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Budget 2019 NEWSLETTER

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Superintendent of SchoolsMichael M. Brooks

Board of EducationPresident

Frank Milazzo

Vice-PresidentSusan Horton

TrusteesJohn Cantone

Russell Conley James KuhaJohn Marro

Antonio Perugino

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Continued on page 2

The Marlboro Central School District is proposing a $58,363,438 budget for the

2019-2020 school year, a spending plan that enhances student programs and meets New York State tax levy limit requirements for a simple majority voter approval.

Voters will decide on the spending plan on Tuesday, May 21, at the former Milton Elementary School. Polls will be open from 6 AM to 9 PM. The election of two members to the Board of Education will also be on the ballot, as will a second proposition about the Vision 2020 Capital Project (read more about the project on pages 4 and 5).

“When developing this budget, we carefully weighed our responsibility to our taxpayers with our desire to continue to offer high-quality academic programs for our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Brooks. “This proposal will allow us to provide more opportunities for students, while still preserving our long-term fi scal stability.”

TAX CAP REQUIREMENTS METUnder New York State law, a school district must plan its budget around a complex formula that calculates the allowable tax levy increase for each district.

Proposed 2019-2020 Budget Enhances Academic Programs While Preserving Economic Stability

With a tax levy increase of 2.61 percent, Marlboro’s budget proposal meets the criteria for a simple majority voter approval of 50 percent plus one. This is only the second time the District’s tax levy has increased since 2014-2015.

ENHANCES STUDENT PROGRAMSThis year’s budget proposal preserves all existing programs. The spending plan also includes several fi scally and academically prudent enhancements to student programs and staffi ng.

The proposal calls for additional class offerings, including a Sports and Entertainment Marketing elective at the High School, which is based on student interest, and a Mandarin Chinese distance learning course at the Middle School. This innovative and cost-saving approach to teaching a new language is available through a shared service through Orange-Ulster BOCES.

The spending plan also includes the addition of a full-time District-wide maintenance worker. This is a cost-sharing opportunity with Orange-Ulster BOCES, which has agreed to lease the former Middle Hope Elementary School, and would help restore a position lost to previous years’ budget cuts.

The Marlboro Central School District is pleased to

announce that it has been approved to receive

$1.1 million from New York State as part of the Smart

Schools Bond Act.

Approved by voters in 2014, the Smart Schools Bond

Act authorized the issuance of $2 billion worth of bonds

to improve security and enhance educational technology

in schools throughout the State.

According to Marlboro Assistant Superintendent

for Technology and Personnel Michael Bakatsias,

approximately 55 percent of Marlboro’s share will

go towards a Districtwide network infrastructure

upgrade and a more advanced security surveillance

system. The other 45 percent will be used to purchase

new technology equipment such as SMART Boards,

presentation stations, and Chromebooks.

“Right now, we have Chromebooks distributed to

every student in Grades 6 through 12 but eventually

those will age out,” said Bakatsias, explaining that after

a few years, computer companies stop issuing important

software updates. “This funding will help replace those

obsolete devices.”

Superintendent of Schools Michael Brooks is pleased

that the District’s Smart Schools application has been

approved, saying that the funding will help reimagine

teaching and learning for the 21st century.

“Not only will this bond help make our schools safer,

but it will also mean more learning opportunities for

our students,” he said.

Marlboro Receives State Funding to Improve Security & Technology

Read about on page 6!

2

Continued from page 1

Additional enhancements include:• Addition of a 0.2 Speech teacher to meet

CSE requirements• Additional extracurricular offerings,

based on student interest• Increased drama production support

(supplies and/or rentals)• Addition of a 1.0 Technology Education

teacher, to be shared between the Middle School and High School

• Addition of a 0.4 Physical Education teacher at the Elementary School

FACTORS IMPACTING EXPENSESThere is a 2.59 percent increase in proposed expenditures from last year. The single largest factor impacting expenses in the proposed budget is an increase in contractual obligations. Increases in payroll and health insurance costs account for a majority of increased expenses.

Special education costs are also up, which is a result of an increase in out-of-district placements and related services.

REVENUES AND SAVINGSThe District is expected to receive an estimated $15,776,900 in State Aid for 2019-2020. This revenue, along with the continuation of various fi scal management strategies, was a factor in developing the proposed budget.

