a fun, upbeat musical comedy,” said Paula Soricelli, the play’s co-director. “It went really well. The kids were great. Our actors are a very strong group. They’re really talented – the singing was so strong. They are very kind and nice to each other and very supportive of one another.” The comedic musical follows the story of a young window washer in New York who, over time, transforms into the board chairman of the corporate Worldwide Wicket Corporation. While washing Kristen Kurlander (center) is surrounded by her female castmates. windows, he believes he can run a business like the one inside the building he secondary character, Rosemary Pilkington, Like Talia, fellow junior Brian Guski looked cleans. He follows the advice of the opposite Alex. She agreed that being on most forward to singing. He said that his book titled “How to Succeed in Business stage cultivated a great and satisfying favorite part of the play was his duet of Without Really Trying” until he is in charge. feeling. Kristen also performed in the fall “Grand Old Ivy” with Alex. drama, “Our Town,” in last year’s spring “We go all out and crazy with it in the musical, “The Wiz,” and has been middle,” he said. “It’s great. And this play performing since middle school. appeals to everyone because it’s funny, it’s “I love being on stage,” she said. “This about business, and it’s quirky. It’s crazy is where all of my good friends are. with a bit of seriousness." We have a lot of fun, especially when The Valhalla High School’s Drama Society singing.” will begin planning its fall drama in Talia Cifali, an 11th grade student who September.

Brian Guski (center), Alex Pronevich and Kristen Kurlander sang a tune. discussed Eleventh grader Alex Pronevich played the business with his colleagues lead character, J. Pierpont Finch, in his during the first-ever starring theater role. While he March played the supporting role in last year’s performance, “The Wiz,” he was thrilled to represent which took Valhalla’s drama contingent and to lead his place in the VMHS fellow actors on stage during the play. auditorium. “I really love theater,” said Alex. “This is such a cool thing to be a part of. It’s good to be performing this with friends. We all worked hard as a team, and everything came together very well.” Fellow junior Kristen Kurlander played the 7 Voy ages

Valhalla While Mr. Halligan immediately wanted Middle/High to discuss the issues with the principal, School Assistant Ryan opposed because he did not want Principal Kevin to be called a “crybaby or a tattletale.” McLeod (right) At the end of the year, Ryan asked his stands with speaker John father how he could defend himself Halligan before against the constant bullying. Mr. Halligan the event. purchased the Tae Bo Kickboxing program for Christmas, which they practiced together. In February 2003, Ryan fought his longtime bully, which caused the boy to stop harassing him. The two became friends, although Mr. Halligan and his wife disapproved of their new-found friendship. However, they backed off begrudgingly. While chatting one day, Ryan jokingly told his new friend – the bully – something Parent Shares Story of Bullied Child’s Death, Spurs funny and embarrassing. The bully then spread a rumor that Ryan was gay. Change and Thought in Valhalla The rumor continued through the end of the school year and into the summer. Ryan Halligan was born one week before Christmas in 1989. His father, John, To combat those rumors while on vacation, said that Ryan was the best Christmas present that he ever received. However, Ryan befriended a popular female not 14 years later, Ryan’s life ended when he committed suicide in eighth classmate online and became her grade after incessant bullying and cyberbullying by his classmates. boyfriend – or so he thought. When summer ended and eighth grade began in Since then, Mr. Halligan has toured the September, he approached his “girlfriend.” country, speaking to students and parents Instead of a warm smile, she called him about bullying, depression, suicide, and a “loser,” saying that she shared his the negative affects of the online world. embarrassing messages with her friends In January, he spoke with Valhalla while they laughed at him. He told her Middle/High School students, followed that “it is girls like you who make me want by an evening lecture in March for adults. to kill myself.” “We have a good group of students On Oct. 7, 2003, Ryan committed suicide here in Valhalla,” said VHS Principal Jon in his room while his family slept. He Thomas, “but we have to educate left no suicide note. As Mr. Halligan later ourselves on these troubles, and how to investigated his son’s death, he found protect our kids.” a host of conversations between Ryan and the girl, as well as other bullying When Ryan was very young, he had exchanges online. delayed speech and motor skills, but made Ryan Halligan passed away as a result of bullying and friends fast while playing sports. However, cyberbullying in 2003. “This world that our kids grow up in is bullying commenced in fifth grade because I never want to go back there again! Can his classes were no longer specialized. you home-school me? Can we move?” CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 One night, Ryan came home crying after a bully and his friends taunted him because Fan Us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest he was “academically awkward.” Since Check out the district’s Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages for the latest news, photos and tweets the bullies were only hurling words from the Valhalla Union Free School District. These social media tools, along with the District and not fists, Mr. Halligan and his wife website, will help you keep current with district happenings. Valhalla can be found at: simply told their son to ignore them. http://www.facebook.com/valhallaschools The bullying continued throughout sixth http://twitter.com/valhallaschools grade – particularly by the one classmate https://twitter.com/BmyersBrenda who harassed Ryan the year before – http://www.pinterest.com/valhallaschools but then tempered for a bit. However, in 2002, it got worse. One night, Ryan exploded, shouting: “I hate that school! 8 Voy ages

