From the Heart • Budget Issue 2018
Budget Issue Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County
Budget Vote
May 15
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Westlake High School Gymnasium 825 Westlake Drive Thornwood
School Board Elections Five candidates are running for three open seats on the school board.
Sara Beaty Michael Griffin Michael Horan Thomas McCabe Colleen Scaglione Neglia
Voter Registration Evening Wednesday, May 9 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Westlake High School lobby
See the district website for full information on voting eligibility
The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter Volume 17, Issue 4
Working Together for Strong Schools At its April meeting, the Board of Education adopted the 2018-19 proposed budget that again maintains the District’s commitment to stay under the property tax cap while supporting students and an excellent K-12 academic program. The 2018-19 proposed budget, as each budget presented to the Board and community since 2009, supports the programs and services that our children require to be successful and competitive in post secondary education and in careers in the larger global economy. As a district, and with the support of parents and our community, the Mount Pleasant Central School District continues to achieve excellence and fulfills our mission: “Educating each student today for endless possibilities tomorrow!” Budget Priorities As a school district, we appreciate the input from the community throughout the budget process. Once again this year, a Citizens Budget Advisory Committee was formed and met to discuss budget priorities and acted as ambassadors between the district and community. The CBAC report to the board of education is posted on the district’s website and I encourage you to review it. The 2018/19 budget priorities include: class size, sustaining rigorous academic programs, such as the International Baccalaureate at Westlake Middle and High Schools, a continued investment in facilities, technology, safety and security. Current instructional practices and providing opportunities for professional growth linked to the new New York Standards in Science and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) also are included in the budget. Services to support learners with disabilities continue to be implemented as the continuum of special education services provides the appropriate services within the least restrictive environment for students.
By the Numbers 2018-19 Budget...........$61,940,871 2017-18 Budget............$58,950,394 Budget-to-Budget......... $2,990,477 Tax Levy Increase...................4.68% Est. Tax Rate Increase............4.29% * * Tax rate will be set by the town in August 2018
Capital improvements During this past year, the district continued the work of the infrastructure bond that was passed in 2016. The original boiler and building-wide heating system as well as the roofing of Columbus Elementary were replaced. Masonry work and a new cupola are in place at Hawthorne Elementary and new roofs were completed at Westlake Middle School and the Westlake Auditorium. Ongoing work at Westlake will be happening over the next year, and this summer major site renovation to parking and drop off/pick up areas will occur at the Columbus Elementary School location. Funds also have been allocated to continue to address the facilities plan. As is the case every year, the upkeep and daily maintenance of all facilities is included in our budgets. The budget vote this year will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. In order to participate, you need to be a registered voter. I encourage you to take part in this process and look forward to seeing you at the polls. Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Guiney Superintendent of Schools
From the Heart • Budget Issue 2018
School Board Candidates
Sara Beaty Hawthorne
Michael Horan Hawthorne
Family: Married to Jordan Smith; two children (HES and Pre-K)
Family: Married to Anne Griffin; three children (WMS and HES)
Family: Married to Gina Horan; three children (WMS, CES, and HES)
Occupation: Principal Court Attorney for Supreme and County Court Judge. Previously, served as counsel for the Yonkers Board of Education
Occupation: Credit & Risk Manager for an international chemical trading company
Occupation: Lieutenant, FDNY; Owner/ Operations Manager, Broadway City Style Dance Studio
Involvement: NY State Bar Association; various local bar associations; Citizens Budget Advisory Committee Why I am running: I have previously served as counsel to the Yonkers BOE and feel my knowledge and experience would serve the Board and our community well. I want to establish an open and transparent relationship between the Board, the administration/staff, and the community. Top Challenges of the District: Searching for a Superintendent; A growing and changing community; Balancing budget concerns with the continuing need to improve educational programs and infrastructure
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Michael Griffin Thornwood
The following candidates are running for three open seats on the Board of Education. The three-year terms begin July 1, 2018.
