Board of Education, Regular Meeting

1. 0:28e e e e e I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the for which it stands one nation under God indivisible liy and Justice thank you Tracy up to Tracy you do roll call please here here here Lauren here here Calvin Le here thank you no the acceptance of the agenda i' like to Mo make a motion to set agendas as presented second all in favor now we have our student representative report hello hello so there's not much really going on right now but theor seniors are getting ready for their senior events like senior prom and everything and their senior trip um Multicultural Club is holding a bunch cake fundraiser and
2. 4:38we are also getting ready for the um International Festival coming soon May 17th um and National Honor Society is doing their induction for new members is it called induction induction for new members um May 9th so that's all I have for today thank you okay be it resolved that the Board of Education have to enter into executive session at 604 for the purpose to obtain legal advice from the school district attorney subjected to attorney client page second all in favor I'm sor e [… repeated text trimmed] e e of the what is what we doing uh oh the budget sorry B budget no that's B 2425 budget oh 2425 budget post presentation I was ahead of myself good
3. 1:10:25evening everyone um I'd like to start off by saying that a great big thank you um I want to let the board know um just a thank you to our legisl leader of Representative as well as our Senators because we were able as a district to recoup the whole harmless amount um of 2.8 mil uh towards our state aid this year and uh so we're really happy about about that so with that being said um our budget presentation um will look a little bit different than it did the last time um based on what we know now um and so um our it's still geared to the six keys to school Improvement um Miss beain will go
4. 1:11:18through um all of the different um scenarios in the budget and tonight for the board um we are hoping that tonight will be the night that this budget will be adopted by the Board of Education okay as Dr pman said uh a little bit of difference from the last time but not a lot um and I'll try to point those things out to you specifically as we get to them um we're still sticking with our Vis vision and Mission and I want to just remind everybody why we're all here uh we want to support the students and the programs here that we offer and make sure that we're um providing students with opportunities to go out into the
5. 1:12:04world and succeed these are those six keys to um School Improvement that uh Dr pennyman has been talking about and we have been working towards as a uh administrative team to realign The District in the culture in order to support students in all of their needs so last time I talked about this slide there was a different number in the middle so we are still keeping all the general fund student programs and services maintained just as we have before but now we are proposing to only have a tax levy increase of 2% um this was what we were originally proposing before we were sure if the governor was going to take away all that money last time we were prepared ing for
6. 1:12:55that money not to come back and now that we're receiving it back we went back to our original proposition to uh Levy that two 2% here's our historical totals another thing you'll notice is the um proposed budget is in line with the amount we're increasing the um tax levy byy so we're increasing the tax levy by 2% and we are also increasing our expenditure budget to 2% this allows to cover just the things like we talked about last time contractual expenses um primarily payroll and salaries and benefits as you can see we're very much in line with prior years last year being an outlier here's our expenses by category I'm not going to go with a line by line
7. 1:13:50this time um many of the lines stayed exactly the same as I talked about when I presented the line by line budget we were focusing on maintaining all employees and programs so that students didn't feel any difference one year to the next there were some areas where I had cut some money um in order to make room for that loss and revenue that I put money back in um items that have to do with supporting programs and initiatives that align with that six keys to school Improvement this slide you saw also before last time it said 3.42% again we are now only proposing a 2% tax levy increase the last presentation I was also requested that I offer not just the
8. 1:14:43$200,000 home values but also a $300,000 home value so this first slide is that $200,000 home value I want to make a clarification when I say home value is the assessed value not the market value of a home so the market value of a home is not what you're necessarily taxed on you are taxed on your assessed value so we're taking the 200,000 as a midpoint um a median range of property values as they're assessed in this area but we also added the $300,000 home which I'll show you in a moment important to note the annual difference is approximately about $70 to the home across all um as an average or about $7 a month that was a 300,000 sorry I clicked
9. 1:15:37it too fast um in in comparison at $300,000 home you're looking about oh about $90 to $100 as an annual difference or A10 to1 difference um on a on a monthly basis here's that Revenue um slide that we've been talking about as you see the top line where it says our tax levy we're requesting a uh tax levy increase of 2% which will uh leverage about $499,000 towards our Revenue to cover our expenses I will also point out that the second line where it says protected state aid you're only seeing a change year-over-year of 51,1 199 I'll get more into that into the detail of that in a moment um the 2 26 milon 88 483 that was what was
10. 1:16:32presented to the taxpayers at the beginning or the end of our budget season uh when we voted for the 2324 budget our state AIDS is all estimates um ultimately what comes in for our expense based AIDS is based on actual expenses at the end of the year therefore those numbers that we receive
11. 1:16:53are always going to change so I lever or um balanced out our proposed projected tax state aid not tax sorry getting over a cold our projected state aid I balanced out with what we have expected this year so that I'm not overshooting um and overestimating the amount of Revenue that we may be getting from that state aid. The biggest part of that was that Foundation Aid that is a solid number that does not change. The other Parts I will point out to you when we get to that slide but our expense based AIDS can vary depending on actual expenses.
