2009-2010 Budget Q&A
The following questions we submitted through the budget survey and community budget meetings. Because of the number of responses we received through the survey, and because new questions are being asked every day, additional questions will be added during the coming weeks.
Don't see an answer to your question? To submit a budget question, simply send us an e-mail or call 856-8200.
How is the district spending the federal stimulus money?
The federal economic stimulus money is being
spent in two ways. First, state leaders applied that money to the
state budget to eliminate the deficit reduction assessment, which
Governor David Paterson had proposed back in December. If that had
not happened, Mohonasen would have been faced with a one-time
reduction in state aid of $1.5 million, in addition to already flat
state aid. This would have resulted in either the elimination of
several district programs
and services or a sharp increase in local school taxes.
Mohonasen is also slated to receive an additional $800,000 in IDEA
(special education) and Title I grant funding over the next two
years, thanks to the stimulus money. Because much of this new money
MUST be used to fund NEW programs and services for students,
Mohonasen is using it to pay for five additional kindergarten
positions that will allow for the addition of full-day kindergarten
at Bradt Primary School. The grant monies are also being used to add
full- and part-time positions at other district schools, including
academic intervention services (AIS) teachers at Draper Middle
School and Pinewood Intermediate School; and counselor positions at
the high school and Pinewood.
What happens if a majority of residents vote no on the school budget?
Under New York State law, if a school budget is defeated, the Board of Education can either put the same or revised budget up for another vote or move directly to a contingency budget. The Mohonasen Board of Education’s philosophy has always been to put forth the best possible, bottom-line budget for the first vote. Therefore, if a majority of residents vote no, the district would adopt a contingency budget. There can be no more votes after that to restore funds eliminated under contingency.
As it stands, the proposed budget of $42,383,693 is $1,154,366 less than it could be under the 4 percent expenditure cap allowed for a contingency budget. This means that if the district adopts a contingency budget, cuts would not have to be made to meet the expenditure cap.
However, under a contingency budget a district can’t spend money in certain areas by law. For this reason, the district would have to make $78,727 in cuts to the areas of student supplies and certain equipment, limit the use of buildings and grounds after school hours, and eliminate certain salary increases.
How will the elimination of the middle class STAR program affect my taxes?
Because state leaders eliminated the Middle Class STAR (School TAx Relief) rebate program in the 2009-10 state budget, Mohonasen residents should not expect to receive this state rebate check in the fall.
However, the Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR programs ARE still in place. All New Yorkers who own their homes can significantly reduce their school taxes by taking advantage of these programs.
Call your town assessor if you have questions about these programs, about income limitations or if you wish to apply for STAR. Link to NYS Office of Real Property Services Web site for more information.
What other exemptions can Mohonasen residents receive?
In an effort to respond to the concerns of fixed-income senior citizens and people with disabilities, the Mohonasen Board of Education passed the maximum Real Property Tax Exemption in February 2007.
Residents over the age of 65 and qualifying residents of any age with disabilities who have an annual income of $35,400 or less can be exempted from paying taxes on 5 to 50 percent of their home’s value—thus reducing their school tax bills. These exemptions are in addition to the Basic STAR exemption or Enhanced STAR exemption.
Applications for these exemptions must be filed with your town assessor’s office and must be renewed annually.
How does Mohonasen involve residents as the budget is being developed?
For the first time, Mohonasen held a series of seven public budget meetings this year in order to present different parts of the budget to the public, answer questions people have and gain feedback. These meetings were in place of the former Budget Review Committee. The meetings ran from January to April and were open to all community members.
Also new this year, the district surveyed residents on their budget priorities, the budget development process and more through an online survey in early January, which was open to all district residents. A total of 269 people filled out the survey. View survey results.
I’ve heard that the district is planning a capital project that includes the building of a new bus garage and a “High-Tech” wing at the high school. How do these plans affect the budget?
The Mohonasen Board of Education is currently making plans for a capital project that would go before voters sometime next fall. Right now, plans include a new transportation facility, a “high-tech” wing at Mohonasen High School, a new library at Draper Middle School, updated athletic fields and much more. Funding for the capital project MUST be approved by district voters through a referendum. Therefore, these plans will have no affect on the 2009-2010 district budget.
How will the addition of full-day kindergarten affect my taxes?
Mohonasen officials decided to add full-day kindergarten for the upcoming school year because the funding became available through the federal economic stimulus package. District officials saw this as an opportunity since the money needed to pay for the program is coming from federal grant monies, meaning that the addition of the program for 2009-10 will have no impact on the local tax levy.
Additionally, officials are expecting to receive approximately $600,000 next year in state kindergarten transition aid, which is paid to districts that move from half-day to full-day kindergarten.
In future years, officials expect that these positions will be paid for through attrition in other areas (retirements, etc.).
What is the cost breakdown of salaries for administrators, teachers and support staff? How many people are employed by the district?
Salaries breakdown as follows: 71 percent teachers, 8 percent administrators and 21 percent support staff. The district employs approximately 590 people, not including substitutes.
How do faculty and administrative salaries compare to that of similar districts?
Depending on the step, faculty salaries at Mohonasen fall within the median of salaries when compared to similar area districts. Administrative salaries, when compared to other districts in the Suburban Council, are on average $5,000 to $20,000 lower.
How is building space being maximized district wide?
All classroom space is being utilized. In fact, at Pinewood and Draper some classes are held in converted office space due to the lack of classroom availability. Some of these space issues will be addressed in the EXCEL building project that will begin this summer.
What percentage of the district’s budget is for state mandated items?
Approximately 90 percent of the budget is for mandated items.
How much have salaries increased in recent years? Benefits?
Salary expenses increased four percent from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008, and six percent from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009. Benefit expenses increased 14 percent from 2006-2007 and four percent from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009.
What are the recent enrollment trends?
Enrollment trends show a slight decrease in the student population during the last couple of years. Future projections are for enrollment to remain relatively flat.
Are there any ways to increase revenues other than increasing taxes?
District’s have limited options for revenues
other than state aid and school taxes. In fact, 98 of the district’s
revenues are from state aid and school taxes.
The other 2 percent is made up of other sources such as interest
income on investments, use of facilities fees, BOCES classroom
rentals, and Medicare subsidy money. Some other sources include
gifts and donations from outside organizations and private
foundations. The Mohonasen Foundation for Excellence has been very
generous over the past few years supporting the educational programs
of the district. Grants are probably the largest source of other
revenue. District personnel are always looking for new grant
opportunities to support the budget.
Some non-traditional revenue sources that have been suggested include fundraising and advertising. Fundraising is allowed by students who are raising funds for student activities. However, NYS law prohibits boards of education to enter into an agreement that permits commercial promotional activities on school premises.
Some other very non-traditional sources used by other districts include communication towers, and licensing/sale of alternate energy sources, such as windmills. There has been public concern over these sources because of health issues and the lack of educational purpose.
One of the most important sources of other revenue is expense reduction. The district continually looks for ways to be more efficient and cut costs wherever possible while still maintaining quality educational programs.
I have heard that Governor Paterson is proposing a one-time Deficit Reduction Assessment (DRA). What does that mean?
Gov. Paterson has proposed that in 2009-10, all school districts take a one-time $1.1 billion Deficit Reduction Assessment (DRA) against total formula-based aids excluding Building Aid and Universal Pre-kindergarten. Individual school district reductions will range between 3 and 13 percent, and will be determined by the state based on a district’s need and ability to pay. Under the Governor’s proposal, Mohonasen is slated to received a $1.5 million reduction is state aid in the upcoming school year.
The budget line for chief school administrator shows a more than $12,000 increase? Does that mean that amount is the superintendent’s raise for next year?
No. That line item (see Feb. 9 budget presentation) represents every expense associated with the superintendent’s office, which includes the superintendent’s salary and some benefits, the superintendent’s secretary’s salary, travel expenses, supplies and association dues.
Why is the district considering purchasing Suburbans and not mini-vans?
The district is considering purchasing two 8-passenger Suburbans next year (see Feb. 9 budget presentation), which would be included in a special proposition for bus purchases. The Suburbans would be used to transport small groups of students, which is more cost effective than running a school bus and Suburbans are generally considered to be safer vehicles than mini-vans for transporting students.
How would a property tax cap impact the district?
At this point, it’s hard to tell exactly how a tax cap would impact Mohonasen, since state leaders have put forth various tax cap proposals in recent months. However, we do know that state aid and property taxes make up 98 percent of the district’s revenue. While Mohonasen continues to seek out other sources of revenue to support educational programs (grants, etc.), the bottom line is that a limit on property taxes without an increase in state aid – or mandate relief to reduce expenditures – could result in drastic cuts to non-mandated programs like music, art, advanced courses and extra-curricular activities.
Is the district planning to implement full-day kindergarten next year?
Currently, the board of education and district administrators are looking at enrollment projections, available space and costs associated with adding full-day kindergarten in either the 2009-2010 or 2010-2011 school years. Given current state aid predictions, chances are the program would not be added until at least September 2010. Administrators are also in the process of planning a capital project that would, if approved by voters, allow for renovations at Bradt Primary School to accommodate full-day kindergarten.
Are kindergartners still bussed separately from other students at Bradt? Wouldn’t this be an obvious first cut in these tough economic times?
Yes, this year – as in past years – kindergartners are being bussed separately from other students at Bradt. As a cost-saving measure, the board of education is currently considering eliminating this bus run for next year. This would mean that kindergartners would ride the bus with the first graders and second graders from Bradt.
Mohonasen’s spending per pupil continues to be among the lowest in the state. In fact, it was recently reported by the state that Mohonasen spends the lowest per pupil of any K-12 district in the area and the third lowest in the state. Should we be concerned that if Mohonasen is spending less money than other districts, our students’ education will suffer?
Even with the lowest per pupil spending of any K-12 district in the Capital Region, Mohonasen is committed to being a high quality, innovative, and caring school district. We continually strive to provide high-quality academic and extra-curricular programming in an atmosphere where students and families feel cared for and connected. We are always looking for external measures to confirm that we are reaching these goals. Several key indicators in recent years are very encouraging:
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Our elementary math scores have increased significantly over the past few years. For example, our third grade scores have risen from 80 percent at or above state standards in 2006 to 93 percent in 2008. Our middle school math scores have improved as well. In seventh grade, for instance, 87 percent of our students scored at or above state standards, up from 71 percent three years ago.
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Our unique middle school Success is Required initiative, now in its fifth year, requires that all students are held accountable for every major test and assignment in every course they take throughout the year. To accomplish this, many students stay after school on a weekly basis and almost 20 percent of middle school students attend summer school each year. In 2007-08, the end result was that 99.5 percent of middle school students passed every quarter of every class they took.
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Our eighth grade English language arts (ELA) scores have risen substantially. In 2003-04, only 43 percent of our eighth graders scored at or above state standards. This past school year, 66 percent of our eighth graders and 74 percent of our sixth and seventh graders reached that mark.
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The high school has created supportive Transition Teams to help students meet the rigorous requirements of the state Regents Diploma. The teams match students with a group of teachers and other support professionals who stay with them throughout ninth and 10th grade, preparing them for a battery of Regents exams at the end of sophomore year. This added support resulted in a 96.4 percent promotion rate for ninth graders this past year, meaning that 265 of the 275 students who started their freshman year in September 2007 met all requirements necessary to move forward to 10th grade. Mohonasen’s cohort graduation rate is typically around 80 percent after four years and 85 percent after five. However, because of the success seen by the transition teams, we are hoping that the 2007 cohort (current 10th graders) will see a 90 percent graduation rate after four years and 95 percent after five.
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Our Regents scores have continued to show significant gains in the past several years. Notably, we have increased the number of students passing the Global Studies Regents from approximately 65 to 75 percent, to 81 percent this past year. In the last five years, we have seen student scores rise on the Math A examination every single year. In 2004-05, 65 percent of students who took the exam passed it and last year that number rose to 85 percent. Additionally, we have consistently posted a nearly 90 percent passing rate on the Earth Science and Living Environment Regents exams and in January 2008, 93 percent of all 11th graders passed the English Regents.
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Our students in grades 6-12 recently completed a Prevention Needs Assessment Survey, which was designed to assess things like substance abuse and at-risk behavior among our students and in our community. Among the many results, the surveys showed a notably high percentage of students who said they had a meaningful connection with their school.
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Our vision statement looks toward developing a “culture of excellence” in every program and our extra-curricular programs have certainly moved toward a realization of this goal in recent years. Our students continue to excel on the field, court and stage in activities from athletics, to our award-winning Field Band and many music groups, to the Mohon Masque theater group.
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Our schools’ daily attendance rate continues to average around 96 percent a year.
How many times can the district put a budget proposal before voters?
Under New York State law, if a district’s budget proposal is defeated, the district has three options: to adopt a contingency budget; to put a revised budget up for a second vote; or to put the same budget up for a second vote. If the proposal is defeated a second time, the district must adopt a contingency budget.
A contingency budget caps growth at no more than 120 percent of the Consumer Price Index or 4 percent, whichever is lower. There are some budgetary items that are exempt from the cap, including legal settlements, debt service and costs associated with enrollment growth.
The Mohonasen Board of Education’s philosophy has always been to put forth the best possible, bottom-line budget for the first vote. Therefore, if a majority of residents vote no, the district would adopt a contingency budget. This would mean that there could be no more votes to restore funds eliminated under contingency.
How many residents typically vote on the school budget?
In May 2008, 1,685 residents voted on the school budget, with 1,094 voting in favor and 591 voting against. Since 1987, an average of 1,670 residents have voted on the district budget each year. Currently, 3,797 people are registered to vote with the district.
How much did the budget survey cost?
The budget survey, through www.surveymonkey.com, came at no cost to the district.
Does the budget include a proposal to purchase the old Draper school building?
No, the 2009-2010 budget proposal will not include a plan to purchase the old Draper school building on Draper Avenue. Any plan to purchase property would have to be included in a bond referendum.
What values guide budgetary decisions?
Every year the district sets budgetary goals. Some of these goals may be similar from year to year, however changes are made based on the current economic climate and fiscal situation. For the preparation of the 2009-2010 budget, the following goals have been developed:
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Minimal budget increase and commensurate tax rate that supports the “Whatever it Takes, Whatever the Challenge” philosophy.
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Continue to work at the state level for state aid formula reform.
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Maintain programs while continuing to move the district forward, even during challenging economic times.
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Address programmatic changes and successful implementation of the NYS standards.
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Ensuring fairness and equity between programs.
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Maximize existing resources and seek out new revenues.
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Continue to implement 3-5 year financial plan, re-building reserves and fund balance.
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Continue to implement 3-8 year facilities plan, addressing demographic and programmatic needs.
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Reflect staffing allocations that facilitate implementation of standards, enrollment changes and class size needs, collective bargaining agreements, as well as emerging programmatic and facility needs.
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Allocate resources and staffing to implement priority goals necessary to improve results:
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NCLB compliance
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3-8 Assessment preparation and improvement
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Academic Intervention Services (AIS)/Summer School
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Core academic area improvements
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Immersion and enrichment opportunities
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Mohonasen technical education programs
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Ongoing curriculum development and alignment
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Technology integration and enhancement
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Staff development
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Ongoing instructional improvement
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Reflect “Whatever it Takes, Whatever the Challenge” belief
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Pro-active early intervention – full-day kindergarten
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What is the district doing to reduce spending on infrastructure and daily operations?
The district is always looking for ways to reduce costs. Through its district-wide energy plan, Mohonasen has realized a more than $1 million cost containment on energy. Officials have also limited field trips, looked to make transportation routes more efficient through the use of advanced computer software, and not filled vacant positions unless necessary.
District-wide infrastructure improvements are also currently underway thanks to the $21.9 million EXCEL building project approved by voters last fall. Much of the work that has already been completed—or will be completed this summer—will improve energy efficiency at all four district buildings. These improvements include new boilers and boiler controls, plumbing system enhancements and new blinds at all buildings. Additionally, Mohonasen High School will receive a new hot water heater, the middle school will receive new hot water tanks, and Pinewood will be connected to the public sewer system.
What is the ratio of administrative positions to faculty size?
Mohonasen has 19 administrators, 262 faculty members and 273 support staff.
Mohonasen’s class sizes are currently among the lowest in the Suburban Council. In the elementary schools, they range from 16 to 23 students. In the high school and middle school, they range from 16 to 30 students, depending on the course and subject area.
Is the district reconsidering adopting a homestead tax rate?
No, the district is not reconsidering adopting a homestead tax rate. The reality is that the homestead rate that the district could have adopted was very close to the actual tax rate for homeowners. A homestead/non-homestead tax structure would have changed the homeowner’s taxes by about $0.60 per thousand and would have changed the business owners taxes by close to $4.00 per thousand, thus shifting a large portion of the taxes to a small number of businesses.
The composition of the Mohonasen district is such that 80 percent is residential and 20 percent is commercial. The Mohonasen district is different from Schalmont in that we are made up of a lot of “mom and pop” type businesses and Schalmont has a lot of large commercial properties.
If I can’t attend the budget meetings, how can I receive information about the budget?
Up-to-date news and information relating to the 2009-2010 budget development process is always available on the district Web site, www.mohonasen.org. Residents are also urged to sign up for School News Notifier (SNN), which is a free e-mail news and alert system that sends important information straight to your e-mail inbox. You can sign up for SNN on our Web site. District residents should also expect to receive budget communications in the mail through our annual budget newsletter. If there is information you need, but have not seen on our Web site or in our newsletter, please call the district offices at 356-8200 or send us an e-mail.