Three years ago, the District refi nanced the 2006 Elementary School renovation project, a move that decreased the debt service and will save a total of $1.8 million over the next several years.

The District is also in the process of developing a lease agreement with Orange-Ulster BOCES to rent out the former Middle Hope Elementary School, a move that would generate additional revenue.

Marlboro plans to use $4,606,459 of its fund balance to further reduce taxpayer cost. The fund balance refl ects the difference between a district’s revenues and fi nal expenses at the end of each fi scal year.

WHAT IS A CONTINGENCY BUDGET?

If the budget proposal is defeated, the Board of Education has the option of either adopting a contingency budget or holding a second vote on either the

same budget or a modifi ed one. If the second budget is defeated, a contingency budget is mandated.

Rules of the tax levy limit legislations do not allow a tax levy increase under a contingency budget. Under contingency, the State also places strict restrictions on the types of expenditures that are allowed, and eliminates the availability of free public use of facilities.

In this year’s case, meeting the contingency guidelines would result in the removal of all equipment expenditures and additional fund balance would be appropriated to offset the impact of the frozen tax levy. Additionally, the District would be required to charge outside groups for facilities usage.

Workshop Day Helps Middle School Students Get Re-Inspired by Learning

Marlboro Middle School students took a break

from their regular curriculums on March 15

to participate in a schoolwide Workshop Day. The

day featured a variety of hands-on workshops that

focused on academics, wellness, and team building.

Students were engaged as they tried their hands

at new activities, such as knitting and learning

Chinese. Others chose to roll up their sleeves and

tap into their creative sides, whether it was to

make a stained-glass art project or a delicious taco

salad. There were some workshops that challenged

students to work together to build STEAM towers,

design paper airplanes, or "escape the room," while

some students chose to simply unwind by playing a

board game or practicing yoga.

There was truly something for everyone on this

special day designed to help students get re-inspired

by learning!

Marlboro Middle and

High School students

came together on April 24 for

the second annual Choral Day

in the High School Auditorium.

After enjoying some fun

team-building exercises, the

students spent the rest of

the day working with guest

conductor Jason Alexander

Holmes. The esteemed vocal

technician led workshops and

rehearsals with the students,

culminating in an afternoon show that featured songs sung by the Seventh and Eighth

Grade Chorus, the High School Mixed Choir, and the High School Chamber Choir. In the

end, the Middle and High School students melded their voices together for one fi nal

show-stopping performance.

Proposed 2019-2020 Budget Enhances Academic Programs While Preserving Economic Stability

3

Message from the Superintendent

Several Marlboro Central School District

administrators volunteered their time on

February 28 to read Dr. Seuss books to Marlboro

Elementary School students in honor of Read

Across America Day.

Sponsored by the National Education

Association, Read Across America is an annual

nationwide celebration held to commemorate

Theodor Seuss Geisel’s birthday. Thousands of

schools, libraries, and community centers across

Guest Readers Help Celebrate

Read Across America Daythe country participate by bringing together kids,

teens, and books, all to celebrate the beloved

American children’s book author and encourage a

love of reading.

In addition to spending time with the guest

readers, students took part in various Seuss-related

lessons and activities, ranging from creating

colorful crafts to enjoying delicious treats. They

were even treated to a visit by The Cat in the Hat

(a.k.a. school social worker Brian DiStefano).

Changes to STAR Exemption Program

The School Tax Relief (STAR) program that was passed by the Legislature in

1997 to provide school tax relief for owner-occupied primary residences is continued under the New York State budget, but some changes have gone into effect this year.

STAR recipients receive the benefi t in one of two ways. Recipients of the STAR credit, which is open to any eligible homeowner whose income is $500,000 or less, receive a check in the mail from the Tax Department to apply to their school taxes. The STAR exemption, which is closed to new applicants, involves a direct reduction on your school tax bill in the form of a property tax exemption.

Due to changes in the law, beginning this year, the income limit for the Basic STAR exemption is now $250,000. If your income is more than $250,000, you must switch to the credit to continue receiving a STAR benefi t. As an added incentive, the State is providing a two percent increase in STAR savings this year to homeowners who switch to the check program.

Enhanced STAR, which provides increased savings, is still available to qualifying senior citizens ages 65 and older in both the credit and exemption programs.

