Holley Budget Newsletter Holley Central School District

May 2011

As we are sure you are aware, the budget process this year was particularly difficult for many school districts, including Holley. This was due in large part to the legislature making substantial cuts in aid to school districts in order to balance the state budget. As a result, our state aid was reduced by $1.5 million – a nearly 12 percent reduction. This is devastating to a district like Holley, which is especially dependent on state aid.

Over the past few months, the Board of Education has tried to build a budget that reflects the needs of our students while also considering the ability of our taxpayers to cover the cost. The approved budget of $19,750,599 represents a 1.76 percent increase in total spending. To reach this point, the Board eliminated one administrative position, 10.5 instructional positions, and 11 support staff positions. In addition to this, the Board cut some of the non-mandated programs, such as intramurals, the Middle School/High School newspaper, and some purchases of equipment and supplies. The administrative team also took a voluntary pay freeze while increasing their contributions for health care.

To lessen the burden on the tax levy, the Board is also using some $1,491,000 from fund balances. In addition, $422,000 from the federal Jobs Funds is being used, along with $400,000

in interfund transfers. (This $400,000 represents funds unexpended from a previous construction project. These monies can be used to assist in paying for the interest and principal on the project.)

Please read the enclosed materials carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to contact any Board of Education member, Superintendent Robert D’Angelo, or Assistant Superintendent for Business Gene Mahaney. Also, all budget information will be available at www.holleycsd.org, along with features that enable you to submit your questions online.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our district’s 2011-2012 School Budget proposal.

Sincerely,The Holley Board of Education

Dear District Residents:

John Heise, PresidentBrenda Swanger, Vice PresidentElaine BergNorman KnightDorothy Morgan

Holley Central School District

2011-2012 Budget Vote

Tuesday, May 17

6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Holley Middle School/High School Foyer

Please Vote

41 four-year college students

50 two-year college

students

115 graduates

Holley High School’s 2010 graduating class had 41 students go on to four-year colleges, 50 head to two-year colleges, 15 enter the work force, two go on to technical schools, and three enter the military.

Charles M. PattonRobin SilvisKellie SpychalskiJohn C. Welch, Jr.

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230 participants

20 educational games

1 special Dr. Seuss birthday celebration

Overall Budget ProposalBudget Adopted for the 2010-2011 School Year

Budget Proposed for the 2011-2012 School Year

Contingency Budget for the 2011-2012 School Year

Total Budgeted Amount $19,408,461 $19,750,599 $19,583,484

Increase/decrease for the 2011/2012 school year $342,138 $175,023

Percentage increase (decrease) in each proposed budget 1.76% 1.00%

Change in the consumer price index 0

Resulting est. property tax levy for 2011/2012 school year $7,248,923 $7,081,808

Administrative Component $1,968,745 $1,761,276 $1,761,276

Program Component $14,614,447 $15,095,016 $14,927,901

Capital Component $2,825,269 $2,894,307 $2,894,307

1Statement of assumptions made in projecting a contingency budget for the 2011-2012 school year, the Board of Education will determine the contingent budget following a defeated proposed budget.

Budget Adopted for the 2011-2012 School Year

Basic STAR tax savings $ 760.201 Provide a statement of assumptions made in estimating the contingency budget pursuant to section 2023 of the Education Law.2 The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.

Estimated Basic STAR2 Exemption Savings:

About 230 students, parents and siblings attended ELA Family Night at the Elementary School. Everyone enjoyed a meal together, shared family educational games, listened to a reading of the “Cat in the Hat,” and had a piece of Dr. Seuss’ birthday cake.

Budgeted 2010-11

Budgeted 2011-12

Percent Change

Total Spending $19,408,461 $19,750,599 1.76%

School Tax Levy $ 7,153,485 $ 7,248,923 1.33%

School Enrollment 1,199 1,188 -.92%

Consumer Price Index 1.60%

Property Tax Report Card: Holley CSD

Actual 2010-11

Estimated 2011-12

Adjusted Restricted Fund Balance $2,126,744 $1,326,744

Assigned Appropriated Fund Balance $591,101 $1,491,000

Adjusted Unrestricted Fund Balance $7,336,097 $2,518,353

Adjusted Unrestricted Fund Balance as a Percent of the Total Budget 37.80% 12.75%

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State Aid ProjectionsThe Board of Education and administrators begin the budget process over six months prior to the May budget vote. Many factors must be considered in the establishment of the budget and the process usually begins by assessing the economic situation at the state level as that is the source of some of the district’s revenue. By February 1, the Governor releases his state aid projections and at that time, the district has a better handle on how its revenue will be impacted. Most school districts build their budgets based on the Governor’s projections since those figures are the most conservative, and then adjust accordingly if the Governor and legislature agree on a different figure.

