newsletter - Franklin Central School

FCS
Newsletter
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL, Franklin, NY
www.franklincsd.org
Superintendent’s Message
Recently, we asked our parents and community
members to sign letters of support regarding the
Governor’s proposed school funding changes. The
response to our requests were wonderful, and we sent
them to our legislators as promised.
The letter on page five was sent to me by Assemblyman
Clifford Crouch. He asked that I share it with my
community, and the newsletter seemed the appropriate
method to do so.
I have cont i nued to com mu n icate w it h ou r
assemblyman, senator and the governor’s office about
the need for appropriate and equitable funding of
public education. Elimination of the Gap Elimination
Adjustment program alone is not enough. The current
foundation formula will not result in a fair distribution
of funding for Franklin Central School.
Thank you for your support of our school and the
students we serve.
—Gordon Daniels, Superintendent
MAY 2015
Valedictorian
and
Salutatorian
JESSICA DOWNIN, VALEDICTORIAN
Franklin Central School
is proud to an nounce that
Jessica Downin, daughter of
Chris and Penny Downin of
Franklin, has been selected as
Franklin’s Valedictorian of the
Class of 2015. Jessica’s hard
work, diligence and commitment to academics has earned
her the honor of being named
Valedictorian of the class of 2015. Jessica is a leader both
in the classroom and on the athletic fields. She is the recipient of many local academic awards including an award for
attendance, the Academic Letter, and the Bronze and Silver Academic pins. In athletics, she has been recognized
on various all-star teams in Franklin and the state level.
Jessica has received the Tri-Valley League for Soccer 1st
Team and the NYSPHA Scholar Athlete Award for the past
three years. Jessica will attend SUNY Oneonta in the fall
to major in Biology/Pre-Pharmacy.
JACOB GREGORY, SALUTATORIAN
PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, May 7—6:30 p.m.
Room 206
BUDGET VOTE
Tuesday, May 19—Noon-9:00 p.m.
Main Lobby
Franklin Central School is
proud to announce that Jacob
Gregory, son of Paul and Heidi
Gregory has earned the honor
of being named the Salutatorian
for the class of 2015. Jacob is
in the National Honor Society
and the Alternative to Violence
club. Jacob is the recipient of
many local academic awards
including the Academic Letter, Bronze Academic Pin along
with highest average awards in science and social studies
the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, RPI Award
Medal, Youth Bureau Humanitarian Award and the Elmira
College Key Scholastic Award. Jacob will continue his
education in Pre-Law.
BUDGET OVERVIEW
The 2015-16 proposed budget increases total District spending
by $89,466. The proposed increase in the tax levy is 2.18% for
next year. The following schedule presents a comparison of the
proposed expenditures for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 budget:
2014-15
ADOPTED
BUDGET
$6,642,982
2015-16
PROPOSED
BUDGET
$6,732,448
$
CHANGE
% CHANGE
OF TAX LEVY
$89,466
2.18%
The proposed budget provides funding for all
current programs. In addition, this budget includes
resources for updating technology and textbooks, new
classroom furniture, and additional special education
costs. This budget also continues renovations of the
school bathrooms.
What Will be the Effect on my Taxes?
Tax rates vary from town to town and are affected by many factors beyond the District’s control such as Assessed
Values, State Equalization Rates and STAR Exemptions. Actual tax rates will not be set until August when New York
State finalizes equalization rates. The proposed increase in the tax levy is 2.18% for next year. The following example
provides a simplified illustration of the tax levy impact, with all other factors remaining equal.
FIND YOUR HOUSE1
Value of Property
Proposed 2015-16 Schools Taxes
Current School Taxes
Dollar Increase
$50,000
$436.22
$418.64
$17.58
$75,000
$848.33
$821.95
$26.38
$100,000
$1,260.44
$1,225.27
$35.17
$125,000
$1,672.55
$1,628.59
$43.96
Total tax figures are adjusted for reductions from STAR. The basic STAR reduction for 2014-15 school taxes was $388.