For more information, contact your local assessor or visit www.tax.ny.gov/star/default.htm.

This spring, Marlboro Elementary

School Grade 1 and 5 classes took

turns visiting the Marlboro High School

Planetarium and Observatory. There, the

students learned about stars, seasons,

constellations, orbits, the scale of the

universe, and more. The District is pleased

to be able to off er this unique opportunity

to the Elementary School students, right in

their own backyards.

Dear Community Members,I am pleased to present you with the proposed 2019-2020 school budget. Please review

the information in this newsletter carefully as you prepare to participate in the budget vote and school board election on Tuesday, May 21.

Administrators and Board of Education members have spent months developing this budget proposal, which we believe carefully balances our responsibility to taxpayers with our desire to off er high-quality programs for students. Our challenging academic curricula, unique art off erings, and accomplished athletic teams continue to be a source of pride for the community, and this budget preserves or enhances those important programs.

When weighing in on the school budget on May 21, you’ll also notice a second proposition on the ballot. The District is proposing a $19.49 million Capital Project called Vision 2020. The project is designed to address key health and safety issues and enhance student programs in the arts, technology, and physical education. The project would also address several high priority infrastructure updates identifi ed by professional architects and engineers.

A thoughtful and careful approach to fi nancing Vision 2020 was taken in order to leverage available resources so that work could be completed without needing an increase in taxes. In fact, we are anticipating an overall reduction of our current bond debt payments of more than $800,000 per year due to the retirement of existing unaided debt.

I encourage you to visit the Vision 2020 page on our website, www.marlboroschools.org, for more details. If you have any questions about the budget proposal or the capital project, please call me at (845) 236-5802 or email michael.brooks@marlboroschools.org.

We are proud of our Marlboro students and appreciate our community for participating in the important decisions impacting their futures.

Sincerely,

Michael M. BrooksSuperintendent of Schools

4

The Marlboro Central School District is proposing a $19.49 million Capital Project

designed to leverage available funding in order to address key health and safety issues and enhance student programs throughout the District. The project would also address several high priority infrastructure updates that were identifi ed in the State-mandated Building Condition Survey (BCS), an extensive facilities review conducted every fi ve years by professional architects and engineers. There are no new taxes anticipated for this project.

“As a District, we take pride in keeping our students safe and in preserving and improving our instructional facilities,” said Superintendent Michael Brooks. “This Capital Project would allow us to address some key safety and

Marlboro Central School District Proposes $19.49 Capital Project

Community Members Asked to Vote May 21

FOCUS ON SAFETY The District takes pride in keeping its students

safe. The proposed Capital Project includes several

enhancements to improve safety and security,

including a redesign of all main entrances to provide

a secure area where visitors can be screened before

being granted access to each school.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONMore details about the proposed work is available on the District’s

website, www.marlboroschools.org. If you have any questions, please

call (845) 236-5802 or email michael.brooks@marlboroschools.org.

infrastructure work, which would ultimately enhance school environments and provide more opportunities for students.”

HOW WILL IT BE FUNDED?State Aid is anticipated to cover approximately $11.6 million of the project. The District also plans to use $3 million of its reserve funds, including $1.5 million from the Capital Reserve that voters approved in 2016 to save money for keeping our buildings up to date. The balance would be offset by the retirement of existing unaided debt that will be paid off by the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Replacing existing unaided debt with new aided debt neutralizes the fi nancial impact on local taxpayers and

ultimately reduces the District’s overall debt payments by more than $800,000 per year.

“The current availability of State Building Aid, combined with funds we already have saved for capital purposes and our ability to take advantage of retiring debt, is giving us the opportunity to protect our community’s investment in our schools while neutralizing the fi nancial impact on taxpayers,” said Brooks.

WHY NOW?No Anticipated Tax Increase: The Capital Project is not anticipated to cause a tax increase. This is possible because the District has existing unaided debt that will soon be paid off. The local cost of the project will replace a portion of the already budgeted retiring debt with Building Aid-eligible debt. Available State Aid: A large portion of the overall cost of the project will be reimbursed through State Building Aid, allowing the District to complete large projects that would not be fi scally possible to include in the annual operating budget. Identifi ed Need: The State-mandated BCS, along with a comprehensive review of the District's existing programs, has identifi ed areas in each building that are outdated.

