Ten questions on the proposed 2008-09 RCS budget

The polls are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school.

The $41,898,477 budget would increase spending by 2.17 percent.

The amount to be raised by taxes to support the budget would increase by 2.64 percent – the lowest increase in the past five years. The resulting projected increase in the tax rate per $1,000 assessed value in RCS' four towns range from 1.91 percent increase in Bethlehem and New Scotland to a 2.31 percent increase in New Baltimore. Coeymans residents are projected to realize a 2.17 percent increase.

The $41.9 million budget provides funding for Project Lead the Way to be expanded into 7^th grade. The program focuses on the students solving real world problems using a combination of science, technology, engineering and math.

“Our country is falling behind the rest of the world in the field of engineering.  Project Lead the Way is designed to grab the interest of students and steer them into engineering fields,” said Teacher Andrew Pappas.

Additionally, the budget provides funding for new computers, additional technology opportunities for our special education students and an increase in the number of students allowed to attend Tech Valley High School. Also, the budget would provide for more text books, the continuance of field trips, a new reading program and other initiatives.

“A sound education program for our students so that they are prepared for the demands of the workforce in the 21^st century,” said Superintendent Vicki Wright. “The district provides a solid, well-rounded program that meets the needs of today’s world and our residents.”

Additionally, the budget continues to ensure community access to the district’s multitude of athletic and other facilities, including the continuing education program and Aquatics Center; improves technology offerings through the purchase of new computers to replace antiquated ones, new technology to help our special education students learn and communicate, as well as :

• New textbooks for RCS reading programs in Kindergarten through the second grade

• New textbooks to meet state mandates in the high school

• Continued training for faculty and staff

• The launching of a summer reading program to combat skills reductions in RCS’ elementary students.

The proposed budget is $322,125 LESS than allowed by the state under a contingency budget. As a result, the tax levy could increase under a contingency budget. At the same time, contingency regulations would require the district to remove equipment purchases from the budget and charge user fees for groups and individuals who use the school’s fields and facilities.   

Fuel, contractual requirements and more are major factors in the proposed budget. Some examples:

• $309,750 increase in fuel costs.

• Health insurance costs are up $111,210 – up to $3.37 million next year.

Energy conservation initiative has saved $670,000 over the past two years, streamlined staffing, reduced administration over the past five years.

Additionally, the budget is being reduced by $300,000 in savings in private school tuition costs for special education students we are increasingly serving in-house, as well as $300,000 in debt payments on a teacher retirement system incentive – started in 2003 –that has been paid off.

The budget was crafted during months of work by the Board of Education, administration and Budget Advisory Committee, which consisted of residents, faculty and staff.

Administrators began work in October and the board and B.A.C. began its work in January.

The BAC – which was created through an open process that sought volunteer membership from throughout the community – met several times, soliciting input from department heads and others.

It made their presentation to the Board of Education during the last week of March and the board accepted its recommendations, incorporating them in the final budget proposal that was adopted on April 21.

A multitude of information on the budget is available on the district website at www.rcscsd.org.

You can also call the district’s Business Office at 756-5200, ext. 6000 or Communications Coordinator Mike McCagg at 756-5200, ext.6017.