School Board President: Budget Talk

With only May and June to go, it’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of another school year. It’s been said that “Time goes by quicker as one gets older” and I must now admit, I couldn’t agree more. It’s been a quick year, one definitely not lacking in excitement, and definitely one for learning - for everyone.
 

One area of learning here and across the entire country has been around school safety. Personally, this continues to be a focus for me having grown up, now working, and continuing to raise a family in Skaneateles. We are incredibly fortunate to live where we do. For a long time, we’ve been able to leave our cars running while dashing into Byrne Dairy, to leave our front doors unlocked, and to leave something behind – a jacket, wallet, phone, etc. – at a local store only to go back and find it’s right where you left it. But with the events that have taken place in and around the country including our own emergency lockdown, we have to acknowledge that things are different. We need to review our plans and protocols, our facilities and personnel, and our approach to school safety all around.
 

Part of that review was included in this year’s budget process which began in October of this past year. Administration built the budget based on the calendar that the board adopted and the state guidelines that they are required by state law, to follow. And, just like with all of the other challenges that we have faced this year, there were a number of them in this year’s budget process as well including the unpredictability of the state budget and what, if any, state aid that we might get based on a new focus by the state on aiding high needs districts. In addition, this year we were making a number of changes to our special education cost structure right up to the last minute all while a portion of the community was having their properties reassessed and 4 townships were changing their taxing structure (equalization rates). All of these moving parts made building this year’s budget a challenge for sure.
 

In the end, despite the proposed budget including a 3.75% increase in the tax levy, most residents will actually see a decrease in their tax bill. Yes, you read this correctly – taxes will be reduced for most residents even with the increases in spending and the tax levy. This is due to a significant increase in the “total assessed value” of the district. While we will occasionally have slight increases from year to year based on changes to assessments or equalization rates, this year we expect a substantial increase in the total value which means that for the majority of our district community, taxes are expected to go down.

For example, for a home in Sennett assessed at $350,000, your taxes are expected to go down by approximately $273. For a home in Skaneateles assessed at $350,000, your taxes are expected to go down by approximately $347. But unfortunately, not everyone will see this relief. For example, those living on the lake who have been reassessed and those in Spafford who now have a new equalization rate will see an increase.
 

This proposed budget does not cut any instructional staff, keeps our programs in place that we have worked hard to build, and includes funding for additional school safety and security initiatives. These initiatives will be defined after a community ad hoc committee is formed over the summer and will make a recommendation to the board. Funding for these initiatives is capped at $60,000.00. As I stated above, safety has become a lifestyle. The board approved this approach after hearing from several members of the community, parents, students, and staff members regarding safety.

While still on the topic of safety, Proposition II on the ballot will ask to purchase 4 more buses. One of my first duties as President was going to the bus garage and meeting with Bruce Freeman, our bus mechanic, and the DOT inspector. After that day, I have a new respect for bus drivers, and Bruce! Safety is their number one concern, and their gratefulness to the community for going with the 5 year purchasing plan were mentioned several times. Even the DOT inspector wished more districts were going in this direction. Having dependable buses and enough seating for all students to get our students out of an unsafe situation, is one area, I hope never comes but will be there if needed.
 

Over the next few days, you will receive the budget newsletter outlining where your tax dollars will go and what wonderful successes that we, as a school district, have had. You can also see more information on our district website under the Announcements section.
 

I totally understand if some are saying, I already voted in November, and you did for Project 2021, but this for the 2018-2019 budget. It will also be at the same place as the Project 2021 vote, the District Office (the old bus garage) at 45 East Elizabeth Street and the traditional art show will be on display.
 

Again, thank you for your continued support, involvement and dedication to the district for providing such great education for our students.

Spring is really coming and so is the ends of the school year- enjoy it all.

Sincerely,

Susan Greenfield Murphy
President, Skaneateles Board of Education