Proposed Elementary School Entrance

Proposed High School Entrance

Proposed High School Art Room

5

WHAT’S INCLUDEDMarlboro Elementary School

�� Redesigned secure entryway for safer building access.

�� Resurfacing of synthetic recess play areas.

�� Improvements to Music Room acoustics.

�� Other improvements identifi ed in the 2015 BCS, including the replacement of original wood soffi t material and select classroom doors/frames.

Marlboro Middle School�� Relocated secure entryway for safer and more

effi cient building access.

�� Relocated Main Offi ce to accommodate new student/visitor traffi c patterns.

�� New consolidated Student Support Services area to allow school counselors to better meet student needs.

�� Relocated and expanded Innovation Lab and Technology Room to support 21st Century STEM learning.

�� Renovations to Boys and Girls locker rooms, including the replacement of timeworn lockers.

�� Gymnasium improvements, including new painting and wall padding.

�� Auditorium improvements, including new sound system, stage curtains, and stage rigging.

�� Cafeteria renovations to expand existing serving line and provide new student bathrooms.

�� Addition of new Band/Chorus Room with staging area to provide larger practice space and improved acoustics.

�� Renovation of outdated second fl oor bathrooms.

�� Site improvements to provide safer busing and vehicular traffi c movements.

�� Other improvements identifi ed in 2015 BCS, including replacement of antiquated 1970 fi re alarm system, non-compliant handrails, and end-of-life wood ramp/concrete stairs at emergency exits.

Marlboro High School�� Redesigned secure entryway for safer building

access.

�� Renovated Main Offi ce to provide easier access for students/visitors and improve visibility for staff.

�� New consolidated Student/Family Support Services area to allow school counselors to better meet student and family needs.

�� Expanded Nursing Suite to accommodate students.

�� Expanded Fitness Center to better support athletes and physical education programs.

�� Relocation of Athletic Director’s Offi ce from second fl oor to Athletic wing.

�� Athletic site improvements, including refurbishment of outdoor track and turf and relocation of high jump/pole vault.

�� Expansion of 2D and 3D Art Studios and Computer Graphics Lab to better support student learning.

�� Renovated Music Room to improve acoustics and provide more storage and practice space.

�� Cafeteria improvements, including renovations to provide easier access to existing serving line and the creation of a Grab & Go station for faster service option.

�� Other improvements identifi ed in 2015 BCS, including replacement of select interior and exterior doors/hardware that have reached the end of their useful life.

Proposed High School Fitness Center

Proposed Middle School Entrance

Proposed Middle School Band/Chorus Room

Proposed Middle School Technology Room

6

Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona,

and more of everyone’s favorite

animated characters came to life

on stage earlier this year during the

Marlboro Middle School Drama Club’s

production of Shrek the Musical Jr.With music by Jeanine Tesori and

book and lyrics by David Lindsay-

Abaire, the show follows everyone’s

favorite ogre as he leads a cast of

fairytale characters on an adventure to

rescue a princess and fi nd true accep-

tance. The story is based on the 2001

DreamWorks Animation fi lm and

William Steig’s 1990 book “Shrek!”

Marlboro High School is proud to announce that Matthew Jackson

has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2019 and Daniel Rusk is this year’s salutatorian. These students excelled not only academically during their High School careers, but in a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities as well. Matthew plans to attend Virginia Tech this fall and major in Biomedical Engineering, while Daniel is considering studying Computer Science at Cornell University. We are extremely proud of these students and know they will go on to do great things!

High School Namesits Top Students

The musical starred Joseph

Schindler and Deni Menendez as Shrek,

Jae Hall as Donkey, and Seamus Daly

and Kate Schaff er as Lord Farquaad.

Emily Schaff er, Abigail Douglass,

Samarah Conley, and Janice Webra

teamed up to play the parts of adult

and young Fiona.

The show featured colorful sets and

costumes, as well as enjoyable songs

like “Big Bright Beautiful World,” “Story

of My Life,” “Freak Flag,” and “What’s

Up Duloc?” It was performed on

March 15-17, under the direction of

Deana L. Solomon and Emily Schaff er.

The Marlboro community came together for an evening of music, food, dance, and

culture during Marlboro Middle School’s 15th annual Diversity Night on March 27.

