There were three goals guiding the budget process. First, the Board of Education

wished to develop a budget that was under a 2% tax levy. The second goal was to maintain existing educational programs and opportu-nities. The third goal was to make decisions that would have a positive effect on the dis-trict in future years.

All three goals were met. The estimated tax levy increase is 0.0%. We were able to control costs by utilizing a health insurance dividend, instituting energy saving practices, and restructuring service contracts. Addi-tional revenue from state aid helped us reach a zero percent tax levy.

This budget continues to support small class sizes, an innovative and extensive elec-

tive program, and a comprehensive extra-cur-ricular and sports program.

The third Board goal is addressed through Propositions 2 and 3. These propositions will not increase the tax levy but will help the Dis-trict maintain our facilities without borrowing money. Proposition 2 authorizes the use of funds currently in the reserve to continue the roof replacement at the Jr/Sr High School. Proposition 3 authorizes the establishment of a new reserve so the District can begin saving for future renovations to both the elementary and the Jr/Sr High School buildings.

This year’s spending plan has a minimum impact on the taxpayer. This plan supports all existing student programs while fitting into the long-term financial planning for the district.

www.newlebanoncsd.org MAY 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:} Budget Summary} Propositions} Voter Information

2014-2015 Budget Newsletter

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

MAY 2014 7: Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget, Walter B. Howard Elementary, 7 p.m. 13: Junior High Academic Awards Night, High School Gymnasium, 6:30 p.m. 16: Spring Fling Carnival, Jr./Sr. High School, 3-8 p.m. 20: Budget Vote, Walter B. Howard Elementary, Noon-9 p.m. High School Academic Awards Night, High School Gymnasium, 6:30 p.m. 23: Memorial Day Assembly, Jr./Sr. High School, 9 a.m.JUNE 2014 1: Jazz Concert, High School Gymnasium, 1 p.m. 11: Board of Education Meeting, Walter B. Howard Elementary, 7 p.m. 12: WBH Spring Concert, Walter B. Howard Elementary, 7 p.m. 28: Class of 2014 Commencement, Jr./Sr. High School, 10:30 a.m.

2014–15 BUDGET SUMMARYProposed Budget:$12,765,996

Budget-to-Budget Increase:$325,206 (2.61%)

Estimated Tax Levy Increase: 0%

Proposition #1 • Budget

Proposition #2 • Use of Capital Reserve Fund

Proposition #3 •  Establish a New Capital

Reserve Fund

School Board ElectionVoters will select two board members from the following candidates (listed as they appear on the ballot). For more information about the candidates, please visit www.newlebanoncsd.org.1. Christine Sotek2. Michael Bienes

VOTETuesday

May 20, 201412 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Walter B. Howard Elementary School

Gymnasium

NEW LEBANON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

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2014–15 New Lebanon CSD Budget BUDGET SUMMARY: 2013-2014 2014-2015 ChangeITEM• General Support, which includes insurance

costs, operation and maintenance, administrative salaries, and Board of Education expenses. $1,554,769 $1,694,993 $140,224

• Instruction, which includes principals’, teachers’ and aides’ salaries, textbooks, continued allocation for curriculum development, instructional equipment, library materials, computers, and our athletic program. $5,193,479 $5,385,540 $192,061

• Transportation and Community Service, which includes salaries of bus drivers, mechanics and the head of transportation, fuel, parts for repairs, transportation to private, parochial, and special education schools, use of buildings and grounds by outside organizations, adult education, and census expenses. $1,134,203 $1,091,018 ($43,185)

• Undistributed, Debt Service, Interfund Transfer, which includes payments on buses and bond issues (such as the improvements made to both schools), payments to retirement systems for employees, workers compensation, and employee benefits, including health insurance. $4,558,339 $4,594,445 $36,107

TOTAL BUDGET PROPOSED: $12,440,790 $12,765,996 $325,206

ANTICIPATED REVENUESBUDGETED

Local Sources, which include tuition, interest on investments, refunds of prior year’s BOCES expenditures, gifts, interfund transfers and donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $532,604Appropriated Fund Balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $331,000State Sources, which include Basic Aid Formula, Building Aid, BOCES Aid,  and Textbook, Library and Software Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,374,048Federal Sources, which includes Medicaid funding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000Local Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8,523,344

AVERAGE PROJECTED TAX INCREASE

The projected tax levy increase is 0%. Each town has a different equalization rate, and rates are not fixed by the state until mid-summer. Property assessments and STAR also affect the tax rate. Therefore, actual tax rates cannot be provided at this time.

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Q: Does the tax cap law mean my tax bill can’t in-crease by more than 2%?

A: No. The law that New York State passed in June 2011 does not, in fact, cap an individual’s tax bill. The new law applies to the tax levy, not to tax rates or individual tax bills. It restricts the total amount in property taxes a district collects. Your tax bill cannot be predicted until a number of other factors (none of which are within the District’s control) are determined later in the year.