Board of Education ParametersThe next step in the process begins with receiving from the Board of Education their parameters regarding the upcoming budget. Over the past few years, the Board has informed administrators that they must keep the budget at a zero percent increase and that has been the case. From an organizational standpoint, the budget belongs to the Board of Education. Boards empower the superintendent and business official to administer the budget throughout its cycles.

Community InputThe relationship between revenues and expenditures is not the only consideration in the development of the budget. Our primary task is the education of children and the integrity of our educational programs must always be a point of

consideration. Several budget workshops were held throughout March and April so that the Board and administration could receive valuable feedback from community members, staff, students and parents regarding programs and extracurricular activities. The Board then goes back and makes modifications to the proposed budget based on this feedback, but within certain financial parameters.

Final ProposalThe Board of Education then reviews the total proposed budget and adopts a budget proposal to take to the voters. Between April 11, which is when the budget was adopted, and May 17, when district residents vote on the budget, the district works to inform residents about the plan through mailings, public meetings, press releases, and the district website.

The Holley School District experienced a $1.5 million shortfall in state aid – a nearly 12 percent reduction. This loss in revenue, combined with escalating and mandated costs, resulted in numerous and substantial cuts to programs and activities in all areas of the budget. In addition, the funding gap is being met through an increase in the tax levy and the use of money from reserve funds.

The proposed tax levy increase is about $95,000 or 35 cents per thousand of assessed valuation. During budget workshops, which were well attended this year, district residents expressed a willingness to pay more in taxes to save programs and jobs. Holley School District has had no increase in the tax rate over the past three years.

In addition, the district will use $400,000 from the tax certiorari reserve fund, plus $1,091,000 in fund balances to bridge the deficit. Reserve funds are legally defined savings accounts that may be used for limited purposes. Each reserve has a very specific usage requirement and typically, the money in these accounts cannot be used for any other purposes. Reserve funds enable the district to address unexpected or unpredictable expenses

and to avoid or minimize an impact on the operating budget or tax levy when those expenses spike. Reserve funds also play a role in prudent savings and cash flow management. In bad times, like now, they can help buffer the impact of expenditure increase or revenue decreases on the tax levy.

The district also has $422,000 available from the federal Jobs Fund. The Education Jobs Fund (Ed Jobs) program is a federal program that provided assistance to states to save or create education jobs for the 2010-2011 school year. Jobs funded under this program include those that provide educational and related services for early childhood, elementary, and secondary education.

Lastly, the district will use $400,000 in interfund transfers. This money represents funds unexpended from a previous capital project and can be used to assist in paying for the interest and principle on the project.

For more information about the district’s use of reserve funds, contact Gene Mahaney, assistant superintendent for business, at 638-6316, ext. 2001.

Reserve Funds help bridge the gap

How was the budget developed?

88 students765 credit hours$88,740-$414,630 savings in tuition

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During the 2010-2011 school year, 88 Holley students took part in Advanced Studies through Genesee Community College earning 765 college credit hours. This translates to $88,740 in savings based on GCC’s regular tuition rate of $164 per credit hour; $121,635 in savings based on the SUNY tuition rate of $207 per credit hour; and $414,630 based on the private university tuition rate of $590 per credit hour.

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2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 % of BUDGET

INSTRUCTION $11,144,736 $10,426,093 $10,510,751 53.2%Includes: Pre-K-12 instructional program, supervision, curriculum development, BOCES, special education programs, occupational education, interscholastic athletics, co-curricular programs, health services, library media, computer instruction, and pupil personnel services.FRINGE BENEFITS $4,415,000 $4,384,656 $4,595,156 23.2%

Includes: Employee retirement systems, health insurance, unemployment insurance, Social Security and Worker’s Compensation.

GENERAL SUPPORT $1,038,656 $1,054,242 $852,245 4.3%

Includes: Legal services, personnel, insurance, school board, refund on property tax, BOCES, administrative charges, administrative and financial services, public information, central data processing and auditing.

TRANSPORTATION $976,414 $1,001,085 $1,034,484 5.4%Includes: Transportation to public and non-public schools, vocational schools, educational field and athletic trips, and transportation of special education children which totals over 403,000 miles. Buses are owned, managed and maintained by the district. Bus inspections are controlled by the N.Y.S. Department of Transportation.DEBT SERVICE/FUND TRANSFER $1,179,051 $1,355,232 $1,460,675 7.4%

Includes: Principal and interest payment on debt for district building reconstruction projects.