1
This year the NYS budget includes a tax rebate program. Under this program, District taxpayers will be eligible to
receive a rebate check from New York State for any increase in school taxes.
CAPITAL RESERVE
The District is seeking approval to use up to $100,000 from the capital reserve to continue renovations of the
school bathrooms. It is anticipated that all bathrooms will be upgraded in phases over the next few years. We have
chosen to renovate in phases because projects costing up to $100,000 are eligible for New York State Aid in the
next school year. We currently receive 80% State Aid for all building projects. Therefore, in the following year
we would receive approximately $80,000 additional State Aid. The District would then use the additional State
Aid, pair it with money in the capital reserve and undertake an additional $100,000 project in the following years.
This method will allow the District to complete renovations with virtually no impact on the tax levy.
This project will be phase three of the bathroom renovations. Phase three will include renovations to the elementary and high school boy’s bathrooms. The opportune time to renovate the bathrooms is during the summer months
when school is not in session. We need several months lead time to ensure that the project is approved by the State
Education Department and contractors are lined up for summer work. Work on Phase three would begin in the
summer of 2016.
Phase one, which consisted of upgrades to water lines and asbestos abatement, was completed in April 2015.
Phase two, which will include renovation of the girl’s bathrooms, is scheduled to start in July 2015, and should be
completed for the start of the new school year in September.
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FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
ANALYSIS OF THE 2015-16 PROPOSED BUDGET
2015-16 Proposed Expenditures
2015-16 Estimated Revenues
Fund Balance
6%
Capital
14%
Interfund Transfers
1%
Other Revenue
1%
Administrative
16%
Program
70%
Real Property
Taxes
38%
State Aid
54%
PROGRAM COMPONENT
NEW YORK STATE AID
This represents $4,694,642 or 70% of the budget.
The Program Component includes all costs directly
associated with the instruction of students. Included in
this component are salaries and benefits of teaching staff;
textbooks; classroom supplies, materials and equipment;
extra-curricular activities; interscholastic athletic programs
and certain BOCES services. This component also
includes the costs associated with operating the District’s
transportation program.
This accounts for $3,653,621 or 54% of total revenue.
This category represents NYS Aid in all categories
including regular operating, transportation and building aid.
CAPITAL COMPONENT
This accounts for $100,000 or 1% of total revenue.
This is a transfer from the debt service fund to cover the
cost of obligated debt service payments.
This represents $953,642 or 14% of the budget.
The Capital Component includes the costs to maintain
and operate school facilities. Included in this component
are utilities; custodial salaries and benefits; custodial supplies, materials and equipment and debt service payments.
This component also includes the costs associated with
upgrading the District bathrooms.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPONENT
This represents $1,084,164 or 16% of the budget.
The Administrative Component includes anticipated
expenditures associated with the administrative, business
and supervisory costs of the District. Included in this
component are costs relating to the Board of Education,
Office of the Superintendent, the Business Office and the
Principal’s Office. It also includes certain BOCES related
expenditures and legal and auditing services.
REAL PROPERTY TAX
This accounts for $2,541,327 or 38% of total revenue.
This is the local share of the budget, to be raised through
the school tax levy. A portion of this amount will be paid
for many residents through the NYS STAR program.
INTERFUND TRANSFERS
FUND BALANCE
This accounts for $380,000 or 6% of total revenue.
This category consists of funds accumulated over the
past several years to be used to offset taxes. Also included
in this category is the use of certain reserve fund money
designated for particular purposes such as retirement system contributions and capital projects.
OTHER REVENUES (MISCELLANEOUS)
This accounts for $57,500 or 1% of total revenue.
Included here are funds received from interest earnings;
penalties on school tax payments, gifts and donation and
refunds of prior years obligations.