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 password to all of Ryan’s accounts made Class of 2014 College Acceptances his inquires into his son’s death easier. The colleges where our students were accepted completely different than the world we Mr. Halligan continued to say that one of were so great in range and type that they were grew up in,” Mr. Halligan told Valhalla the most important things that schools can too numerous to list here. Following is a short list parents. “They’re not throwing punches. do now-a-days is to educate bystanders of just a few of the colleges that have accepted They’re throwing words.” on how to act when they see someone Valhalla students.

being bullied or cyberbullied. The University of Alabama Old Westbury Albany College of Pharmacy Nichols College “As a bystander, you have the most power, Allegheny College North Carolina A&T State University Arizona State University Northeastern University the most influence, and the least to risk The University of Arizona Nyack College socially,” he said. “Speaking up is the most Becker College Pace University, New York City Belmont University Pace University, Pleasantville Campus powerful thing you can do. Don’t be a Bentley University Pennsylvania State University, Binghamton University University Park ‘bystander,’ be an ‘up-stander.’ Stand up Boston University University of Pittsburgh Brandeis University Post University to the bully.” University of Bridgeport Providence College Brooklyn College of the CUNY Purdue University Parents also need to get a better handle Bryant University Purchase College State University Buffalo State College of SUNY of New York on how they deal with a depressed or University of California at Davis Quinnipiac University possibly suicidal child. Parents might be Canisius College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Case Western Reserve University University of Rhode Island nervous to ask their child if he/she is Centenary College Rice University Chapman University Rider University suicidal, but he pleaded with the adults City University of New York University of Rochester Anti-bullying advocate John Halligan visited Valhalla to not ask them in a joking tone. He Clarkson University Rochester Institute of Technology Clemson University Rockland Community College Middle/High School in January to teach students about encouraged them to pose the question Concordia College - Bronxville Roger Williams University the dangers of bullying. University of Connecticut Sacred Heart University seriously as it instills trust. Connecticut College Saint Joseph's College-ME Cornell University Saint Joseph's University Ryan was harassed verbally at school Since 2003, Mr. Halligan has become an The Culinary Institute of America Saint Michael's College for years, but he could not escape that Delaware State University The College of Saint Rose advocate for anti-bullying. He crusaded Delaware Valley College Salisbury University torture at home as it continued online. through Vermont to effectuate law changes. University of Delaware School of Visual Arts Dominican College of Blauvelt Univ of Sci. Phil(Philadelphia Coll of Mr. Halligan admitted that he and his wife He developed Vermont’s Bully Prevention Drexel University Pharmacy) Duke University The University of Scranton underestimated the effect that bullying Law, which established bullying procedures Duquesne University Seton Hall University had on their son. They especially did not East Stroudsburg University of Penn. Siena College in schools. He watched it go from the Elmira College University of South Carolina realize the amount of cyberbullying that House Education Committee to being Emerson College Southern Connecticut State University Emory University (Emory College) St. John's University - Queens Campus had occurred. signed into law by the governor in Endicott College St. Thomas Aquinas College Fairfield University State University of New York - Plattsburgh Throughout his presentation, Mr. Halligan 2006. Mr. Halligan also wrote Vermont’s Fashion Institute of Technology State University of New York at Albany Suicide Prevention Law, which mandates Florida International University State University of New York discussed the perils of the internet, and how Fordham University at New Paltz a slew of online applications are threatening public schools to teach about depression Franklin Pierce University College of Staten Island George Mason University Stevenson University child safety at school and at home. and suicide. Georgia Institute of Technology Stonehill College Gordon College Stony Brook University Mr. Halligan encouraged parents to ask “My son died of an illness called Green Mountain College Suffolk University Hampton University SUNY Alfred State College their children what they do and who they depression,” Mr. Halligan said. “It University of Hartford SUNY College at Brockport Hartwick College SUNY College at Cobleskill talk to online. Cyberbullying gives people manifested and snowballed.” Hofstra University SUNY College at Cortland a chance