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS $1,176,604 $1,182,153 $1,292,288 6.5%

Includes: Maintenance of district facilities, custodial services and utility costs of over 238,950 square feet of buildings and 45 acres of roads, parking lots and athletic fields.

COMMUNITY SERVICE $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 0%Includes: Community recreational programs.

TOTAL BUDGET $19,935,461 $19,408,461 $19,750,599 100%

Expenditures

2011-2012 Expenditures

General Support4.3%

Transportation5.4%

Buildings & Grounds

6.5%

Fringe Benefits23.2%

94 students1 teacher2 teacher assistants 7 + hours of tutoring per day

The Center for Alternative Programs (CAP) offers in-house tutoring to students in grades 7-12 every school day – all day. Staffed by one teacher and two teacher assistants, the Center sometimes stays open as late as 5 p.m. to accommodate students’ schedules. This year, 94 students have been helped at the Center so far.

Debt Service7.4%

Instruction53.2%

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17 caring adults17 freshmen17 smooth transitions to high school

Transportation5.4%

2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 % of Budget

STATE AID $11,965,875 $11,438,875 $10,479,141 53%

Includes: Various categories of state aid - general operating, transportation, building, special education, instructional materials and BOCES.

OTHER REVENUES $190,000 $190,000 $531,535 3%

Includes: Payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTS), interest, tuitions, rental charges, insurance recoveries, refund of prior year expenses and interfund transfers.

FEDERAL AID $35,000 $35,000 $0 0%

Includes: Payments received for Medicaid eligible services provided to students.

PROPERTY TAX LEVY/STAR $7,153,485 $7,153,485 $7,248,923 36.6%

Includes: Property taxes collected as well as STAR payments received from New York State.

APPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE $591,101 $591,101 $1,491,000 7.4%

Includes: Excess balance of funds from prior year toward new budget.

TOTAL ESTIMATEDREVENUES $19,935,461 $19,408,461 $19,750,599 100%

Estimated Budget Revenues

2011-2012 Estimated Budget Revenues

Appropriated Fund Balance

7.4%

Other Revenues

3%

Here’s how you can learn more:• Log onto www.holleycsd.org where

all School Budget information will be posted.

• Follow HolleyCSD on Twitter. Click on the Twitter link found on

the district home page to sign up.

• Ask your questions on our blog. Click on the Budget Q&A link on the district home page to post

your questions.

• Schedule a meeting for your group by calling the District Office at

638-6316, ext. 2003.

• Call the District Office at the number above or contact a board member. Board member contact information is available at www.holleycsd.org/Board.

If you don’t have a home computer, public computer access is available at the Holley Community Free Library and the Holley Community Center.

The Freshmen Transition Class pairs select students with teacher mentors who help them learn organization and study strategies, check their progress, go over assignments, and are there to discuss any issues the student may be facing. The goal for these students is a smoother transition to the challenges and demands of high school.

Property Tax Levy Including

STAR36.6%

State Aid53%

Federal Aid0%

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The wording that appears below is what voters will see in the voting machine on Tuesday, May 17. Please take the time to review this information so that the language is familiar when you go to the polls on May 17.

ANNUAL DISTRICT BUDGET$19,750,599

“Shall the Board of Education of Holley Central School District be authorized to make the expenditures of the monies set forth in the proposed 2011-2012 budget and be authorized to levy the necessary taxes to meet the estimated expenditures set forth in said proposed budget?”

PROPOSITION NO. 1PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUSES

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit:

“Resolved that the Board of Education of Holley Central School District be authorized to purchase three full size school buses and two 30 passenger buses at a cost not to exceed $430,000, with the cost thereof to be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable real property of the School District, to be collected in annual installments and partially offset by state aid, and in anticipation of such tax, such debt obligations of the School District as may be necessary, not to exceed the estimated maximum cost, shall be issued.”

PROPOSITION NO. 2SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY FREE LIBRARY, HOLLEY, NY

Shall the following proposition be adopted, to wit:

“Resolved that the Board of Education of Holley Central School District, pursuant to the provisions of Section 259 of the Education Law of the State of New York, be authorized and empowered to raise the sum of $99,643 during the 2011-2012 school year, to be used in support of the maintenance and operations of the Community Free Library, Holley, New York, said sum to be in addition to the funds to be raised to meet the estimated expenditures of the School District in the form commonly known as the school district budget.”