BUS PURCHASE
On May 19, residents will also vote on the purchase of a 66 passenger bus at a cost not to exceed $120,000.
If approved, this purchase will be funded with a bus bond anticipation note. The cost of the bus is 70% State Aid
reimbursable, resulting in a net cost to District residents of $36,000. The District replaces buses on a 10-year cycle.
This practice allows us to keep the bus fleet in good operating condition without spending excessive amounts on
maintenance and repairs.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
3
Franklin Central School 2015-16 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 AT 6:30 P.M. — ROOM 206
AGENDA
The agenda will be as follows:
• Call to order by president
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Reading of official notice
• Introduction of chairman
• Reading of the 2014 Annual Meeting minutes
• Title I Parent Information Session
• Reading of voting procedures including: inspectors of
the election, voter qualifications and Board Member
seats
• Presentation of propositions
PROPOSITION 1: BUDGET
Shall the Board of Education of the Franklin Central
School District be authorized to expend therefore a
sum of $6,732,448 which said sum or so much thereof
as may be necessary shall be raised by tax on the taxable property of the Franklin Central School District?
PROPOSITION 2: SCHOOL BUS
Shall the Board of Education of the Franklin Central
School District, Franklin, New York, be authorized to
finance the costs of the acquisition of a 66-passenger
bus at a maximum cost of $120,000 and to authorize of
a Bond Anticipation Note?
PROPOSITION 3: WITHDRAW FROM CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
Shall the Board of Education withdraw from the
capital reserve fund, a sum not to exceed $100,000.00
for purposes of repairing and renovation of the bathrooms located in the school (Phase Three)?
• 2015-2016 Budget Discussion
• Adjournment of the meeting until 12:00 noon, Tuesday,
May 19, 2015.
• Voting at the main entrance of FCS on the above
propositions until 9:00 p.m.
School District
Voter Qualifications
VOTER QUALIFICATIONS
• A Citizen of the united States,
• At least 18 years of age, or
• A resident of the District for at least 30 days prior to
the meeting at which he or she offers to vote.
Voters will be required to present personal identification
or, if none is available, they must sign a declaration
confirming their Franklin, New York residency and that
they are a qualified voter in this District. Such forms of
personal identification may include, but are not limited to:
• A driver’s license,
• A non-driver’s identification card,
• A utility bill,
• A voter registration card,
• Or any other evidence of residency School District
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at
the District Office at P.O. Box 888, Franklin, NY 13775.
BOARD MEMBER SEAT(S)
One member for the Board of Education of the
Franklin Central School District is to be elected for one
five-year term most recently held by Linda DeAndrea
whose term expires at this time.
2015 Dinner Concert
Candidate(s) for this position:
Jamie Archibald
12568 St. Hwy. 357
Franklin, NY 13775
Jennifer Buffington
202 Main Street
Franklin, NY 13775
FRANKLIN FREE LIBRARY
Shall the proposition be approved authorizing the
Board of Education of the Franklin Central School District to levy taxes annually in the amount of thirty-nine
thousand dollars ($39,000) and to pay over such moneys
to the trustees of the Franklin Free Library? (Said funds
represent a $1,500 increase above the existing levy)
4
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
5
Purple and Gold
Golf Tournament to
Benefit FCS Students
SATURDAY, JULY 18, 9:00 AM
$5,000 HOLE-IN-ONE CONTEST
$1,000 1ST PLACE PRIZE
The Franklin Community Educational Committee is
holding a golf tournament July 18th at the Ouleout Creek
Golf Course in North Franklin to raise money to fund
school field trips and other educational programs for
Franklin Central School Students.
The Purple and Gold Golf Tournament will be a Captain
and Crew event with a shotgun start. The greens fees are
$65 a person which includes cart, breakfast snacks, sodas,
water, lunch and automatic entry into the $5,000 hole-inone prize. The low scoring team will win a 1st place cash
prize of $1,000 and 2nd place of $500. There will also be
a raffle for gifts donated by local sponsors.