12. 1:17:31Additionally I'll point out that the assigned fund balance line has changed we reduce the amount of assigned fund balance in order to take some pressure off of our savings from this year and last year and to allow the district to better place ourselves in a stronger position going forward. We will have a reserve plan that will be presenting to the audit committee and the Board of Education and where in order to replenish where we have borrowed over the years um we have borrowed from the retirement Reserve we have borrowed from the repair Reserve um we have capital projects we have to consider going forward. And now that we know that we're getting that $2.8 million it's better for the district to save for those future projects and future needs because we have to consider the foundation a being changed next year which we'll also talk about as we go forward.
13. 1:18:27These are the line by line of our revenue from the state aid again I will point out to you the universal prek is probably the biggest part I have to point out universal prek is not actually a general fund expense. Universal PR pre is paid for through our federal fund it is awarded through the state aid but it is a fallacy that we actually receive it in that area so that amount of money the $400,000 um ultimately does not get paid to this Revenue area. It is counted in the overall number however because we do receive different funding from other areas for example our Bose's Aid line will be dependent on how much we actually spend in bosis that will that will be solidify when we submit all of that data to the state in September.
14. 1:19:22Additionally transportation was based on a lower Transportation cost than we actually are seeing this year therefore we will see an increase in that line. I'm not realizing it in those lines I'm realizing in the Universal ke prek line because that is how the state aid has been presented in years past. Ultimately we're only seeing an increase of $51,000 again this is a good scenario that flat Foundation Aid was a big big big deal for us it it allowed us to have breathing room and ability to plan for the future.
15. 1:20:01What happens if the budget's not approved this is still a consideration just because we got that Foundation ha awarded to us we still need the voters to come out and vote. We need you to come out and and accept the budget as it's presented to you if the board approves it this evening and decide whether you agree or disagree with how we wanted to go forward in our plans for the future for our students students Without Borders. We will not pass so if we don't pass what happens um if we have to go to a contingency budget I'm going to say it again a contingency budget is a skeleton budget it's a budget with no fluff. There will be no after school activities there'll be no equipment purchases we will lose a lot of things that are very important to our students for their overall um emotional needs. It's important come out and vote.
16. 1:20:55Some considerations we have to think about this is the budget as we're presenting it this year but I am of the mindset we want to think of next year and the year after and the year after which is why I'm proposing replenishing our reserves with leftover money from this year and leftover money from last year that I was originally going to put towards the budget. Now that we don't need to do that let's put it in savings let's get it get ourselves in a better solid position going forward. The foundation formula as the governor has said if you've all read listened to the news is changing they're doing a study and they're going to decide how they want to change it. If it looks anything like they calculated for us originally we will lose money we don't want to be in the same situation where we're trying to scrimp and Save in order to provide programs for students so we need to be aware of that and look at everything as we go forward and make sure we're making efficient and clear decisions for our students.
17. 1:21:48Replenishing the reserves for the future I've already talked about a long range financial plan is my goal I'm working on that as I speak and we will be presenting that also to the board in the next year or so. Out of District placements those tend to recre havoc on our budget we cannot predict or expect What will what students will move here from other areas or what needs may arise for a student and a general as a general rule those things are unknowns and we have to try to plan for them without knowing about them.
18. 1:22:20Contract negotiations have long-term effects on on our budget we also that's a part of our long-term financial plan we want to look at how all of our contracts go three to five years we want to make sure we're paying attention to how that affects us going forward and how we're looking financially. And changes to enrollment and student needs that's been a big difference as we see the foundation a part of the reason why it was so reduced um according to the governor's because she based it on current enrollment and decline in enrollment and that's how she based B her need not necessarily on the wealth or the needs of the students. So those are things we have to keep in mind and consider as we're moving forward and planning for next year's budget because believe it or not we'll start in July and August thinking about next year's budget.