Guests mingled in the school’s cafeteria as they sampled foods from countries around the world, including Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Jordan. The food and accompanying table displays were all prepared by Middle School students and their families. The evening's entertainment was provided by the Marlboro Central School District Jazz Band and Madeline’s Dance Studio. A wonderful time was had by all!

Marlboro Celebrates its Diversity

Middle School Students Bring World of

to Lifetttoo LLiiffeeeeeeee

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ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO VOTE?In order to be eligible to vote you must be:

n18 years of age or older.

nA citizen of the United States.

nA resident of the Marlboro Central School District

for at least 30 days prior to the vote.

ABSENTEE BALLOTSAbsentee Ballots are available for residents who

are unable to vote at the polls on Tuesday, May 21.

For more information, please contact the District

Clerk at the Administrative Offi ces, 21 Milton

Turnpike, Suite 100, Milton or at 845-236-5803.

20192020 PROPOSED BUDGET AVAILABLECopies of the 2019-2020 proposed budget are

available at all of the District’s buildings, as well

as at the Marlboro Free Library and the Sarah Hull

Hallock Free Library in Milton. Stop by one of the

following school offi ces to obtain a copy:

nMarlboro

Elementary School

nMiddle School

ABOUT VOTING

Your Local Assessors Town of Marlborough (845) 795-5049 Town of Plattekill (845) 883-7331 Town of Newburgh (845) 564-4550

Basic STAR Exemption Impact Under the Budget Proposed for the 2018-2019 School Year

Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings1 $8321The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.

Esti

“Shall the Board of Education be authorized to expend the sum of $58,363,438 to meet the estimated expenditures for the 2019-2020 school year and to levy the necessary tax therefor?”

TRUSTEE FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION Two (2) – 3-Year Positions - Vote for Two (2)

JoAnn Reed

YES NO

Russell Conley

BUDGET PROPOSITION

The annual budget vote for the fi scal year 2019-20 by the qualifi ed voters of the Marlboro Central School District, Ulster County, New York, will be held at District Administration Building in said district on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 between the hours of 6:00 am and

9:00 pm, prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine.

** List Separate Propositions that are not included in the Total Budgeted Amount: (Tax Levy associated with educational or transportation services propositions are not eligible for exclusion and may aff ect voter approval requirements)

Description Amount

Vision 2020 Capital Construction Project $19,499,279

* Provide a statement of assumptions made in projecting a contingency budget for the 2019-20 school year, should the proposed budget be defeated pursuant to

Section 2023 of the Education Law.

Tax Relief Programs Help Reduce Burden on Veterans,

Disabled & Senior Citizens

The Disability and Senior Citizen School Tax Exemption, as well as

the Veterans Exemption, as described in the New York State Real Property Tax Law, remains in effect and continues to be supported by the Marlboro Central School District Board of Education.

Under these programs, tax reliefwill again be provided to qualifyingindividuals for the 2019-2020 schoolyear. This is accomplished by exempting a portion of the assessedvalue of qualifying individuals’residential property. To participate inthe exemption programs, individualsmust meet certain qualifi cations, andan application must be submitted with the local assessor’s offi ce and renewed annually.

For more information, contact your local assessor’s offi ce.

nHigh School

nAdministrative

Offi ces

Karen Brooks

Overall Budget Proposal Budget Adopted for the 2018-19

School Year

Budget Proposed for the 2019-20

School Year

Contingency Budget for the 2019-2020

School Year *

Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions $ 56,888,880 $ 58,363,438 $ 57,966,970

Increase/Decrease for the 2018-19 School Year $ 1,474,558 $ 1,078,090

Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget 2.59% 1.90%

Change in the Consumer Price Index 2.44%

A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount $ 34,778,968 $ 35,686,305

B. Levy to Support Library Debt, if Applicable $ 0 $ 0

C. Levy for Non-Excludable Propositions, if Applicable ** $ 0 $ 0

D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy $ 0 $ 0

E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D) $ 34,778,968 $ 35,686,305

F. Total Permissible Exclusions $ 1,411,783 $ 1,493,513

G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions $ 33,367,185 $ 34,192,792

H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to Support Library Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E - B - F + D)

$ 33,367,185 $ 34,192,792

I. Diff erence: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval – See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions) **

$ 0 $ 0

Administrative Component $ 5,089,676 $ 5,344,640 $ 5,185,398

Program Component $ 42,564,872 $ 43,644,493 $ 43,465,863

Capital Component $ 9,234,333 $ 9,374,306 $ 9,315,709

School District Budget Notice

In projecting a contingency budget it is assumed equipment expenses would be removed from the budget and additional fund balance would be appropriated to off set the

impact of the frozen tax levy. Additionally, the district would be required to charge outside groups for facilities usage.