Involvement: AYSO Division Coordinator and coach; FC Mount Pleasant United coach; Westlake Athletic Club member Why I am running: I feel that we have a great education program and staff along with a community that wants it to remain that way. I want Mount Pleasant to continue to provide the best possible education to our kids all while being fiscally responsible in the process. Top Challenges of the District: Communication; State mandates; Maintaining/ improving a high level of education
Involvement: WMS PTA Secretary; Sherman Park Little League coach; Westlake Wildcat 3/4 Football coach Why I am running: I would like to help the district continue to provide excellence in education that all of our children deserve while remaining fiscally responsible to all residents of our community. I am ready to tackle the challenges that face the district over the next few years. Top Challenges of the District: Remaining fiscally responsible by staying within the tax cap; New home construction; Social issues & pressures facing our children today
Thomas McCabe Hawthorne Family: Married to Marykate McCabe; five children (WHS alums, WHS and CES ) Occupation: Regional Sales Director Involvement: MPCSD School Board trustee since July 2012 (Currently President); Co-Chair of MPCSD Strategic Plan Why I am running: I am running for the School Board to continue to help guide the policies and strategies that result in continuous improvement of our district for our students, staff, and community. Top Challenges of the District: Ensuring a smooth transition of the Superintendent role; Ensuring continued support for key student programs in a tax cap environment; Accommodating additional students that will come from the potential addition of nearly 100 new houses being built in our district
Colleen Scaglione Neglia Thornwood Family: Married to Eric Neglia; 3 children (WHS and WMS) Occupation: Currently stay at home mom. Previously worked for 18 years as an Assistant Vice President in the Corporate Controller’s Group for an S&P 500 company. Involvement: MPCSD School Board trustee since July 2015 (Currently Vice-President); Board liaison to the MPEF; Audit Committee member; Policy Committee member; Former Co-President of the Westlake Middle School PTA Why I am running: I am running for re-election to continue the great work our district is doing to provide a quality education for all students while being fiscally responsible. Top Challenges of the District: Managing population growth; Living in a tax cap environment; K-5 enrichment programs
Responses have been edited for space. For complete candidate responses and additional budget information, visit mtplcsd.org
2017-18 Budget
$58,950,394
2018-19 Adopted Budget Budget Increase
$61,940,871
Est. Tax Rate Increase*
Est. Total Tax Rate per $1,000
Est. $ Increase per mo. / year**
4.29%
$1,285.53
$52.89 / $634.68
5.07%
* Actual tax rate is set by the town in August 2018. ** Based on average assessment of $8,300.
RevenueSources
ExpenditureSummary
2017-18 Budget
2018-19 Budget
51,406,990
53,810,996
4.68%
General Support
State Aid
6,069,404
6,455,875
6.37%
Instruction
Other Revenue Sources
1,224,000
1,124,000
-8.17%
Property Tax Levy
Appropriated Fund Balance Total Revenue
250,000 58,950,394
% Change
550,000 120.00% 61,940,871
5.07%
Revenue Explained: Property Tax Levy is the portion of the budget funded by local taxpayers. The tax cap limits the levy increase to 4.68%. State Aid: Increase in state aid was primarily in the categories of foundation aid, building aid and BOCES aid. Other Revenue: Primarily composed of sales tax and out-of-district tuition charges, the latter continues to decline due to fewer children being placed into MPCSD by other school districts. Appropriated Fund Balance: Fund balance will be used to help stay within the tax cap. $50k of this is from the retirement reserve to cover increases in Employee Retirement System expenses.
Q&AYou asked …
Q: Does this budget stay within the tax cap? A: YES. The proposed budget is within the tax cap. Q: How does the proposed budget support programs for students? A: The 2018-2019 budget maintains investments in strategic priorities including class size, rigorous academic programs, the International Baccalaureate (IB), social emotional learning, athletics and co-curricular activities, facilities, technology, safety and security. Q: What is debt service and why is it increasing next year? A: Similar to principal and interest payments made for a traditional home mortgage, the district is responsible for debt service payments for municipal bonds issued for both capital improvements and tax refunds. The 2018-2019 budget includes the first significant payment of principal and interest for bonds approved by the voters in 2016.
2017-18 Budget
Transportation Benefits Debt Service/Transfers TOTAL BUDGET
2018-19 Budget
% Change
5,878,052
5,867,547
-0.18%
33,367,278
34,000,707
1.90%
2,623,248
2,970,392
13.23%
12,815,018
13,268,199
3.54%
4,266,798
5,834,026
36.73%
58,950,394
61,940,871
5.07%
From the Heart • Budget Issue 2018
Budget Overview
Expenditures Explained: The increases in the General Support are offset by facilities reductions. Increases to Instruction category are primarily driven by contractual salary increases. Transportation service has increased due to more out-of-district transportation requirements and contractual increases for transportation provider. Benefits: Increase is due to an increase in the cost of contractual health insurance and other employee benefits as well as retirement system costs. Debt Service reflects an increase of $1.5 million to cover borrowing costs for the 2016 capital bond project.
Success in the Mount Pleasant Schools • • • • • • •
Thriving Science Research program Annual STEAM Symposium National Merit Finalist AP Scholars with honor and distinction Acceptances from highly competitive top-tier colleges Over $18 million in scholarships/grants to Class of 2017 International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at WMS APPROVED and AUTHORIZED as an IB World School!