More information regarding the tax cap can be found on our website at: www.newlebanoncsd.org/district/budget

Q: What is the tax levy limit for New Lebanon CSD for the 2014–2015 school budget?

A: The tax levy limit for New Lebanon CSD for the 2014–2015 school year is 2.74%. The proposed budget has a 0.0% increase in the tax levy, so we are well below the tax levy limit.

Q: What is a Capital Reserve Fund?A: A reserve fund is a separate fund established to finance future district projects. A Capital Reserve Fund acts like a savings account, but it can only be used for specified facility projects. Using the reserve money avoids having to add debt payments to the District’s budget.

Q: Why are we asking to use funds from the current Capital Reserve Fund?

A: This fund set money aside to renovate the bus garage and to replace portions of the Jr/Sr High School roof. Money from this reserve was used for work on the bus garage. Proposition 2 is asking for permission to use the balance of the money in this fund for roof work at the Jr/Sr High School. Using the reserve money avoids having to add debt payments to the District’s budget.

Q: Why are we asking to establish a new Capital Reserve Fund?

A: According to state education law, we need to establish a new fund for new projects. Proposition 3 authorizes the district to establish a new Capital Reserve Fund for the reconstruction/renovation of the Elementary and Jr/Sr High School build-ings. Within the next five years, we anticipate the need for significant renovations to our schools. The creation of a new reserve fund will enable the district to reduce the amount of money needed to be borrowed, thus avoiding debt payments.

Q: Will establishing this reserve increase taxes?A: No, this reserve will not increase your taxes. Funds will be obtained from end of year budget surplus funds and/or budget appropriations and interest accrued on such funds over the term of the Capital Reserve Fund.

Q: Is the capital reserve fund separate from the district’s budget vote?

A: Yes. The establishment of the Capital Reserve Fund is a separate proposition on the May 20 ballot.

Q: With such a low tax levy, will this budget support all that is needed for our children?

A: Yes. This budget has been analyzed line by line. All current programs will continue in 2014-2015. This budget is part of our long-term preparation to address long-term needs.

Q: What is the “Transfer to the Capital Fund” budget line?A: We are allowed, with voter approval, to complete small repair projects each year for the purpose of maintaining the District’s property. A number of facility needs were identified in our Facilities Plan: exterior security features, Jr/Sr High School roof, and ceiling tile replacement at Walter B. Howard Ele-mentary School. Work in one of these areas will be completed.

2014–15 Proposed Budget Questions & Answers

www.newlebanoncsd.org

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In addition to the proposed budget, district residents will be asked to vote on three (3) propositions and elect two members to the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 20.

Proposition 1: BudgetRESOLVED, that the proposed budget of expenditures of the New Lebanon Central School District for the 2014-2015 school year in the amount of $12,765,996.00 and for the purposes shown in the statement of estimated expenditures adopted by the Board of Education be and the same hereby is approved and the amount thereof shall be raised by a levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the school district, after first deducting the monies available from state aid and other sources as provided by law.

Proposition 2: Use of Capital Reserve FundShall the Board of Education of the New Lebanon Central School District be autho-rized to expend the Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the New York Education Law known as the New Lebanon Central School District Capital Reserve Fund for an ultimate amount of $700,000.00 (seven hundred thousand dollars), whose purpose shall be to fund in whole or in part, capital improvements including but not limited to, the reconstruction and/or renovation of the New Lebanon Jr/Sr High School roof and related work.

Proposition 3: Establish a New Capital Reserve FundShall the Board of Education of the New Lebanon Central School District be autho-rized to establish a new Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the New York Education Law for a probable term of ten (10) years in an ultimate amount of three million ($3,000,000) dollars, whose purpose shall be to fund in whole or in part, capital improvements to the facilities of the District, including but not limited to, the reconstruction and/or renovation of the Walter B. Howard Elementary School and the New Lebanon Jr/Sr High School facilities: roofing, heating/ventilation, electrical, plumbing, masonry work, windows, site work, drainage, and related work, and such funds to be obtained from the end of the year budget surplus funds and/or budget appropriations and the interest accrued on such funds over the term of the Capital Reserve Fund.

Board of Education SeatsTo elect two (2) members of the Board of Education to three (3) year terms com-mencing on July 1, 2014 and expiring on June 30, 2017.

Christine Sotek Michael BienesBoard Member Board Member3-Year Term 3-Year TermExpiring 06/30/17 Expiring 6/30/17

What You Will Be Voting On

N E W L E B A N O N C S D

Current Budget Proposed Budget THREE-PART BUDGET 2013–2014 2014–2015

Administrative Component $ 1,555,099 $ 1,590,780Program Component $ 8,708,553 $ 8,946,284Capital Component $ 2,177,138 $ 2,228,932

TOTAL $12,440,790 $12,756,996

Bringing History to LifeAs part of their study of New York State history earlier this school year, Walter B. Howard Elementary fourth graders visited the Luykas Van Alen House, a 1730s farm-stead, where they learned about the Dutch settlers. The students also visited the Ich-abod Crane Schoolhouse, located on the premises, where they received an interac-tive lesson on how children were educated in a one-room classroom in the 1920s.

