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Higher state standards, less state aid
impact Hilton School District Budget cuts will not touch recently passed $57.9 million capital project Higher state standards coupled with lower state aid has Hilton School District administrators scratching their heads a bit while assembling next year’s budget. School Superintendent John Cooper said every member of his senior staff has reviewed the budget carefully looking for areas to trim. "Working with this budget is a challenge because we are trying to help our students meet the new state standards with less state aid," said Cooper. The proposed school budget for 2002-2003 was unveiled at the March 13 Board of Education Meeting with the warning that there is still a lot of work to be done. In total, the budget calls for $46,573,152 in funding, up 1.93 percent from the current year. As is, the budget calls for a 9.68 percent tax increase for local residents. For the average household ($100,000 assessment with $30,000 STAR reduction) the impact would be $136. To hit this budget number the district will see some cuts that include the elimination of 8.8 teaching positions, 15 support staff positions and one administrator, along with non-staffing cuts equaling $466,000. Some non-staffing cuts include a 50 percent reduction in field trip funding, a 20 percent reduction in conference expenses, the elimination of the high school freshman basketball program, and a $150,000 cut in technology. Steven Ayers, assistant superintendent for Business Operation, said school officials are trying to err on the side of caution with the current budget proposal. "We do consider this budget to be the worst case scenario," said Ayers. Even with that in mind, Cooper said he is not okay with the proposed increase in the tax rate." "We think the tax increase is too high," said Cooper, adding that he does not want the increase to exceed 7.9 percent. "It is important to us that we not overburden our taxpayers." Thus far, $1,043,000 has been cut from the budget. Cooper said the challenge comes as the result of the impact of the events of September 11, 2001 on New York state’s economy. State aid is anticipated to drop by about $89,000. A shaky stock market also cost the school district $1 million in retirement costs. These are mandated payments to the State Retirement System. Also playing a major role in budget woes is the state’s $1.25 million cut in building aid, forcing the district to refinance its old debt. Even with these fiscal challenges Cooper said Hilton is working toward better preparing its students. With all of these challenges, district administrators have announced the following budget goals:
Tightening the purse strings will also not endanger any of the $57.9 million capital project approved by the voters in December. Another ray of hope could come in the form of a proposed retirement incentive program from the state. Cooper said he heard a rumor of the program and, after confirming the possibility, acted immediately by sending out a letter to all eligible employees back in December. Out of the pool of possible applicants 35 indicated that they were interested. This could save the school district about $1 million. Cooper also said he is hopeful that the faculty and staff reductions will come through retirement and not elimination. The budget will be up for discussion at three budget review sessions scheduled with the Board of Education March 26, April 2, and April 9 before the budget is finally adopted April 23. Cooper said concerned citizens should take an active role in the process. "This is still a working document," said Cooper. "Have your legislator pass the budget on time and pass the retirement incentive plan on time. It is that simple." Tax rate increase ** as budget currently exists, officials are looking at ways to reduce this figure |