to bully while hiding behind Illinois Institute of Technology SUNY College at Cortland After Ryan’s death, his Vermont school Iona College SUNY College Environmental a screen, he said, so it is imperative to Ithaca College Science Forestry found out what happened, and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the SUNY College at Geneseo know what happens on the computer. students ganged up on the girl who CUNY SUNY Morrisville State College Johnson & Wales University (Providence) SUNY College at Oneonta He also told adults to make a rule that pretended to be Ryan’s girlfriend. She University of Kansas SUNY College of Technology at Canton Keene State College SUNY Delhi all accounts must be accessible by a eventually attempted suicide because of King's College SUNY at Farmingdale the bullying and guilt. Mr. Halligan added La Salle University SUNY Institute of Technology at password that parents know. Having the Lasell College Utica/Rome that he wanted to kill the Lehigh University SUNY Maritime College Le Moyne College SUNY Oswego longtime boy bully, but Lipscomb University Syracuse University LIU Brooklyn The University of Tampa that he forgave the young LIU Post Towson University teenager instead, and the Louisiana State University Trinity College Loyola Marymount University Trinity University boy apologized profusely. Loyola University Maryland Unity College University of Maine University at Buffalo SUNY “I think the reason that John Manhattan College Utica College Marist College Valley Forge Military College does these talks with adults University of Maryland, College Park University of Vermont MCPHS - Mass Coll Pharmacy Villanova University and with students is so & Health Sciences University of Virginia that we understand,” said University of Massachusetts, Amherst Wentworth Institute of Technology Mercy College Wesley College Valhalla Superintendent Mitchell College West Virginia University College of Mount Saint Vincent Westchester Community College Brenda Myers. “We have New England College Western New England University University of New Haven William Paterson University to make sure that our The College of New Jersey of New Jersey children are safe and University of New Mexico Winston-Salem State University Speaker and anti-bullying advocate John Halligan shares a laugh with VMHS College of New Rochelle York College of Pennsylvania cared for.” New York Institute of Technology- Assistant Principal Kevin McLeod. 9 Voy ages A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Valhalla Parents and Community Members, I am pleased to present you with the Valhalla UFSD’s budget for 201 4-15. Admittedly, we continue to face challenging times with increasing costs and decreasing revenues. But at the same time, we have a clear focus – a promise to provide and expand educational opportunities for every child. We believe that public education is the backbone, heart and soul of a free democratic society, and we accept the responsibility that every student graduates prepared for continuous learning. This budget allows us to keep our promise. We continue to support a strong and differentiated academic program that is aligned with 21st century learning, resulting in our students being accepted to the most prestigious colleges throughout the country. We are maintaining a range of learning opportunities that supports student development in the arts, athletics and community services while increasing our use of technology. Together we have restructured our support services to provide additional learning opportunities in all of our buildings, as well as an inclusive setting for students with unique learning needs. Our talented and committed board members, administrators, teachers and staff, coupled with our caring and dedicated community, make Valhalla a very special place to learn, work and perform. Please take time to visit our website at www.ValhallaSchools.org and review the budget information and presentations. Join us for a public review of the 201 4-15 budget at the hearing, which is scheduled for May 13. Also, join us at the joint Financial Challenge PTA session on May 14. Our District is facing two large financial hardships: If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. osts sing C Sincerely, Increa Dr. Brenda Myers Superintendent of Schools $ ue Reven asing Valhalla UFSD dedicated to every child...stimulating learning, Decre developing values and cultivating understanding

Our Guiding Principles in Preparing the 201 4 -15 Budget On behalf of the Valhalla Union Free School District Board of Education, Superintendent and Administrative Team, these are our guiding principles for budget development and financial processes:

1. We are completely and unwaveringly committed to serving the interests of students. 2. We are committed to exercising care and good judgment in managing resources with which we are entrusted. 3. We are committed to conducting our business in an open, objective and professional manner. 4. We are committed to future-focused planning and constant improvement.

