ClarenCe SChool newSVolume 66 • Annual Repor t to the Communit y • May 2018

2018 ANNUAL REPORT to the Community

Transition to middle school life can be challenging for both students and parents in any community. Clarence Middle School has created an orientation program begin-ning in the spring of the fifth grade year, culminating with an exciting experience shortly after the students come together in their sixth grade year. Green Day was developed by teachers Debbie Wehrlin and Christine Hanlon, two science teachers with a vision for incorporating the study of the environment with an opportunity for teachers and students to build strong rela-tionships in the beginning of the year. The CSEF and CMS PTO have provided funding for our Green Day activities.

Green Day is the first time students have a common experience as a graduating class. Clarence Middle School brings together an average of 350 students from four differ-ent buildings in our Clarence community. During the last five years, students have visited Beaver Meadows, Knox Estates, Re-instein Woods Nature Preserve and the Tifft Nature Preserve. Multiple guest speakers have participated, including the Buffalo Zoo and other local environmental experts. Stu-dents and teachers have enjoyed getting to know each other paving the way for a strong start at our middle level.

Celebrating Green Day at Clarence Middle School–Year Five

Students enjoy a day at Beaver Meadows

Just hanging around at Beaver Meadows A bugs life at Knox Estates Students at Reinstein Woods Hornets nest at Beaver Meadows

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A Message from the Board of Education

Michael FuchsPresident

Matthew StockVice-President

Tricia Andrews

James Boglioli

John Fisgus

Dennis Priore

Dawn Snyder

Building a school budget in a time of economic uncertainty is a complex task. Work on the 2018-19 budget began last November. The first public budget study session was held in January. An additional budget study session was held each month until the Board officially adopted the proposed 2018-19 budget on April 16.

There are many difficult choices involved in crafting a budget. The Board of Education keeps two major beliefs in mind during the process, doing what is necessary to protect the core programs of the district and respecting the impact of local property tax increases on the residents of Clarence.

There were two main goals in this year’s budget process. First and foremost, we wanted to maintain existing programs by avoiding any reductions in staff or program. In fact, the Board has searched for ways to restore some of the programs and positions that have been reduced due to budget cuts in the past. The second major goal in the budget development process was to craft a budget that did not exceed the tax levy cap. We believe the tax levy cap represents the fiscally appropriate level of tax increase as calculated by New York State.

The Board believes we met both goals in the 2018-19 budget. The tax levy increase has been established at 3.9%, significantly lower than the actual tax levy cap amount of 4.7%. A portion (1.5%) of the 3.9% tax levy increase is the local share of the recently completed capital project, which was approved by the community in 2014. The estimated tax rate is $14.03 per thousand dollars of assessed value, remaining the second lowest rate in Western New York. In the proposed budget, the tax increase on a home assessed at $200,000 in Clarence is estimated at $72.

The proposed budget will fund all core programs. We were able to balance the budget through an influx of state school aid and the use of fund balance. Our salary cost increase for teachers was mitigated somewhat by offering a retirement incentive that resulted in the retirement of twenty-two teachers.

The Board of Education approved adding additional dollars to the budget to fund school safety initiatives and student mental health supports. The final allocation of those funds will be determined after the report from the Task Force on School Safety in June.

In addition to the budget, a proposition to replace 10 buses that have accumulated high mileage after 10-13 years of use will be on the ballot. We strongly support the proposition for the purchase of replacement buses, which has no impact on the tax levy in 2018-19 and limited impact over the next five years, due to the high state aid reimbursement.

As part of our budget presentations, we projected estimated spending and tax levy increases for five years beyond 2018-19. Given some conservative assumptions, the District is committed to budget at the tax cap level in those years.

Please review the details of the budget presented in this newsletter. There are charts and graphs that visually represent a summary of the major budget areas. The budget vote will be held on May 15, 2018 at the Clarence High School gymnasium. Polls are open from 7 am to 9 pm.

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Proposition #1 - Proposed Budget

• Salaries and benefits comprise about 75% of school spending.

• Retirement system contributions are based on a percentage of the total payroll and the rates are set by the systems.

RESOLVED that the 2018-19 School District budget for the Clarence Central School District, in the total amount of $83,142,930 be adopted.

• Self-Funded Health Insurance Initiative

• Bring special education students back into programs housed in district

• NYSIR—cooperative for school insurance

• PERMA—collaborative for workers compensation

• SMEC—cooperative for energy purchasing

• BOCES bidding cooperative for purchasing fuel, materials and supplies

2018-19 Budget At a GlanceTotal Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83.1 million

Budget $ Increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.9 million

Budget % Increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6%

Tax Levy Increase (Below NYS Levy Limit). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.9%*

Estimated Tax Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.03

Tax Increase on 200K Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72

Student Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,306* A portion (1.5%) of the Tax Levy increase includes the local share of the recently completed capital project, approved by the community in 2014.

The 2018-19 Proposed Budget needs a simple majority approval of voters to pass.

QUESTIONS?Please contact

Dr. Geoffrey Hicks, Superintendent of Schools,

at 407-9102 or email ghicks@clarenceschools.org.

