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Haldane Board Finalizes Proposed 2008-09 Budget With 3.9% Tax Rate Increase
New York State Basketball champs honored
by Mike Turton
After months of planning, reports, discussion, revisions, best-estimates and further revisions, trustees for the Haldane School District last week approved the proposed 2008-2009 budget that will go to the voters as part of a May 20 referendum. The $19,996,258 budget represents a 7.33% spending increase over the previous year which translates into a 3.29% tax rate increase. For owners of a home with an assessed value of $250,000, the tax increase will be two hundred and fifty two dollars.
Superintendent Mark Villanti reiterated his view that the budget is a conservative one, indicating that the largest new item is the upgrading of the librarian to certified status, honoring a past commitment. The budget increase in 2007-2008 was 6.28% while increases in the two years prior were 10% and 12% respectively. The May referendum will also include two other propositions, one on the establishment of a capital reserve fund and the other to propose a purchasing plan to replace school buses that have reached the end of their service life.
One item which had been debated at previous meetings that is not included in the proposed budget is the hiring of an additional high school math teacher. Principal Brian Alm presented a detailed report at last week's meeting, arguing in favor of the hire. He cited the need to bring core staffing levels in the math department in line with other departments; providing additional support for students who need it and the ability to offer elective courses such as business math and personal finance as reasons for adding the new position. While trustees have been reluctant to approve the position, District President Dave Merandy indicated that if an additional math teacher is hired, funds could be found within the proposed budget, without further cost.
In other business, trustees approved the granting of tenure to five teachers. Tenure will be effective September 1, 2008 for elementary education teachers Lauren Quinn Hocker, Katie Moeller and Tom Virgadamo for grades K-6; Jacqueline Orsino for Social Studies in grades 7-12 and Joe Virgadamo for Physical Education for kindergarten through grade twelve.
Director of Facilities Wayne Robinson reported that the White Plains-based environmental engineering firm Malcolm Pirnie has been hired to draft a report outlining the scope of the feasibility study to examine alternative heating systems for replacing the school's aging boilers. Once the scope of the project is approved by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Haldane School District, then in all likelihood, Malcolm Pirnie would also undertake the feasibility study itself. A benefit concert held earlier in the month featuring singer/songwriter Dar Williams, a resident of Philipstown, raised funds to help pay the cost of the study. A citizens' group had petitioned the District to undertake the study as a means of assessing whether or not a geothermal heating and cooling system would be more cost effective than oil-burning boilers used to heat the school with either steam or hot water. Currently, the District uses some 60,000 gallons of oil per year. During the past year, the cost of oil increased by more than $100,000. Higher fuel costs alone account for a .75% increase in the tax rate in the proposed 2008-2009 budget. Some residents have touted geothermal as a more environmentally friendly and less costly system. A major strength of a geothermal system is its ability to provide low cost air conditioning - an advantage which is moderated by the fact that the school is closed during July and August.
The District has received a grant of $10,000 through the offices of New York State Senator Vincent Leibell. The funds will go towards new playground equipment. Senator Leibell will visit the school on April 22 to present the check while equipment is being installed.
Trustees paid tribute to the Varsity Girls Basketball team which recently brought home the New York Sate "Class C" Championship. The team attended last week's meeting. District president Dave Merandy lauded the team, pointing out that despite being moved up from Class D to Class C, the Lady Blue Devils were still dominant. He went on to say that after a defeat last year which proved "a bit humbling" the team came back with "a truly incredible season." Merandy also commended first-year coach Kenny Haskins for his work with the team. "You did a great job, coming into a new area where expectations were very high" he stated. "My hat's off to you all" Merandy said.
Four Haldane seniors have received college athletic scholarships for next year. The four student athletes will take part in a ceremony at the school on April 28 at which they will sign letters of intent to their respective schools. Danielle Etta will attend the University of Hartford where she will play Division I volleyball; Megan Lyons will attend Southern Connecticut State University and will compete in Division II volleyball; Brittany Shields will enroll at Pace University where she will play Division II basketball and, Adam Rohan will attend Iona College where he will play Division II soccer. In announcing the signings, Haldane Athletic Director Susan Reid said that four athletic scholarships "are remarkable for such a small school district."
The Haldane School District will meet next on Tuesday, April 29 at 7pm.
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