10 Voy ages Where the Money Comes From $46,280,837 Revenues Revenue State Aid 8.6% $3,975,817 Property Tax Levy 86.3% $39,921,520 Appropriated Other Receipts 3.7% $1,733,500 Appropriated Fund Balance 1.4% $650,000 Fund Balance State Aid 1.4% 8.6% Other Receipts 3.7% $1,733,500 $650,000 $3,975,817 Other Payments in lieu of taxes $550,000 Non property taxes - County $250,000 Day School Tuition $185,000 Use of Money & Property $317,500 Refund of Prior Years Expenses $100,000 Unclassified $55,000 Interfund Transfer ERS Reserve Interfund Transfer $276,000 Total $46,280,837 Property Tax Levy 86.3% $39,921,520

Where the Money Goes $46,280,837 Expenditures Expenditures Salaries 48.5% $22,450,820 Contract Services 5.3% $2,450,705 Benefits Salaries 25.0% 48.5% Transportation 8.2% $3,800,836 Transfers $11,550,350 $22,450,820 .2% Tuitions 2.0% $927,547 $98,000 Supplies 1.9% $875,420 Boces 5.0% $2,301,440 Debt Service Debt Service 3.9% $1,825,719 3.9% Transfers .2% $98,000 $1,825,719 Benefits 25.0% $11,550,350 BOCES Total $46,280,837 5.0% $2,301,440

Contract Services Supplies 1.9% Tuitions Transportation 5.3% $875,420 2.0% 8.2% $2,450,705 $927,547 $3,800,836

11 Voy ages Budget Questions & Answers

Q. What are the budget development We have also ensured that we will continue to provide priorities? academic support services in each building.

1. Maintaining our public school promise and focus on The budget continues to provide resources for our focus 21st century learning. on 21st Century Learning. This includes professional 2. Improving student achievement. development focused on the meaningful integration of technology, literacy alignment to the common core 3. Improve parent communication and involvement. standards, improving writing and mathematics. We will 4. Building a strategic financial plan…cost effective, also expand our focus on problem-based learning, efficient and sustainable. inquiry-based learning for science, math and Q. What is the district doing to be more cost- technology and workforce preparation for students with effective and efficient? unique learning needs. We are currently using three core strategies to bring Q. What is the projected enrollment trend? down costs while maintaining quality programs: cost The district-wide enrollment trend shows our largest elimination, program restructuring and building classes moving to the high school and our elementary partnerships. enrollment starting to decline. We expect class sizes to • We have focused on our facility needs and passed stabilize between 100 and 110 students per grade. a Bond Proposition. 2013 – 2014 2014 – 2015 • We have developed an Energy Performance K 109 100 Contract to help improve the energy costs of our 1 98 114 buildings and to facilitate necessary repairs. 2 107 100 • We have renegotiated and rebid all contracts. 3 112 109 4 106 114 • We have cost savings from employee retirements, 5 123 108 staffing changes and restructuring positions. 6 127 124 • We have reduced special education tuition costs from 7 120 129 out-of-district placements while providing improved 8 152 122 learning opportunities for all of our students. 9 121 154 10 120 120 • We upgraded our security systems and phone systems. 11 114 120 • We have moved core services, like technology, 12 114 114 professional development, copying and student management software to BOCES in order to Enrollment Trends maximize aide reimbursements.

• We have increased our reserve fund for tax 2000 certioraris. 1900 1800 Q. What is the overall impact to services or 1700 1515 1528 1519 1543 1563 programs included in this budget? 1600 1438 N N N N N N N N N 1500 N N 1523 1511 1557 1558 1400 This budget sustains our high quality programs. We 1481 1300 have reduced one elementary position because of 1200 decreasing class size. We have also moved two 1100 elementary teachers to the middle school. This allowed 1000 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 us to reallocate middle school teachers to the high 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 school. Next year we need additional high school N Enrollment classes in each subject area to accommodate the 9th grade class with 154 students. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 12 Voy ages

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Valhalla was told we would get the same amount of Foundation Aid as we did last year, but under the Q. What is GEA or Gap Elimination Adjustment? GEA some of the money is taken back. This year we received $2 million in Foundation Aid and they took As a way to help the state balance its budget, the Gap back $700,000 in GEA. Over five years we have Elimination Adjustment was introduced in the 200 9 -10 lost over $3.3 million. year. Essentially, the state started taking away money from school districts to help balance the state budget. Q. What is the proposed tax levy limit for Valhalla UFSD for the 2014-15 budget? History of Aid Lost to Gap Based on the state-required eight-step formula, the Elimination Adjustments proposed tax levy limit is 2.10 percent. This is based on 201 0-11: - $369,107 a 1.466 percent Consumer Price Index and an exclusion for increasing capital costs. 201 1-12: - $830,709 Q. What happens if the budget is not passed 201 2-13: - $806,154 by a majority of voters? If the budget does not pass after two public votes, the 201 3-14: - $706,154 district will be held to a zero levy increase. The district would need to cut an additional $820,605 in 201 4 -15: - $606,375 expenses from the budget. Total to Date $3,318,499 CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

