Dear RCSD Families & Community Members:
Over the course of the past few months, we have focused on the development of the 2013-2014 school budget. The Board of Education adopted a tentative budget for 2013-2014 school year at their April 10th Board Meeting. The proposed spending plan totals $21,721,200 and represents a decrease of 0.09% from the current year. The 2013-2014 proposed budget carries a 2.4% tax levy increase which is below the state tax levy threshold of 11.30%, meaning it will require a simple majority vote for approval by the voters. The projected tax levy increase of 2.4% would result in a property tax increase next year of approximately $26.73 for a district resident with a home assessed at $100,000 based on the most recent assessment data. In addition to the 2.4% tax levy increase, the District will use $1.5 million in reserve funds to balance the budget.
The proposed budget allows the District to maintain all current PreK-12 programs and current District personnel. The proposed budget also includes the following staffing increases:
- .5 Elementary Physical Education Teacher
- .8 Spanish Teacher
- 1.0 Computer Technician
- 1.4 Special Education Teachers
- 1.0 Curriculum Instruction Coordinator
- The District will also be reinstating Junior Varsity Football for the 2013-2014 school year.
The Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Community Budget Advisory Committee are to be commended for their hard work throughout the budget process. We thank you for your continuous support and look forward to working together to provide a school system of which we can all be proud.
Our students in grades 3-8 have completed their New York State Assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics. This year the ELA and math assessments were based on the new Common Core Standards. As a result, these assessments were more challenging. The students were asked to read more difficult texts, to use evidence to support their arguments, and to perform multiple step math problems.
The state assessments will provide valuable information about our students’ knowledge as it relates to the Common Core Standards. The administration and classroom teachers will analyze the results of the assessments as a means to improve our curriculum and instruction to meet the learning needs of each individual student.
Here is a short video from the State Education Department explaining the Common Core Standards and how state assessments are changing. http://www.engageny.org/resource/video-for-parents-and-families-about-the-common-core-assessments
The remaining few weeks of the school year will be busy for all. Please mark your calendars for all the great events which will be taking place on campus.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Wishes,
Sally Ann Shields
Superintendent of Schools |
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