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From the Heart • Budget Issue 2018
Voting Information For information on voting and absentee ballot applications, please see the Community Information page in the District Calendar or visit mtplcsd.org under the “Board of Education” tab. For any questions on voting, please call the District Clerk at 773-7884.
Mount Pleasant Central School District
Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid White Plains, NY Permit No. 9415
West Lake Drive, Thornwood, NY 10594 Board of Education Thomas McCabe, President Colleen Scaglione Neglia, Vice President Vincent Graci Maria Jost Laura Michalec Olszewski John Piazza Chris Pinchiaroli
* * * ECRWSS * * * Postal Customer Thornwood, NY 10594
Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney Contact Information Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Website: mtplcsd.org
2018-19 Mount Pleasant Central School District Budget Notice Overall Budget Proposal
Budget Adopted for the 2017-18 School Year
Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions
Contingency Budget for the 2018-19 School Year *
Budget Proposed for the 2018-19 School Year
$58,950,394
$61,940,871
$59,536,865
$2,990,477
$586,471
Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget
5.07%
0.99%
Change in the Consumer Price Index
2.13%
Increase/Decrease for the 2018-19 School Year
A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount, Net of Reserve
$51,406,990
$53,810,996
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
$51,406,990
$53,810,996
E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D) F. Total Permissible Exclusions
$2,876,157
$4,241,302
G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions
$48,530,839
$49,569,695
H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to support Library Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E - B - F + D)
$48,530,833
$49,569,695
$6
$0
I. Difference: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval — See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions)** Administrative Component Program Component Capital Component
4.68%
$6,739,714
$6,884,541
$6,530,491
$44,223,758
$45,555,172
$44,458,839
$7,986,922
$9,501,158
$8,547,535
* Should the proposed budget be defeated, the Board of Education may adopt a contingency budget pursuant to Section 2023 of the Education Law. The contingency budget would eliminate $2,404,006 from the proposed budget in the areas of general support, regular education, regular education and special education administration, equipment, contractual and BOCES services, athletics, and co-curricular activities. Under the Budget Proposed for the 2018-19 School Year Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings
1
4
$1,577
The annual budget vote for the fiscal year 2018-2019 by the qualified voters of the Mount Pleasant Central school district, Westchester County, New York, will be held at Westlake High School in said district on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.
From the Heart • Budget Issue 2018
Voting Information For information on voting and absentee ballot applications, please see the Community Information page in the District Calendar or visit mtplcsd.org under the “Board of Education” tab. For any questions on voting, please call the District Clerk at 773-7884.
Mount Pleasant Central School District
Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid White Plains, NY Permit No. 9415
West Lake Drive, Thornwood, NY 10594 Board of Education Thomas McCabe, President Colleen Scaglione Neglia, Vice President Vincent Graci Maria Jost Laura Michalec Olszewski John Piazza Chris Pinchiaroli
* * * ECRWSS * * * Postal Customer Hawthorne, NY 10532
Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney Contact Information Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Website: mtplcsd.org
2018-19 Mount Pleasant Central School District Budget Notice Overall Budget Proposal
Budget Adopted for the 2017-18 School Year
Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions
Contingency Budget for the 2018-19 School Year *
Budget Proposed for the 2018-19 School Year
$58,950,394
$61,940,871
$59,536,865
$2,990,477
$586,471
Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget
5.07%
0.99%
Change in the Consumer Price Index
2.13%
Increase/Decrease for the 2018-19 School Year
A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount, Net of Reserve
$51,406,990
$53,810,996
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
$51,406,990
$53,810,996
E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D) F. Total Permissible Exclusions
$2,876,157
$4,241,302
G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions
$48,530,839
$49,569,695
H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to support Library Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E - B - F + D)
$48,530,833
$49,569,695
$6
$0
I. Difference: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval — See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions)** Administrative Component Program Component Capital Component
4.68%
$6,739,714
$6,884,541
$6,530,491
$44,223,758
$45,555,172
$44,458,839
$7,986,922
$9,501,158
$8,547,535
* Should the proposed budget be defeated, the Board of Education may adopt a contingency budget pursuant to Section 2023 of the Education Law. The contingency budget would eliminate $2,404,006 from the proposed budget in the areas of general support, regular education, regular education and special education administration, equipment, contractual and BOCES services, athletics, and co-curricular activities. Under the Budget Proposed for the 2018-19 School Year Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings
1
4
$1,577
The annual budget vote for the fiscal year 2018-2019 by the qualified voters of the Mount Pleasant Central school district, Westchester County, New York, will be held at Westlake High School in said district on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.