www.newlebanoncsd.org

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New Lebanon Provides Opportunites for Students to ExcelWhether they are in the classroom, on the playing field and beyond, New Lebanon students gain new experiences and continually show that they excel. Below are some examples from the 2013-14 school year:

Expanding Horizonsn New Lebanon welcomed three international students into the

Jr/Sr High School community this year. The international program provides our students the opportunity to experience cultural diversity and to gain an understanding of our place in globalization.

n Walter B. Howard is pairing up with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) to introduce 5th and 6th graders to the world of classical music and dance through SPAC’s Classical Kids program.

n Distance Learning Labs at both the Jr/Sr High School and Walter B. Howard afford students the opportunity to “visit” places and see things they might not get to experience. For example, students enjoyed exploring the five senses (Sense-less) and discovering how to build parallel and series circuits (Electricity E-Lab).

n A group of Walter B. Howard 6th graders learned basic film-making skills with a professional filmmaker culminating in the screening of the students’ films at the Crandell Theater.

n Music is emphasized as evidenced by high student partici-pation rates: all students in grades 4-6 participate in choir; majority of students in grades 5 and 6 participate in band; and over half of Jr/Sr High School students participate in the music performance program.

n Students’ talents are showcased at All County Music Fes-tivals, Art Exhibits, school productions, talent shows and community events.

n Field trips offer New Lebanon students opportunities to see how their learning in the classroom connects to the real world. Some experiences this year included:. The Jr/Sr High School’s Food Club visited the Times

Union to meet with food blogger Steve Barnes. At Wil-liams College Museum of Art, the Studio Art class was able to view the work of an artist they studied in class. High School students traveled to NYC to attend a pro-fessional Broadway musical and engage with actors during a workshop.

. Sixth graders explored the “Mystery of the Mummies” at the Albany Institute of History & Art; 4th graders stepped back in time at the Luykas Van Alen House, Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse and the Columbia County Museum; K-4 grade students visited the Firefighting Museum in Hudson; and the 5th grade will experience Nature’s Classroom in Silver Bay, NY.

Success on the Fieldn Sixty-seven (67%) of 7-12 students participate in at least

one sport.n Girls’ and boys’ volleyball, girls’ and boys’ soccer, boys’ and

girls’ swim, and girls’ basketball varsity teams earned Scholar Athlete status in the fall and winter for having grade point averages above 90.

n The boys’ volleyball team won the League Sportsmanship Award.

n The girls’ soccer team made it to the Section II semifinals.

Plenty of Charactern The Jr/Sr High School’s Appetites Anonymous Food Club

planned, cooked and served a free Thanksgiving dinner to community members.

n An award winning songwriter, author and peace educator talked with K-6 students about respect, understanding, positive attitudes and global awareness.

n Jr/Sr High School students participated in “Power of Peace,” a two-day character education seminar.

n Jr/Sr High School students participated in a youth leadership summit at Russell Sage College where they developed an action plan to address issues in character education, school climate and to enhance academic excellence.

n Walter B. Howard’s monthly Tiger Jam assembly celebrates the character traits we value most. During this time, the school celebrates birthdays, accomplishments and recognizes students of the month.

n Jr/Sr High School students participated in “Students Together Opposing Prejudice (STOP)” conference at Siena College. It was an opportunity for middle and high school students to work together to oppose prejudice and bigotry.

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDNew Lebanon, NY 12125

Permit #1District Office14665 State Route 22New Lebanon, NY 12125

BOARD OF EDUCATIONTimothy Lambert, PresidentMichael Bienes, Vice PresidentTracy BinghamMartha EspositoSharon PutnamChristine SotekMonique Wood

Board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m.Please visit our website for specific dates.www.newlebanoncsd.org

SUPERINTENDENTKaren McGraw

POSTAL PATRON

Produced by Questar III Communications Service

Voting InformationVoter EligibilityYou are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years old or older and a resident of the school district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.

Voter RegistrationRegistration for new voters or those who have not voted in the past four years will be held in the District Office on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please bring a form of identification with you.

Absentee BallotsAbsentee ballots are available to residents who will be out of town or unable to vote in person because of illness or disability. You may request an absentee ballot from the District Clerk’s Office during business hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For information, call 794-9016, ext. 2001. Deadline for requests for absentee ballots: By mail—Until May 13, 3:30 p.m.; In person—Until May 19, 3:30 p.m.; Return deadline—May 20, 5 p.m.

Copies of the itemized budget are available upon request from the District Office. Please call Kelly McGivern, District Clerk, at 794-9016, ext. 2001, if you wish to receive a detailed copy.

Tuesday, May 20, 201412:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Walter B. Howard Elementary School Gymnasium

BUDGET HEARINGWednesday, May 7, 2014

7:00 p.m.Walter B. Howard

Elementary School Gymnasium

BUDGET VOTE & BOARD ELECTION