The Three Tax Levy Numbers Under triggering the need for 60 percent voter approval. New York State’s Tax Levy Cap 2. TAX LEVY LIMIT $38,440,431 Essentially, the tax levy limit tells a school district how much With all the talk of New York’s tax cap, it may come as community support it will need to pass a budget with its proposed a surprise to learn that each school district in the state tax levy. For school districts, the tax levy limit is the highest will present three separate tax levy numbers this spring, allowable tax levy (before exclusions) that a school district can as part of their compliance with the new legislation. propose as part of its annual budget and needs the approval of only a simple majority of voters (50 percent plus 1) to pass the And chances are good that none of your school district’s three tax budget. If a district proposes a budget with a tax levy amount levy numbers will be exactly 2 percent. (before exclusions) above this limit, it will need the approval of a That’s because the 2 percent that you hear about is just one part of supermajority of voters (60 percent) to pass the budget. School a complex formula that school districts must use to calculate two districts are required to report their calculated tax levy limit to the of their tax levy numbers: the tax levy limit and the maximum state comptroller by March 1. allowable tax levy. 3. PROPOSED TAX LEVY $39,921,520 1. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TAX LEVY $39,921,520 The third tax levy number is arguably the most important. It’s the The maximum allowable tax levy is the tax levy limits PLUS certain tax levy called for by a school district’s proposed budget. By exclusions. Taxes levied to fund the following expenses are definition, the tax levy is the total amount of money to be raised excluded from the tax levy limit: locally by a municipality (i.e., school district) after factoring in • Voter-approved local capital expenditures all other available revenues. • Increases in the state-mandated employer contribution rates If a school district’s proposed tax levy minus exclusions is less for teacher and employee pension systems that exceed two than or equal to the district’s calculated tax levy limit, the percentage points district will need the approval of a simple majority of voters • Court orders/judgments resulting from tort actions of any to pass its budget. amount that exceeds 5 percent of a district’s current levy A school district adds these exclusions to its tax levy limit without TOTAL BUDGET $46,280,837

13 Voy ages CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Property Value and Tax Levy Q. Does the proposed Valhalla UFSD budget meet the Apportionment $39,92 1,520 new state guideline for a property tax credit?

Yes, residential property taxpayers with incomes of up to North Castle $500,000 in districts that adopt tax increases within their levy limit 31% Greenburgh 21% will be eligible for a credit next fall, equivalent to the increase their school property tax, effectively freezing their school property taxes.

Mount Pleasant 48%

Estimated Tax Rate Per $ 1, 00 0

201 3-14 201 4-15 Final Estimate Change

Greenburgh $571.70 $585.58 2.43%

Mount Pleasant $1,255.18 $1,284.62 2.35%

North Castle $857.44 $870.92 1.57%

Estimated Tax Rates based on Estimated Taxable Assessed Property Values as of 03/10/14

District Transportation Policy The 201 4 -15 budget will continue the District’s policy of providing transportation for children who reside at least one-half mile and no more than 15 miles of the school of attendance.