FCEF President John Campbell says, “Two years ago
we started awarding monthly scholarships to students. We
secured a grant to send some classes to the Natural History
Museum in Manhattan, as well as some other class trips,
and we’ve been able to fund a few other worthwhile projects. This year’s goal is to get a much-needed after school
program in place for the 2015-2016 school year.”
Teams are asked to register by July 11th. Call the Ouleout
Creek Golf Course at 829-2100.
The Franklin Community Educational Foundation is a
501 (c) (3) corporation. All donations are tax deductible.
2015 (SYEP) Summer Youth
Employment Program
Looking for a summer job? The Summer Youth Program
for young adults ages 14-20 will include both paid workshops and employment! The program is based on family
income-200% of poverty level or if you are receiving Family Assistance/Safety Net, Medicaid, Food Stamps, HEAP,
SSI or Free School Lunch, you automatically qualify for
the program.
Note: We will contact you for an interview. Once funding is settled, things will go very quickly and those that
have all required documentation in by the due date will
be given priority.
Remember—If you are under 18, your parents or guardians must co-sign all paperwork and you will need working
papers. Please contact your local school regarding getting
working papers and to pick up a summer application.
Applications are available in the Guidance Office at
Franklin Central School, or call 607-829-3551, ext. 304.
6
Principal’s Corner
As winter leaves us and the excitement of spring and summer awaits on our doorsteps, I would like to remind each
and every community member the importance you play in
our children’s education. Your attendance at plays, concerts,
games and parent/teacher conferences makes a difference.
Curriculum challenges and State testing aside, you make
your child’s educational experience what it will be. We cannot
thank you enough for your support in fundraisers, hauling
your musicians and athletes here and there, re-supplying your
child’s backpack, and sitting down and reading to your child
after a long day at work. It all matters!
Our Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams earned scholarathlete honors this past winter. Our results on State testing
are improving and all our seniors are on track to graduate.
Jess Downin was named valedictorian and Jacob Gregory
salutatorian for the class of 2015. Our Elementary band and
chorus, along with our Senior chorus, held their annual Music
in Our Schools concert this month and the performances
were outstanding. Our Elementary Drama Club also performed their 2nd play this year. The senior trip is planned
and our preparations for the Prom have been solidified.
Our keynote speaker for graduation is U.S. Congressman the
Honorable Chris Gibson.
As we speed towards our 180th graduation ceremony, slow
down and take time to cherish your time with your children.
Read, draw, play and have fun. Before you know it summer
will be here.
—James Harter, Principal
National Honor Society Project
HELP WITH ALL YOUR HEART
February saw the Honor Society students at Franklin selling hearts to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House
Charities. Both the National Honor Society and the National
Junior Honor Society sold hearts and $158 was raised and
sent on to the Ronald McDonald House in Albany.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this worthy
cause.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
National Honor Society Holds Induction Ceremony
On Tuesday, March 24th an Induction Ceremony was
held to induct this year’s new members into the National
Honor Society (NHS). President Joseph Terrano, assisted
by Vice-president Gloria Banks, hosted the ceremony at
Franklin Central Schools’ cafetorium. New selectees must
show they have achieved excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character.
The new members for school year 2014-2015 are: Emily
Chaloupka, Alexis Eichler, Malorie Jordan, Miranda
Little, Joseph Nowhitney, Stacey Sickler and Sabra
Warner. Congratulations to all.
Induction Ceremony
for
National Junior Honor Society
Franklin Central School hosted an Induction Ceremony
for the new members of the National Junior Honor Society
(NJHS) on Thursday March 26. The ceremony was run by
President Malorie Jordan and assisted by Vice President
Stacey Sickler. To be selected for NJHS, students must
achieve high marks in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership,
Service, Character, and Citizenship.