PROPOSITION NO. 3ESTABLISHMENT OF BUS PURCHASE RESERVE FUND

Shall the following proposition be adopted, to wit:

“Resolved that the Board of Education of Holley Central School District is hereby authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law (to be known as the “Bus Purchase Reserve Fund”), with the purpose of such fund being to finance the purchase of school buses, the ultimate amount of such fund to be $500,000 plus earnings thereon, the probable term of such fund to be five years, and such fund shall continue in existence until liquidated in accordance with the Education Law or until the funds are exhausted, and the sources from which the funds shall be obtained for such Reserve are (i) an initial deposit of up to $500,000; (ii) amounts from budgetary appropriations from time to time; (iii) unappropriated fund balance made available by the Board of Education from time to time; and (iv) New York State Aid received on bus purchases and made available by the Board of Education from time to time.”

State and federal budget cuts are impacting everyone’s lives and difficult decisions are being made by individuals and families in our state and across the nation.

On May 17 you will be asked to vote on your public library budget, which is a separate budget from the school district budget. The normal question is “What do I get for my money?” Your public library provides you with many services and programs. In the past year, these are some of the services you’ve become accustomed to expecting:• Public access computers and printers/Internet access/databases

(4,344 individuals accessed the computers and services last year, many researching job openings and writing resumes.)

• Photocopying and fax services (Over 200 faxes were sent by community members.)

• Books (16,017 adult books and 25,434 children’s books were signed out.)

• Audiovisual and other non-book products (4,721 adult and 1,394 children’s non-book products were signed out.)

• Interlibrary loan services (2,826 materials were received for Holley patrons, 3,460 materials were shared with patrons throughout the NIOGA Library System by your library.)

• Children’s and adult programming – 1,277 people attended library programs which included preschool story hour (591), the summer reading program (302), and the new Community Christmas Party (60). Add in the Adult Readers Group, student tours, GED classes, as well as community organizational meetings, and one gets a snapshot of a busy place. Note: information on the Summer Reading Program for 2011 will be available in the June issue of the Holley Dimension.

Your library web page, www.holleylibrary.org, provides immediate access to the holdings of the entire NIOGA Library System, which also includes free, downloadable eBooks. Did you know that the Internet and electronic services available to you place your library in the upper levels of the New York State Electronic Doorways Libraries.

Tuesday, May17 is the Holley School Budget Vote. Proposition 2 concerns the Community Free Library Budget. The library has again kept the increase to a minimum. Copies of the detailed budget are available in the library. Please support your library so that we may continue to provide the services you need and expect.

What you’ll see at the pollsYOUR library at work for you and YOUR communityby Barb Kerns, President, Library Board of Trustees

199 young actors and stage crew members

Over 200 hours of rehearsal

2 amazing productions

Holley Elementary School performed “The Wizard of Oz” and the Middle School/High School performed “Damn Yankees” this year to enthusiastic crowds. Both productions were huge undertakings involving dozens of actors, stage crew members, and parent and staff volunteers. The effort was worth it though – both productions were amazing!

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The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to three-year terms of office commencing July 1, 2011 to fill the expired terms of Norman Knight, Charles Michael Patton, and Robin Silvis.

Brian BlackburnNo information provided.

Salvatore DeLuca, Jr.47 High Street, Holley

Employment/Professional Memberships: Account manager in the commercial flooring industry for over 25 years.

Associate member of the Monroe County Superintendents of Buildings and Grounds Association (SBGA).

Family: Three sons – Josh, 19, a freshman at the University at Buffalo; Zach, 17, a junior at Holley; and Seth, 15, a sophomore at Holley.

School/Community Activities: Capital Project Committee member; vice president of Holley Soccer Club; volunteer assistant tennis coach for Holley; Holley Soccer Club coach; Holley Sports Boosters member; Section V official.

What motivates you to run for the Holley Board of Education? “As a lifelong resident of Holley, graduate of the Holley school system, and most importantly, a parent of Holley students, I feel a sense of responsibility to become involved in the Board of Education. I am very active in my children’s education and am fearful of the impact the state’s financial crisis will have on the programs we offer our students. I would like to be part of the problem solving that will have to take place over the next few years. I feel there needs to be more open discussion and information sharing between the Board and public. Time must be taken to communicate with the staff of the schools, and get their opinions and ideas. It is important to be at and involved in the activities that go on in and around the school and community. We are heading toward increasingly difficult times that will require difficult decisions to be made while evaluating current inefficiencies within the school system. Being involved in youth sports for over 25 years, I have come to a great

understanding of the difficulties our children face. It has been an outstanding experience for me to see and help numerous boys and girls grow and learn. School sets the benchmarks along with family for how our children will move on in the world. I truly would love the opportunity to be part of ensuring they get the most from their time in Holley Central Schools.”

