District's bond process lauded

The Hilton Central School District was featured in "The Bond Buyer, The Daily Newspaper of Public Finance" in a December 30, 2003 article. The school district and bond counsel Bernard P. Donegan were singled out for the sale of $21 million in municipal bonds for the $57.9 million Capital Project.

After review from two bond-rating houses, Standard & Poors and Moody's, the bond rating moved from "unrated" to an "A+". The sale of the municipal bonds will save the district approximately $3.5 million in bond interest. According to Steven Ayers, Assistant Superintendent for Business, "Our first money borrowed after the improved bond rating received a bid of 3.5 percent for 20 years. That is 2 percent below our budget estimate and 1 percent below the state average."

The presentation in New York City to the bond houses include the district's demographic and statistical profile as well as the "Excellence in Learning Strategic Plan." A financial planner and management profile as well as future borrowing plans were also considered.

According to the article, "The bonds will mature in ascending amounts, starting with $1.08 million in 2005 through $1.78 million in 2019." To see the entire article, go to the Hilton Central School website at www.hilton.k12.ny.us/

The Excellence in Student Learning is a long-range strategic plan that was presented to the Board of Education in 2000. Their vision statement focuses on learning for all students, teachers, staff and the community. Their mission statement states their dedication for student success.

The strategic plan states the district's belief statement as well as their focus and alignment, which revolve around the theme of "Quality Education Systems." Their educational program reviews and revises curriculum to the NYS Learning Standards and beyond.

The goal of the district is to work with parents and the community to develop good character development of their students, as well as promoting respect in the community and good sportsmanship in their athletic programs.