The new members of NJHS are Corynne Nordberg,
Jillian Parascandola, Cain Rodriguez, Amber Jordan,
Jennifer Meo, Peter Niebanck, Cora Van Kingsley and
Kristin Cronk.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
7
7th Grade Cell Project
Students in 7th grade science were given an opportunity
to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge in completing
this year’s cell project. Students had the option of creating
either an edible or inedible version of a plant or animal
cell. They were required to label and describe the function of at least 10 different organelles found in their cells.
Gabe Smith’s plant cell model was voted Best in Show by
his peers.
All-County Festival
Congratulations to all band and chorus members who
qualified for the All-County Festival that was held in
Walton on March 20-21. Elementary Chorus members
included Sixth graders Gretchyn Ackley, Abby-Noelle
Potter, Dhalia Van Kingsley, Meghan Worden and Megan
Yager, and Fifth graders Matthew Serrao, Lucia Temple,
Nicketa Utter and Zoe Warren. High School Chorus member Felix Bridel represented Franklin in the All-County
High School Chorus.
In the All-County Junior High Band, Franklin was
represented by Julie Archibald, Lilly Bevilacqua, Collin
Campbell, Alyssa Nowhitney and Cora Van Kingsley,
with Christina Worden selected as an alternate.
Excellent work Franklin Band and Chorus members!
After School Program
The After School Program is in its third year. The program is held the first and third Wednesday of each month
at the CB church on Center Street. Children in grades three
and up are welcome to come. We usually have between 30
and 40 children each week.
At the church, children are given a snack of a peanut
butter and jelly roll, pretzels or goldfish and a juice. After
an hour of activity or homework, children are given an
opportunity to have a sweet snack, usually cake or cookies.
Some activities that the children enjoy include playing four
on the couch or fruit basket upset. Recently Monopoly has
become a hot activity. Children have also enjoyed sledding
this year.
This program runs on volunteers. Special thanks to
those who help me each week. Thanks to Shawn Patrick,
Stephanie Patrick, Ellie Sickler, Gary Bedenharn, Laura
Ogborn and Chris Geertgens.
Thanks also to the Franklin Community Educational
Foundation for making it possible to give the children a
healthy drink each week. Thank you to Dave Buel for providing most of our snacks.
If you are interested in helping out with this program,
please contact Sue Patrick at the school. You can also come
to the CB church for one of our programs. The schedule
for the rest of this school year includes May 6 and 20,
June 3 and 17.
8
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
Alternatives
to
Violence Project
The Alternatives to Violence Project at Franklin Central
School has welcomed 23 new student facilitators in grades
9-12 this year. These students participated in a series of
three workshops needed to become trained leaders in the
program. A team of students from the AVP group also
worked on a project entitled Brick by Brick which helped
raise funds toward building a family a new home in Jamaica.
As a result of their efforts and the generous donations of
students in grades Pre-K–12, we were able to raise a great
deal of money and there is now enough funding to build
homes for two families.
Our future plans for this year include holding a Dignity
Day for students in grades 7-12, a mix-it-up lunch program
for Pre-K–6th grade students and continuing to run service
projects for both our local and global communities. We are
also holding another Summer Community Workshop based
on the success of the workshop last year. This workhop is
for people of all ages.
If you are interested in participating in the Summer
Community Workshop, please email Noelle Granger at
[email protected] or call 829-3551, ext. 217.
Before
After
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
9
Thank You
from
This was another great season for skiing and snowboarding! The Franklin Ski/
Snowboard Club is a wonderful outdoor
opportunity that all the members enjoy.
There are approximately 30 students from
7th-12th grade that are currently involved.
It wouldn’t be possible without all the help
and support we receive. We would like to
express our gratitude to the community,
teachers and school staff for their continued
support during our sub sale and all of the
other activities we did this year. Mrs. Karen
Terry for the use of her kitchen and her help
this year to make the sub sale a success.