14 Voy ages Budget-to-Budget Percentage Increases from 2008 to 2015

6% 4.95% 5%

e 3.89% s

a 4% e r

c 2.66%

n 3% I 2.23% t 2.15% 2

n 0 1.62% 12 e 2% -2 c 01 r 3 e

P 1% 0.0% 0%

2 2 2 2 2 00 01 01 01 01 8- 0- 1- 3 4- 20 20 Schoo2l0 Year -20 20 09 11 12 14 15

Upcoming Parent Portal Helps District Go Green Community Members: In June, parents will hav2e0 access to the Valhalla School District’s new Parent 09 Sign Up for E-mail Alerts -20 Portal, which will allow them10t o view their child’s records and report Valhalla community members cards throughout the year. who don’t have children attending One of the Parent Portal’s goals is to help The student- and family-based information school can still get important the district “go green” and become more within the portal will be secure, and a messages and updates by signing environmentally friendly. Instead of mailing child’s information will only be available to up for the district’s Connect Ed out progress reports and report cards for his/her parent. Parents will have access to every child throughout the year, the district their child’s schedule, reports, assignments e-mail alert service. will deposit the information onto the portal and grade book. In the future, Ms. for easier access. Floryshak said that she plans to add Hosted by Blackboard Connect, the service provides parents and the In addition to creating a healthier attendance records and announcements to the portal’s slate. community with news about Valhalla planet, the online portal will give parents events, messages from the Superintendent information in a timely fashion, said The biggest benefit for the district is that of Schools, non-emergency announce - Claudia Floryshak, the district’s data the Parent Portal will hold a family’s ments and other items of interest. The analyst and instructional specialist. It also contact information – including its mailing e-mail service complements the District’s allows the district to use its management address, email address, home phone existing phone alert system. system more efficiently while improving number and parents’ cell phone numbers. the home/school connection. If the contact information changes To register, visit the district website at www.valhallaschools.org “We are looking forward to launching throughout the year, a parent can make an the Parent Portal for families to use,” Ms. update at their earliest convenience. Look for the “About Us” tab at the top of Floryshak said. “It will benefit parents by During the 2014-2015 school year, the the page and click on the “E-Notification giving them immediate online access to Parent Portal will be piloted by parents Service” link. their child’s information.” with children in grades six through 12. For Next, click on the “Sign Me Up” link to the first marking period, progress reports create an account. and report cards will be displayed on the Once you’ve completed sign-up, you will Parent Portal and also mailed home by be able to log in and add e-mail post. However, for the remainder of the addresses, cell phone numbers and other school year, the reports will only be devices where you’d like to be reached. presented electronically. Under “Subscriptions,” you can select the In coming years, Ms. Floryshak noted that school building(s) and type of notifica - the district might create a Student Portal tions (Emergency, Outreach or both) where children can access information about their classes and school. She added you’d like to receive. that the students would be taught how to use Having trouble? Contact the District the portal, and that it would give them a Office at 914-683-5040. sense of ownership over a new technology. 15 Voy ages 2014-2015 Proposed Budget Summary by Category

Budget Proposed Budget Description 2013-2014 2014-2015 Difference

Board Of Education 37,415 37,629 214 District Clerk 59,043 60,214 1,171 District Meeting 9,100 9,100 - Chief School Administration 329,281 335,638 6,357 Business Administration 460,951 469,816 8,865 Auditing Services 63,700 63,700 - Treasurer 25,050 7,550 (17,500) Legal Services 79,000 79,000 - Personnel Services 30,369 30,976 607 Public Information 74,418 75,186 768 Operations & Maintenance 2,622,904 2,449,744 (173,160) Central Data Processing 59,809 61,005 1,196 Insurance 185,000 185,000 - School Association Dues 11,000 11,000 - Judgements And Claims 75,000 75,000 - Boces Administration Charge 152,385 158,523 6,138 Sewer District Charges 75,000 75,000 - Curriculum Development 12,000 12,000 - School Supervision 1,159,244 1,193,482 34,238 Regular Day School 12,866,414 13,219,225 352,811 Special Education 6,458,841 6,818,413 359,572 Remedial Reading 413,820 438,135 24,315 Occupational Education 212,875 215,004 2,129 School Library & Av 477,107 494,864 17,757 Library & Av 3,670 3,670 - Computer Assisted Technology 1,127,950 1,130,250 2,300 Guidance Services 715,980 723,074 7,094 Health Services 342,561 351,743 9,182 Diagnotic Screening 20,000 20,000 - Psychological Services 457,244 466,045 8,801 Co-Curricular Activities 150,472 150,472 - Interscholastic Athletics 532,970 548,568 15,598 District Transportation 77,373 77,861 488 Contract Transportation 1,947,958 2,749,881 801,923 Boces Transportation 834,307 - (834,307) Transportation Repair 10,000 10,000 - Employees Retirement 788,842 739,362 (49,480) Teachers Retirement 2,999,914 3,289,175 289,261 Social Security 1,701,028 1,717,488 16,460 Workers Compensation 167,214 170,558 3,344 Employees' Benefit Fund 423,570 423,570 - Unemployment Insurance 40,000 40,000 - Health Insurance 5,081,540 5,170,197 88,657 Bond Principal/Interest 1,680,223 1,810,719 130,496 Tax Anticipation Note Interest 15,000 15,000 - Interfund Transfer 473,811 98,000 (375,811) TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 45,541,353 46,280,837 739,484 MANDATED CATEGORICAL BREAKDOWN OF 2014 - 201 5 BUDGET PROGRAM CAPITAL ADMINISTRATIVE $37,331,467 $5,218,282 $3,731,088

16 Voy ages Art Meets Technology with New Apple TVs When Ivana Masic began teaching her students about Georgia O’Keeffe’s famous artwork, she was thrilled that she didn’t have to lug out a projector and position a board in an open space for the students to see. Instead, she opened her laptop and used her Apple TV to display O’Keeffe’s flower paintings on a wall-mounted television.

display screens that lacked with the projectors. The Apple TVs also allow the teachers to look up pictures, models or information on the spot. For example, if a A girl shows off her talented artwork. student asks about the zoomed in, allowing the teenagers to view difference between two them in greater detail. By zooming in, the artists, Ms. Green can children have a greater look at the texture search for pictures online and quality of an artwork. and can line them up side-by-side for the student to “This is one of the best ways that we can see. That type of immediacy work with the kids,” said Ms. Flannery. A student's work is projected on the TV. could not be accomplished with the projec - “They like seeing the technology. It has really helped integrate technology into our In February, the three art teachers at tors, as they required presentations and images to be compiled in advance. rooms. Plus, it is much easier to show Valhalla Middle/High School – Ms. examples. Artists don’t work in boxes – Masic, Holly Flannery and Lisa Green – they need to see things for inspiration.” were each granted a 38-inch flat screen TV, which were installed in their rooms to Likewise, the students have also use as a device to promote technology appreciated having the TVs in the art and in-depth learning in the cultural arts. rooms. Ms. Flannery added that it creates immediate accessibility to answer any “It helps communicate the lessons and questions that they might have about helps me teach them better,” said Ms. their work. Masic. “I’ve very thankful. It helps to communicate the work in a more modern “The kids are really into it,” she said. “They way. Technology is a language that the can see the work a lot easier up on the students understand.” big screen.” In class, the TVs are used to show presentations and videos, to perform research, and to analyze work instantly. Students work happily during art class. The TVs also boast a brightness in their “It’s a great tool to use to be able to show students art related to their current projects,” Ms. Green said. “It’s really a gem to have the Apples TVs in the art rooms,” said Ms. Masic. “We can go anywhere the laptop can go. It has helped tie things in together very well.” In addition, students can see artworks Artists are inspired by the work displayed on the screen. For more information… Learn more about the district and the proposed budget for 2014 -2015 by logging onto our website at www.valhallaschools.org The TV guides each class' work. 17 Voy ages Kensico Students Cheer for Comics An old rendition of the “Spiderman” theme song rang out from the speakers as Kensico students played the game “Four Corners.” Children ran from corner to corner, each marked by a comic book title – “Spiderman,” “Archie,” “Scooby Doo” and “Baby Mouse.” Students cheered for each other and screamed across the gym in excitement.

“The Fantastic Four,” “Transformers,” “Batman” and “Owly.” At the end of the night, students were invited to purchase the books. They ran excitedly to the table and thumbed through the pages. Teachers encouraged them to select ones that interested them. “Don’t be scared by how Kensico Principal Matt Curran donned an "Archie" costume. big the book is!” the adults screen near the stage for everyone to see. called out supportively. “Our goal was really simple,” Ms. “We have good readers in our Carpentieri said. “We wanted to get school,” said teacher Linda families with their children to share in the Boys cheered from the bleachers during competitive games. Carpentieri, who organized the event. joy of reading. We wanted to highlight “Kids will finish a book, and visit the great books and have parents and children The game was part of the Kensico School’s library for a new one. The more parents come as a family and participate.” 11th annual Family Reading Fun Night, read with them, which took place in March. The event’s In addition to playing “Four Corners,” the the more students students also played several rounds of theme highlighted graphic novels and feel comfortable encouraged students to read. It was the tug-of-war. They howled as they squinted asking the libra- their eyes and pulled the rope as hard as second of three Family Reading Fun rian or other staff Night events throughout the year, which they could, jolting their bodies backward. members about When it was the adults’ turn to play, the brought students, parents and teachers books. Also, it together for an evening of literacy and children yelled out encouragement to their builds community parents from the bleachers. active competition. and strength – “We want to show the children how and that’s As a take-home activity, students were extremely important reading is to every - important for asked to write their own endings to thing that we do in life,” said Kensico us as a small “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney Principal Matt Curran. “The purpose of this school.” and “Captain Underpants” by Dav Pilkey. event is to really stress the importance of Their responses will soon be sent As a district, Valhalla is committed to to Scholastic for revision. reading with your child at home. My goal creating strong readers and lifelong is to get families to do things together, and learners. To support that cause, Family The last Family Reading Fun Night of to connect what happens in school with Reading Fun Night is sponsored by the the Year is scheduled for May, and is what happens at home.” Valhalla Schools Foundation, which expected to center around imagination. A wide variety of graphic novels littered a gives them the oldest-running schools table by the entrance, filled with books like foundation grant in the district’s history. Earlier in the evening, children and their parents gathered on the bleachers to hear teachers read graphic novels aloud. The book’s pictures were displayed on a