19. 1:23:10We're here to that day April 23rd the day to adopt the budget the board approves they'll adopt this budget this evening in addition to voting on The rcg Bose's budget um and approving the property tax report card which will solidify our 2% tax levy if that's what they agree upon. Next we have voter registration on the 25th in the cafeteria on the 29th is when I will be by the 29th is when we
20. 1:23:37have to submit the property tax report card however if it's approved this evening I will submit that tomorrow school board nominations are due by May 1st to the district clerk and the public hearing which will be a representation of the same budget presentation you saw this evening if the budget is approved by the board 21th is our big big budget vote day in addition to some other things that are not posted in here um Dr pennyman and I will now if the board approves this budget be going out to a community where she would have been having her conversations with the superintendent and presenting this to those areas too for those who aren't able to come here or may have questions
21. 1:24:19or want to talk about the budgeting process those I believe you can find on our website and we're put out in a eblast any questions when say when when do you expect the um the formula for the New Foundation Aid to be public um the governor didn't say she said that she was going to be working on it um she did make a disclaimer that she's rein instituted the hold Harless but she's putting all districts in in the state on on notice that um there will be a change to that formula going forward so what does that look like I know that um she's instituting I believe a whole committee that's going to go over the viability and the the use of
22. 1:25:13the formula as it stands and how it can be more Equitable across the state just as an aside 50% of the school districts in New York state were affected by the loss of the whole harmless in a negative way so what it's not just an our school district problem and it's a problem across the state so we are not the only voice that was heard um but we are glad it was heard but also um in our superintendent meeting at Bose um they're telling us about different documents that we need to have um proactively because we don't know what their you know Foundation 8 is going to formula is going to consist of but they're already helping us with the list
23. 1:26:00of make sure you have this this this this this ready um for for next year because she's right yeah more come when we know more yeah I remember the other Factor was the um amount that we have in reserves so like do we have enough time to plan ahead and like spend some of our reserves before they it's actually not the amount we have reserves per it's the amount that we don't have in reserves so excuse me our fund balance was 7% That's unallocated you're only allowed 4% the school district so it's the an excess of 1% that hurt us and what we plan to do is have a plan for that for this year like I said I was
24. 1:26:50projecting to have another fund balance in excess of 4% when I presented the budget last time the plan is that Dr pen and I will put together a reserve plan those funds get put in a reserve that doesn't count as your fund balance when the closure books at the end of June it's still fund balance but it's not negatively affecting us in that calculation cool another area was our student enrollment and we have to continue to um watch our student enrollment and to um make sure that we are craft in a school district that will continue to be desirable so that um we don't um continue to have a decline in our enrollment because that was one of the
25. 1:27:37areas that was taken into consideration for the formula this year and that did not um serve to our benefit so that's why we're hoping to create a desirable even more desirable and robust School District with offerings that are geared to students for the 21st century so anything else no thank you so much okay I would like to make a motion to accept Personnel items a a through K second second all in [Music] favor public form no no thank you okay super tend this report so first I'd like to um congratulate all of the schools for their Earth Day project I went to the elementary school they had a phenomenal Earth Day program if you look around a
26. 1:29:16high school and a the junior high school there were some beautiful flowers planted in pots um I believe by the NHS or um so I want to congratulate I also want to just um congratulate our students um for the students that have started taking all the exams and for just hanging in there and giving it their best and to parents for supporting us and just making sure that the students are ready um coming to school every day to take these State tests um we have computerized base tests and some grades this year so it's a little bit different uh however our students are really um holding their own through the process and then um the next thing
27. 1:30:04tonight is I'd like to read um our school district received an award for Head of the Class 2024 um school safety and Excellence award and so I'll just read to you um the information that goes with this Hudson City School District is one of at least 160 school districts and board of Cooperative Educational Services Bose's in New York state to receive the UDA National Insurance Group school safety Excellence award for the 2024 at the titanium level the honor is presented annually and recognizes School District safety efforts as they work to help keep students St staff and visitors safe Hudson City School District received its award at the UA Nationals 42nd school safety seminar which is one
28. 1:31:04of seven such Seminars the company hosts in the state for 50 years udica National has kept kids and School staff safe and currently ensures more than 300 school districts in Upstate New York alone Hudson City School District officials accepted a certificate to commemorate the district's safety efforts from muda National Representatives udica National School Safety Excellence award program has three levels one titanium two platinum and three gold in which schools can earn a a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance the overall safety through the program schools with their own transportation School with contract transportation and bosies are evaluated categories covered include Boolean prevention programs playround safety and other areas are measured using these specific quantifiable
29. 1:32:08surveys safety and health concern continue to be a priority in our school districts explained Brian Seville who is the senior vice president in UDA Nationals educa in educational institution unit districts that go above and beyond to provide safe healthy and focused cultures for learning are to be applauded and we pleased to count Hudson
30. 1:32:32City School District among them Mr seal noted that beyond the recognition itself and added benefit of following the safety program is the chance to pinpoint specific threats of safety. The time to address those threats is before a loss happens which really helps to contribute to to the safety culture and the district that the districts are working towards. So I'd like to present this to the board. It's the 2024 school safety excellent Awards uh for the Hudson School District City School District from the UA natural National Insurance Group. Thank you.