Mrs. Hilton for her help every week. The
bus garage and their wonderful drivers for
getting us to and from the mountains safely
every week. To all the parents, for allowing their children
to participate, and for driving and picking them up every
week. To Franklin Central for your support. To Plattekill
Mountain and Greek Peak for a great time. For anything you
may have done, big or small, we are very grateful.
Ski Club
Also, a big thanks to any and all donations that were
given to support our club. And of course, last but not least,
our members, our wonderful students, for really making
some fond memories, really pulling together and helping out
so much during sub sale, being well mannered and respectful. We are looking forward to next year with even more
students taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
!
u
o
Y
k
T ha n
10
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
Dave Ruch Visits Grades 3-5
Activity Guide
Pyramid
Eating a variety of foods and being
physically active every day will help
children be strong and healthy.
Get Your Child and
Yourself Moving!
Be Active!
r
e you
Includ ite
r
o
v
a
f
r
ies fo
activit fun!
e
mor
Cut Down On
•Watching TV
•Watching videos
•Using the Computer
Often
•Swing
•Tumble
•Slide
•Swim
•Hop
•Run
•Basketball
•Dance •Soccer
•Jump
•Kick ball
•March to music
On Thursday, December 18, Dave Ruch presented a Native
A merican Program to grades 3-5. It was enjoyed by all!
Slim Goodbody
at
Franklin
Every Day
•Play outside
•Ride a bike
•Go for a walk
•Help around the
house
•Walk to the store,
mailbox, or library
•Go for at least
60 minutes of
physical activity
every day.
•Climb the stairs
•Help with yard work
•Walk your dog
•Pick up your toys
You c
an
every be activ
e
w
insid here . .
recre e, outsid .
e,
ation
al ce
dayc
nter,
are,
playg home,
roun
d
•There is a link between TV viewing
and being overweight so turn off the
TV, the video games, the computer
and move your body.
New York State Department of Health
FRANKLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL
11
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAI D
PERMIT NO. 18
Norwich, NY 13815
6678 County Road 32
Norwich, New York 13815-3554
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Linda DeAndrea, President
Joan Cronauer, Vice President
Stanley Swears
Patricia Taggart
Thomas Worden
DCMO BOCES Printing Service
DCMO BOCES
Gordon Daniels, Superintendent
Published quarterly, Cindy Carey, Editor
607 - 829 - 3551
CURRENT RESIDENT OR
ECRWSS
BOXHOLDER
2015-2016 Universal
Pre-Kindergarten Notice
If you wish your child to attend the Pre-Kindergarten
program, please send a letter of interest by May 29 to the
following address:
Franklin Central School
Attn: Elementary Office
P.O. Box 888
Franklin, NY 13775
All eligible students will be allowed to enroll in the
program based on the following criteria:
1. Student must be a resident of Franklin Central School
District
2. Student must be 4 years of age on or before December 1.
Children who are 5 years of age on or before December 1
will not be eligible for the Pre-K program, unless recommended by the Superintendent.
Should in-district enrollment requests exceed 18 students
a lottery drawing will be held. All students not chosen will
be put on a waiting list.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the
school at 829-3551, ext. 316.
Kindergarten Registration
Franklin Central School will hold Kindergarten Registration on Thursday, May 14, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Parent letters
have been sent to families who, according to the school
census data, have children eligible to attend Kindergarten
in September. To be eligible, a child must be five (5) years
of age on or before December 1, 2015. Children currently
enrolled in our Pre-K program do not have to attend
Kindergarten Registration.
Parents of eligible children who did not receive kindergarten information letters should call the Elementary Office
at 829-3551, ext. 316 by May 12 to schedule an appointment
time for registration on May 14.
Angel Tree
This holiday season there were 25 families and 70
children that were assisted by the generosity of the angel
tree (includes Head Start). Thanks to Dawn’s Deli, the
Franklin/Treadwell food bank, the United Methodist
church, the Franklin community and a group of elves at
Franklin Central School.