18 Voy ages Science Experiments Showcase Shadows at VRES abstract circular triangle – they saw how the shadow moved and created different In Kevin Burton’s first grade class, the students sat in a dark room, patterns on the white surface. experimenting with shadows, using flashlights and flowers to cast shade “They are learning about the science onto different surfaces. When the flashlight turned on and hit the flower, it of light and how shadows can be cast a shadow onto a white board, which excited the children. anywhere,” Mr. Burton said. “Performing experiments will help them retain the information better.” The experiment was part of Virginia Road The students were later given small plastic Elementary School’s toys – like a lion or dinosaur – and were science integration unit asked to observe how the animals became that looks to educate bigger or smaller depending on their students about science proximity to the flashlight. in the modern world. Throughout the program, the students Scientist Mark learned the meaning of a light source, as Goldstein, from High well as the words opaque, translucent Touch High Tech, and transparent. presented the program “This is a piece of their science curriculum “The Shadow Knows,” that is part of the Common Core Learning helping students Standards,” said Mr. Burton. “They have understand more about to learn this information. But doing these light sources and the experiments is more fun than reading about darkness they cast. them in a book. It’s great for the students “I’m hoping that the to learn this way.” kids will walk away Mr. Goldstein also showed the students with an interest in how a spray of water can mimic a science,” said Mr. light source. The children squealed with Burton. “We love doing surprise as he placed a dragonfly-shaped hands-on experiments in class, so this is Teacher Kevin Burton helped students align the flashlight. cutout and a tree-shaped cutout onto a very fun for the kids. I just love this stuff for ments. When they saw how a shadow construction paper-covered wall, and them. It’s great to incorporate this special changed in the dark based on an item’s sprayed them with water. When he unit into our regular work.” size and distance from the light source, removed the cutouts, the children cheered The room was split into four groups of they gasped with wide eyes and open when they saw the dry shapes surrounded approximately seven students for an mouths. by wet paper. in-depth look at the experiments. The One by one, the students stood up at their children each took turns acting as the tables to place different objects in front of “head scientist,” alternating to allow each a flashlight’s beam. As they turned the student the chance to sample the experi - objects – including a flower and an

Girls worked together, following scientist Mark Students used lenses to play with different light variations during an experiment. Goldstein's advice. 19 Voy ages

Valhalla Union Free School District 316 Columbus Avenue Non-Profit Org. Valhalla, NY 10595 U.S. Postage PAID Board of Education White Plains, NY LaVerne Clark, President Permit No.9501 Joseph Garbus, Vice President James Adams Valentina Belvedere Ronald Cavallo Alan Higgs Robert Ierace Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brenda Myers School Business Official Christina Howe Newsletter Writer and Editor Natalia Baage-Lord Contributing Photographer Susan Rossi

This district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability in its educational programs and employment practices.

Remember Will You be Away on May 20? Supplemental to Vote! • Applications must be completed to receive an Budget Information Tuesday, May 20 absentee ballot. The following supplemental budget information is available Voting hours • Completed applications must be received by the School upon request: will be District Clerk by, or prior to, 4 p.m. on May 13, 2014, if • School Academic Report Cards 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or on, or prior to, • Property Tax Report Card and 4 p.m. on May 19, 2014, if the ballot is to be picked • Salary Disclosure Notice 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. up personally by the voter. Please contact a building principal or Christina Howe, • Absentee ballots must be received by the School See Page 1 School Business Official, at for voting locations District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 20, 2014. 914-683-5040.

What’s on the Ballot: 1. A proposition appropriating $46,280,837 to meet the estimated expenditures for school purposes for the fiscal year 2014-2015, said sum to be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the district.

2. Election of Board of Education members to two open seats:

Anthony Amiano or Alan Higgs for a three-year term to fill the vacancy created by the expiration of the term of Alan Higgs.

Valentina Belvedere, running unopposed for a three-year term to fill the vacancy created by the expiration of the term of Valentina Belvedere.

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