31. 1:33:22Than you you're welcome.
32. 1:33:22That ends my superintendent report for tonight.
33. 1:33:26Okay thank you. So now it's the um budget vote for quest star. So we have to do it all separate yeah just read it.
34. 1:33:45It said the board of Cooperative Educational Service that's not us.
35. 1:33:51That's what no they're authorized to expend it yeah.
36. 1:33:55So what am I reading this this whole thing here?
37. 1:34:01Be it resolved that the board of Cooperative Educational Service of rinier Columbia and green counties is authorized to expand the sum set forth in the 2024-25 tentative administrative budget documents in the amount of 7, 257,000.
38. 1:34:25One second all in favor.
39. 1:34:31Be it be it resolved that the Board of Education cast a vote for the election of Michael man East Green Bush New York District of residents of East Green Bush Central School District as a member of the board of Cooperative Educational Service Riner Columbia Green County.
40. 1:34:56Second all favor.
41. 1:35:03Be it resolve that the Board of Education cast a vote for the election of Miss Mary Maro what's that Z Troy New York District of residence in large city school district of Troy as a member of the board of Cooperative Educational Service rench the Columbia green counties.
42. 1:35:26Second all in favor.
43. 1:35:32Be it resolved that the Board of Education cast the votes for the election of Mr Frank Zak Stephen toown New York District of Rin residence Burlington School District as a member of the board of Cooperative Educational Service Rin Columbia green counties.
44. 1:35:55Second all in favor.
45. 1:35:59Okay thank you.
46. 1:36:03Now the consensus agenda. I like to make a motion to approve consisted agenda items a through T.
47. 1:36:17Second all favor.
48. 1:36:22So now we this is [Music] all for okay. Tracy did anyone else sign up? No thank you. [Music]
49. 1:37:00Won do it. [Music]
50. 1:37:02This uh important dates. Following meetings are scheduled Thursday April 25th 2024 voter registration day from 400 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the junior high school high school cafeteria. Tuesday April 30th 2024 Dr pennyman pennyman and Miss pain presenting the 2425 budget information to community members at the Hudson Area library at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday May 1st 2024 nominating petitions due to the district clerk by 5:00 pm. Monday May 6 2024 Dr penan and Miss pain presenting the 2425 budget information to community members at the Greenport Community Center at 6 pm.
51. 1:37:43Uh Tuesday May 7th 2024 budget hearing Board of Ed meeting 6 p.m. in the high school library. Thursday May 16th 2024 Dr Penny and Miss gain presenting the 2425 budget information to community members at the Hudson City youth apartment at 6 p.m. Uh Tuesday May 21st 2024 policy committee meeting 7: to 8:00 p.m. in the high school library. Tuesday May 21st 2024 annual budget vote and election 8:00 pm in the high school library. Thank you.
52. 1:38:24Oh so this time we do not need a second executive so I'll make a motion to adjourn this meeting at 737. All in favor?
53. 1:38:35Okay thank thank you for coming for.

Timestamps link to the corresponding moment on YouTube. Auto-transcribed, contains speech-recognition errors. Not an official record.