“(a) That the Board of Education of the Marlboro Central School District, in the Counties of Ulster and Orange, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct improvements and alterations to various school buildings and sites (the “Project”), substantially as set forth in the “Proposed Capital Project” column of a Plan prepared for the District by CSArch, and to expend $19,499,279 therefor; (b) that the amount of not to exceed $1,500,000 currently available in the District’s Capital Reserve Fund established by the voters of the District at the May 17, 2016 Annual District Meeting and Election is hereby authorized to pay a portion of the cost of the Project, and such expenditure is hereby approved; (c) that an additional amount of $1,500,000 expected to be available is hereby authorized to pay a further portion of the cost of the Project, and such expenditure is hereby approved; and (d) that a tax is hereby voted in the amount of not to exceed $16,499,279 to fi nance the balance of such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $16,499,279 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable?”

PROPOSITION

YES NO

Write-In

Sample Ballot

8

The Marlboro High School Drama Club took audience members on a “jolly holiday”this

spring, as they delivered fi ve performances of the musical Mary Poppins March 21-24.

With music and lyrics by the Sherman brothers, George Stiles, and Anthony Drew, and a script by Julian Fellowes, Mary Poppins follows the magical journey of the Banks children as they learn incredible life lessons from Mary (their new nanny)and Bert (a jack-of-all-trades).

The musical is based on the children’s books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney fi lm. It starred Elizabeth Goodenough as Mary, Myles Stelling as Bert, Matt Bishop as George Banks, Alyssa DeLessio as Winifred Banks, Emily Eichler as Jane Banks, and Christine Tomer as Michael Banks.

Memorable songs included “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “A Spoonful of Sugar.”

The cast and crew spent weeks preparing for the show, which was directed by High School music teacher Katie Budryk. Students were involved in everything from building and painting the sets to designing the lights and running the sound.

They also made props and costumes, did hair and makeup, and helped publicize the show.

Audience members had a “supercalifragilistic” good time!

Marlboro FCCLA Wins Big at States

Marlboro FCCLA members attended the annual

New York State Family Career and Community

Leaders of America Conference in March, where

they had the opportunity to learn important

life skills, compete in community service-based

events, and meet other FCCLA members from

across the State. The Marlboro students won big

during their various competitions, with several

students qualifying to compete at the national

level in California this summer.

The Marlboro Central School District off ers equal educational and employment opportunities, including career and technical education opportunities, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other protected categories under state or federal law, in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Michael Bakatsias, Assistant Superintendent, and Robin Hecht, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY 12547, (845) 236-8000. Inquiries regarding discrimination on the bases listed above may also be made to the United States Department of Education, Offi ce for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005, (646) 428-3800, ocr.newyork@ed.gov.

Congratulations to the Marlboro High School

Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball teams,

which each advanced to the Section IX Class B

Championships this year. The Girls team beat

Spackenkill High School 63-48 on March 2,

earning themselves the title of Section IX

Class B Champions. Despite a hard-fought eff ort,

the Varsity Boys team fell to Ellenville High School

during their competition the same day. We are

extremity proud of all of our Dukes athletes!

Grade 5 Students Race in Annual I-Kid-a-Rod

Grade 5 students at Marlboro Elementary School recently participated in a fun

activity simulating the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which is held in Alaska each March.

During the appropriately named “I-Kid-a-Rod,” teams of students raced around the school’s fi eld on handmade wooden sleds, stopping at different checkpoints along the way. Each team included one musher who steered the sled and about eight students who acted as sled dogs.

This annual event, organized by Grade 5 teacher Michele Onusko, serves as the culmination of the students' study of Alaskan climate, geography, culture, and history. The goal of the event is to help students understand the character traits necessary to becoming a successful team member and student, such as collaboration and determination.

Marlboro High School Presents: