001Good evening and welcome to Co City School District Board of Education meeting and budget hearing tonight. Um May 7th meeting will be called to order at 6:01 p.m. Uh evacuation procedures. There's two doors here on the side and one that you came in in the front. We would meet out front. Um, can we please just stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please get a roll call. Mr. Daxon, excuse. Mrs. Snder, here. Mrs. Gendrin here, Mrs. Paradis here, Mr. Dros here, and Mrs. Geller. I'm here. At this time, I'll turn it over to Superintendent O'Shea for our budget hearing presentation. Thank you. Good evening and welcome everyone.
002So, we have our annual budget hearing. I know that u many of you heard um some iteration of this before, but we're going to give it a go again. So, I'm going to turn this over to Stacy Mackey. And by the way, we're halfway through the week. We've done three presentations at staff meetings. Two more to go. So, I'm gonna ask Stacy to try to do this without looking at the slides. We're not going to hold you to that. Make sure you get the details. So, the proposed budget is uh 54. I'm going to round it up to 54.9 million. Uh the increase is 1.4 4 million or 2.67%. So that's under uh consumer inflation and consumer price index of nearly 3% 2.95. Um we'll talk about the areas of of growth in the expense
003uh slide, but really the the talking point is the state budget. So our state budget um has not yet been passed. It was due 41. Um we're heavily dependent on state aid. So, we're using our best estimates, trying to be conservative and responsible uh as far as what we're asking of of the PA taxpayers as far as the tax levy goes. So, if you look at the first three uh lines in the revenue summary, state, building, and federal aid, uh more than 60% of our budget uh is derived from these sources. So, we're heavily dependent there. Uh you'll recall that the state's initiative over the last three years was to fully fund foundation aid. And so we've seen a lot of growth in the last three years in our state aid numbers. Of course, we're
004very grateful. And we've invested that into our uh instructional programs. So it was about $8 million over the last three years of which more than 7 million was invested in instructional programming. And we've been able to maintain those uh programs through this budget. uh the property taxes. So, it's a 2% increase. Um it'll be 362,000 a new revenue for us. Um this is well below the allowable levy limit that was uh enacted in in 2010. Uh from a historical perspective, we went back last year uh 1% and the year before 1%. So, uh, since the inception of the tax levy limit, we've always, uh, been either at or below the the calculation. So, what would this mean for a homeowner with a property value assessed at 150,000 on a monthly basis, it's about $5. Uh,
005on an annual basis, it would be about $60. There is uh the basic STAR exemption, which we don't have control over. that is uh being reduced by about $20. So when you factor in star, you're looking at about $7 a month. So it's a fancy latte uh each month. So proposed expenses, of course, our our budget is um it is controlled by our revenue. So the expenses must match the revenues. So the first two line items, instruction and employee benefits. You'll see that's 80% of our budget. So we're a people business. We're in the in the business of educating students. And we need our uh our teachers and our support staff in order to make that happen. So uh 80% of the budget is instruction employee benefits. Um 11% is our operations. So that's uh
006the the building facilities and that includes security. So, uh, you'll recall over the last year and a half, we've made some, uh, improvements into our security programs here and we've introduced the campus safety monitors districtwide. Uh, so so that that that's a factor in that line item. Transportation is 5% of the budget. So, we've seen a lot of growth in transportation. Uh, there's a driver shortage, fuel costs have increased, and just the need has increased. So uh we were are working on a bid. We hope to realize savings through that bid, but that's not a guarantee. And then we have debt service. So you'll recall in the current year we had some debt that had retired. So it's it's low this year, but that's not the norm. The norm is about 2.5 million. Uh so
007uh we're right sizing that you you'll see the year after it'll be about 2.5 million. uh and that's to stabilize our debt payment debt payments in the future and to not impact negatively our tax base. So the three-part budget, this is a required slide today. Uh so this breaks down our budget into three parts. So program is our instructional staff, our materials, our textbooks, um our transportation costs as well as our Boseies program. So that again it's 80% of our budget. Capital costs, that's our maintenance and our custodial staff. It's our debt service payments and it's our utilities and our insurance on our buildings. So that's 11%. Administrative costs 9%. So that's our administrative and our clerical staff, their salary and benefits. It's our costs of legal services, our auditing services, uh centralized uh centralized
008expenses as well as curriculum uh development and PD. So the budget highlights, we are again are maintaining all of our current uh student programs uh and we've been very proactive. We've had American Rescue funding over the last few years. Uh we have been very mindful to move those positions into the budget on a priority basis and we've been able to do that. So we're not making any reductions in any of those. Uh what is new is really health and safety focus. So we have a.5 campus safety monitor at the middle school. We have a stipen for a district-wide uh school safety coordination. So that's um coordination of of each of the buildings based off of need. And then we through facilities we have uh building repairs that's a product of our um I'm going to
009call it a quarterly walkth through that's outside of the capital project that's identifying needs that we can take care of inhouse and be proactive um through the local budget process. We also have the HBAC audit that we talked about. So there's some new requirements as far as uh maximum temperatures that are coming up in September. So we really need a a comprehensive audit to identify where our systems are now and what the priorities are. That's going to be a more long-term uh discussion, but we need the audit in order to kick that discussion off. Uh instructional programs, we have the alternative program uh which was an ask for from both secondary schools. So, we're focusing on grades 8 through 10. Um, and we're looking to partner uh for an off-site location for that information technology.
010We have a 1.0 computer uh technician support. So, we went onetoone with Chromebooks a number of years ago. Um, and then we didn't add any staff in order to support those resources. So, um, that's much needed and that's a multi-year ask. So, we're finally able to um make that resource available for our IT department as well as Chromebooks and and classroom displays. What happens if the budget is defeated? Basically, anything warm and fuzzy and fun will not be allowed in a in a contingency budget. So, it's it's it's twofold. we're not able to collect anything additional uh through the tax levy. So the tax levy would be frozen uh to the value that it is in the current year. And then anything that isn't required by law or isn't a uh statutory requirement um would
011be at at jeopardy. So, we talk about our arts and enrichment programs, our field trips, our professional development, um materials and supplies that aren't completely necessary for safety or the programs, uh building repairs and equipment, conferences, etc. So, we also have a $2 million capital reserve uh proposition on the ballot this year. So, the board will recall that they allowed us to um have a $5 million uh proposition uh and then the voters uh approved that. And we have made improvements three-fold. So, uh the first improvements were a boiler at Harmony Hill and then a partial roof replacement uh here at this location at the middle school. Uh the second phase was 2 million towards the current capital project. So I'm going to round up here. We're using round numbers. So the $20 million project,
012we were only borrowing $18 million. 2 million is funded through the capital reserve. And so this is the last phase and this will uh exhaust the 5 million reserve. Um and this is items that have been identified as we've worked through the capital project. Most of the items are really health and safety related. So, uh, the improvement of the external lighting on the campuses at the high school and Harmony Hill. So, some of the posts have fallen down or they're in disrepair. So, that would be addressed. The auditorium lighting. So, you recall two years ago we had a capital outlay um as part of the local budget that is um capped at $100,000. And when we went to make the improvements, we wanted to focus on lighting. It wasn't nearly enough money. It's over $500,000
013for the lighting. So, we had to improvise. We uh made um we sanded down the stage and we finished the stage. We had new curtains on the stage and then we also had some track lighting for the stage lighting. That's that's as far as we could get with that funding. Uh so, the lights are very old. It's hard to find replacements. So, that's a real health and safety issue. So, we're going to address that through this. That's probably the most important item on here. Uh we have the construction of the storage set for our athletic program. So as you know we have a brand new turf field. It's beautiful. We have a lot of equipment in order to maintain that. We also have new uh track equipment. Um there's some bulky equipment. So this would
014house that equipment and then it would prolong the life of that equipment. Enhancements. Uh the cafeteria courtyard. So at the high school. So the courtyard is adjacent to the cafeteria. It's a gorgeous space. uh we'd make improvements so the students would be able to use it. They'd be able to eat, enjoy outside, uh recess, and then instructional time as well. More of a college campus vibe. And then construction of outdoor walking coolers at our A Lancing and our middle school. So, as you're aware, we've been struggling and trying to improve those spaces. So, we have a lot of coolers that uh are set up along the perimeter. Uh so, a walk-in cooler would open up that space. It would give us um more freedom as far as what what furniture to purpose uh to purchase
015and how we could set that up. It would also be an improvement to the program because they'd have access to fresh produce etc. So they wouldn't be dependent on the truck delivering that multiple times a day. So again, this capital reserve has no tax impact whatsoever. Um so that's great news for our taxpayers. And uh again the project primarily is on health and safety items. Sorry I'm struggling with the paper. Board elections. We have uh four candidates running for three seats. They're going to be threeyear terms. Uh the board candidates are Sarah Burwell, uh Susan Kazy Paradis, Maryann Jendin, and Mikuel Dorsy. Uh so again, there's three items on the ballot. There's the budget vote, the proposition, and then the board elections. And the annual budget vote is Tuesday, May 20th. Uh it takes place
016from noon to 9:00 p.m. And each of our elementary schools host the budget vote. So, uh, Abram Lansing, Harmony Hill, and Ben Sket schools. Any questions? And just so you know, we have been working behind the scenes on the components of that are in the budget. So, for example, we have a draft uh job description for the uh safety officer stipen. We have um plans for alternative programming. Um we'd like to get through the budget and then we'll be ready to share those those with you. But I just wanted to make sure you that we have uh we have some uh some details to our friends. Okay. So some other things comments on the first story or can you write on I just want to say what a huge amount of work this is. We
017know and understand what it takes. This is months and months of preparation. As I've said, we don't typically, you know, have these brief, but there's nothing that we have questions on because we have gone through this um with fine tooth comb. And so, I think the rest of the board and I just want to thank you all for all of your hard work and effort that you put into this. And, you know, hopefully um you know, we have a positive outcome come on the 20th. So, spread the word. So, I have a a a few updates. Um, so, first of all, tonight uh there are contracts on the agenda for the board of elections to use uh buildings. Um, so as you may recall, last year there were some problems with the use of the
018gym at Vansky Grade School. Uh Jacqueline and I met today with election education specialists from the Albany County Board of Elections. Um and we showed them a proposed alternate layout which involves the art music room on that first floor can be easily monitored. Um they're in agreement to use that at least up until the next presidential election. they're concerned about the size of that um for them. Um so that's something we can continue to have talks with in the future, but at least for the next few years, so we'll not be in the gym. Uh they did say that down the road, six, four years from now, um they would work with us um if the request was going to be the gym in terms of providing monetary compensation for other staff so we could
019have a number of staff on board, you know, four or five, whatever it would take, you know, without location. But it was a very productive meeting and um you know, they were apologetic about it, too. So, I thought there is a good So, I just wanted to update you. There is no um they won't be leaving our our rooms this so not until election day. So, so that's that. Thank you very much for following up on that. For those those don't don't recall um you know it was a little bit of an issue particularly at Vansky because uh access to the gym required them to either take an elevator or go through the building to downstairs and then there was not any anybody really in place to monitor them from exploring. Um, and so, you
020know, we brought that up at that time. They had committed to this space. So, uh, we did what we needed to do, but thank you for making sure that our buildings and staff are are in safe care while elections are going on. Thank you. I also wanted to give a follow up on CDTA. Um, so we are hoping we're we're trying to arrange the meeting. It's looking like it'll be next Thursday. um not definite but that that's the the proposed date right now. I did want to let you know and I'll share these with you in the update, but we um requested Katrina Hunt, our district data coordinator, uh CIO, to do a transportation assessment. And um what it is is each each dot is a student and it shows where every student is living
021in each of our building zones, three elementaryaries, middle, and high. And then it's broken down with uh you know, mileage. we can um when we're meeting with CDTA, we can you know use this to to show our heaviest populated areas and has that changed? So, we're discussing just looking at the existing CDTA routes um and seeing if um they could potentially accommodate or something should should be moved. Um but so this is was needed for that meeting. So, I wanted to let you know and um I'll I'll share that I'll share that with you. Um next board meeting uh we'll have some um students uh we'll have students from seal of readiness as part of their plan. Each year they present to the board. It's in May. And we'll also have a proposal from the
022high school for a new club volunteer for the year. As we mentioned, kids are uh you know being asked and looking at the clubs and ways to try to gather more um participation. So that will that will be at our next funding. Thank you. Thank you. Oh upcoming events the candidate. So Monday, May 12th at 6:00 pm. Uh this is being sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Um and students will once again be um reading the questions, drafting and reading the questions after after review. And then uh National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony and spring concert. So a busy week next week followed by the annual school budget vote on May 20th. Ready? Okay. So, we'll move on to our agenda portion of the meeting. Does the board have any items on tonight's agenda
023that they would like to discuss? I would like to request that we pull agenda item 7A for a separate vote. Very good. Um, does the community have any uh discussion of agenda items tonight? I should say thank you. This is the chair for the meeting for being at the meeting today. Okay. Uh so we'll just move on. If I could get a motion to remove item 7A from the consent agenda for a separate vote. I'll make I'll second it. Um Mr. Jackson, excuse the Snider. Yes. Yeah. Yes. Mrs. Dendren, yes. Mrs. Paradise, yes. Mr. Dros, yes. And Mrs. Geller, yes. Can I ask the clerk to read aloud item 7A? It resolves that the board of education appoints the following individuals to the substitute teacher and tutor list. Um, James Alexander, Jennifer Bergins, Amanda McInn,
024Charlotte Rodeo, Troy Snder, Bin Murphy, Emily Bagley, Jean, Eric Ember, Bin Murphy, Noel Santiago, Jessica, Marcel, effective May 8th, 2025. Thank you. Okay. So now, um, I will ask for a motion to, uh, pass item 7A. I'll make the motion. Thank you. I'll second. All right. Mr. Jackson's excused. Mrs. Snider, abstain. Mrs. Gendron, yes. Mrs. Harris, yes. Mr. Gerros, yes. And Mrs. Geller, yes. So the motion has been carried. Now can I get a motion that the board of education adopt the following resolutions of the May 7th agenda 6 A through J and 7 B through F. Second roll call. Mrs. Snider. Yes. Mrs. Gendron. Yes. Mrs. Paradise. Yes. Mr. Dro. Yes. And Mrs. Geller. Yes. Well, we did it, guys. Are there any comments from board of education members on anything else uh that's
025not related to the agenda? I just wanted to comment that um I was not able to attend Pomod this weekend, but I did get to see the pictures and they that they did a great job. Again, as per usual, everybody looked beautiful. The setup was great. So, just kudos to the high school for setting that up. Yes, a lot of work went into that. I did attend. It was wonderful event and very happy that our kiddos could do that. It was a pretty decent turnout, I think, um, too. So, it was a nice day. It was heartbreaking. It was the first one I missed. So, make sure I saw the pictures as soon as they were. You anything else? I just wanted to bring up briefly we had um an email kind of was distributed
026through education circles that the cops brands have just went up again. So, just a reminder that, you know, I don't know if there's any changes, but with our improving our security force and and and trying to make it more organized, maybe there would be something that we wouldn't be able to qualify for. I know those applications have to go through the city, but it does take some time to get the coordination and I know that there's a pretty quick turnaround on those. So, just thought I'd mention that if possible. And I was going to mention the all program update and the bus update, but she already did. So I don't expect it. Okay. Any comments from the audience? Mr. Chair questions. was going to um say exactly what agenda today say. I want to give
027kudos to our high school um to the PTO who's just a fabulous shot of the setup the prominade um but also to the teachers and staff at our high school for the time energy um commitment they have to our students for not just putting on the prom but then adding on to the prom with accommodating and being there and giving such a great back for our students and it's just fabulous. Um my mom and dad came with us this year. It was the first time we didn't have that when I went to the high school and um it just you know walking out was just like this is such a great community event to have the doors be open and everyone able to come and see our students. So again I just want to give
028a shout out to PTO and the teachers and staff. Thank you. Okay. We have Nova policy review. Uh dates of future meetings are May oh or budget vote May 20th. Um again polls open noon to 9th, May 21st here uh in the library at 6 p.m. and June 11th. Um could I get a motion that we enter into executive session at 6:27 p.m. to discuss a student matter? I'll make the motion. Now second, Mrs. Shendron, yes. Mrs. Paradise, yes. Mr. Dro, yes. And Mrs. Keller, yes. We do not expect to return. So, thank you very much. Yeah.