Norman Knight3537 Groth Road, Holley

Education: Graduate of Kenmore SeniorHigh School, Kenmore, New York

Employment/Professional Memberships: Retired business owner of Knight’s Tire & Auto Service Inc. in Brockport after 20 years. Lakeside Memorial Hospital volunteer serving three years on the Steering Committee, six years on the Foundation Board, six years on the Hospital Board, and three years on the Community Campaign Committee.

Family: Wife, Betty, retired from SUNY Brockport; four children, five grandchildren (one left to graduate in the Holley School District in 2013).

School/Community Activities: Three terms on the Holley Board of Education; Brockport Rotary Club member since 1984, treasurer from 1996 to present, past president serving two terms; Brockport Arts Festival volunteer; Brockport Duck Derby volunteer for five years; Town of Murray Zoning Board member for 12 years; Brockport Integrated Service & Community Organizations (BISCO) member for six years.

What motivates you to run for the Holley Board of Education? “I am seeking my fourth term on the Board of Education because I want to make a positive difference in this school district for our grandchildren and our community. Our students are the future and deserve the right to continue receiving the quality of education our teachers are teaching at an affordable cost to taxpayers. I also want to see that the School Building Improvement Program is on track for the years 2011-2013.”

Robin Silvis 16395 Fourth Section Road, Holley

Education: Graduate of John Marshall High School, Rochester; and Monroe Community

College with an associate degree in business

Employment/Professional Memberships: Paralegal, member of Monroe County Paralegal Association, and NYS School Boards Association.

Family: Husband, Mike; daughter, Toni; and two sons, Mike and Luke.

School/Community Activities: Current Board of Education member, Jr. Hawks Commission and Friends of Football Council member, Holley Parents of Wrestler Club.

What motivates you to run for the Holley Board of Education? “My journey on the school board has now run four years. When I originally ran for the board, I ran to make a difference and be part of the upward strides the district is making. During these four years, I have learned much and been a part of many positive initiatives that Holley CSD has formulated. I also feel that there is much left to work on especially during these trying economic times. We need to place our children and all of their futures first. I am proud of the work put forth to make our district great and a place of learning for our children. I want to continue that journey and make a difference in the education of our children and the raising of the bar completely to put our children in a competitive position when they finish their journey at Holley CSD.”

Board of Education candidates

Our District’s MissionWe, the students, parents, staff, and community of the Holley Central School District, will work together to provide the opportunity and means for all students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to become responsible and productive citizens in a diverse and changing society. The ideal is to instill a passion for lifelong learning.

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Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostageHolley, NYPermit #2

Postal CustomerHolley, NY 14470

HOLLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT3800 N. Main StreetHolley, New York 14470638-6316www.holleycsd.org

Robert C. D'Angelo, Superintendent of Schools

Board of EducationJohn Heise, PresidentBrenda Swanger, Vice PresidentElaine BergNorman KnightDorothy MorganCharles M. PattonRobin SilvisKellie SpychalskiJohn C. Welch, Jr.

Holley Dimension is produced with the assistance of the Communication and Technology Services (CaTS) Department at Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES.

Editor: Grace Griffee, 585-349-9072, ggriffee@monroe2boces.org

Photography: Grace Griffee

Layout & Design: Lisa Mott

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2 league titles

1 Section V title

2 state titles

Voter eligibilityIn order to be eligible to vote, you must be:• 18 years of age or older• A U.S. citizen• A legal resident of the Holley Central School District at least 30 days immediately prior to May 17, 2011.

Voters:• DO NOT have to own property.• DO NOT have to register in advance.• DO NOT have to be a parent or have children in school.

Proof of Residency:Voters must bring photo identification with them on May 17 in order to participate in the 2011-12 Budget Vote and Board of Education election. Voting inspectors will ask voters to show their driver’s license or other photo identification.

Absentee Ballots:Residents unable to vote in person because of disability, illness, travel or college may request an application for an absentee ballot in person or in writing from Connie Nenni, district clerk, at the Holley School District Office, 3800 North Main Street, Holley, NY 14470 or by calling 638-6316, ext. 2003. Absentee ballot applications are also available online at www.holleycsd.org. Applications must be received by the district at least seven days before the vote if the resident wishes to receive the ballot by mail. Residents who wish to pick up their absentee ballot in person may apply through May 16. In all cases, the ballot must be returned to the District Office no later than 5 p.m. on May 17. Ballots received later than 5 p.m. cannot be accepted under education law, regardless of postmark date.

Holley athletic teams have had a stellar year so far. Many teams finished with winning records and brought home titles, but all had a competitive spirit and sportsmanlike attitude that translated to pride in the Holley School District.