You can also visit the budget section of our website at:

www.clarenceschools.org Follow this path:

Home > District Info > Budget Process 2018-19

Expenditures

Components 2017-18 2018-19 Change

Instruction $59,786,460 $61,709,610 $1,923,150

Capital $14,416,200 $15,176,340 $760,140

Administration $6,006,580 $6,256,980 $250,400

Total $80,209,240 $83,142,930 $2,933,690

Congratulations to CHS sophomore Alexis Kirk, two-time State Champion in Air Rifle. Alexis competed at the United States Military Academy at West Point on March 3, finishing in first place in the kneeling position (99-7c/100) and in first place aggregate with a score of 293-20C/300. She also finished in second place in the state in 30-shot standing competition with a score of 289-16c/300.

Expenditures

Cost Savings Measures

Mrs. Aery’s second graders at Ledgeview share persuasive writing pieces with friends, part of their Lucy Calkins writing units of study program.

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Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1454

Faculty Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

2017 AP ProgramAP Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

AP Candidates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543

AP Exams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 956

Grade 3 or Higher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74%

2017 SAT ResultsEvidence Based Reading

and Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 599

State Average.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528

Math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600

State Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 523

2017 Graduation ClassGraduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382

Regents Advanced with Honors. . . . 151

Regents Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Regents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Local Diploma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Career & Tech Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Seal of Biliteracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Honor Roll All 4 Yrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Community Service with Distinction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Attending Four-Year Colleges . . . . . .74%

Attending Two-Year Colleges . . . . . .17%

Military Enlistments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Project Lead the Way Certificates . . . .45

Nat. Honor Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Nat. Merit Semi Finalists . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Nat. Merrit Commended Students . . .12

Finance Academy (NAF) . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Proposed Budget/Instructional ComponentThe instructional component includes accounts for instruction and educational support services for the district’s 4,306 students. Transportation (for 5,300 students), instructional computers, supplies, textbooks, special education services, and salaries and benefits for employees assigned to this category are reported here.

Instructional ExpensesAccount 2017-2018 2018-2019 Change

Regular Education $29,851,150 $30,909,870 $1,058,720

Special Programs $10,391,660 $10,624,580 $232,920

Transportation $3,968,130 $4,101,240 $133,110

Benefits $15,575,520 $16,073,920 $498,400

Total $59,786,460 $61,709,610 $1,923,150

Proposed Budget/Administrative ComponentThe administrative component of the budget provides for overall general support and management activities including the Board of Education, the superintendent’s office, curriculum and staff development, personnel and business departments, and supervision and support in each of the six schools. Also included are expenses for legal services, liability and property insurance, and salaries and benefits for the administrative staff.

Administrative ExpensesAccount 2017-2018 2018-2019 Change

District Office $1,934,910 $2,045,510 $110,600

Curriculum & Supervision $2,062,620 $2,107,440 $44,820

Liability & Property Ins. $809,700 $842,900 $33,200

Benefits $1,199,350 $1,261,130 $61,780

Total $6,006,580 6,256,980 $250,400

Proposed Budget/Capital ComponentThe capital component of the budget includes maintenance and upkeep of the district’s facilities and property including electricity, gas, water, sewer and telephone services. It also includes principal and interest payments on capital projects and salaries and benefits for maintenance and custodial staff.

Capital ExpensesAccount 2017-2018 2018-2019 Change

Operations & Maintenance $5,128,690 $5,205,310 $76,620

Debt Service $7,702,480 $8,356,720 $654,240

Benefits $1,585,030 $1,614,310 $29,280

Total $14,416,200 $15,176,340 $760,140

Clarence High School Class of 2017

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 7 AM - 9 PM

CHS Gymnasium • 9625 Main Street

BUDGET

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• Federal and state aid for 2018-19 is allocated based on school poverty, meaning Clarence gets a smaller share than other districts.

• The property tax cap limits the annual increase in the tax levies of local governments and school districts.

• The average tax levy for the past ten years is 1.9%

• The average spending increase for the past ten years is 2.1%.

School officials provided multiple opportunities for public involvement during this budget process.

All budget meetings were open to the public:

• January 29• February 12• February 26• March 12• March 26• April 16

Time was set aside for public comment on the budget at all regular monthly meetings.

All budget information is available on the website (www.clarenceschools.org)

Estimated Revenue for 2018-19School districts are funded through State Aid, property tax and other revenue sources including sales tax and fund balance.

Estimated RevenueSource 2017-18 2018-19

Property Tax Levy $46,074,075 $47,870,000

PILOTS $725,000 $788,000

NYS, Federal, BOCES Aid $25,604,165 $26,388,485

Other Revenues $6,106,000 $6,396,445

Appropriated Fund Balance $1,700,000 $1,700,000

Total $80,209,240 $83,142,930

History of Fiscal ConservatismThe chart below shows the last nine years of budget data for Clarence.

Budget Year Spending Increase

Tax Levy Increase

Tax Cap Use of Fund Balance

2008-09 4.3% -3.3% No Cap $4.0 million

2009-10 1.8% 0% No Cap $5.0 million

2010-11 2.8% 1.1% No Cap $5.0 million

2011-12 -2.1% 2.8% No Cap $5.0 million

2012-13 2.5% 2.2% At Cap $5.0 million

2013-14 -2.3% 3.6% At Cap $1.5 million

2014-15 2.5% 3.2% At Cap* $1.9 million

2015-16 3.8% 3.8% Below Cap* $1.9 million

2016-17 3.6% 2.7% Below Cap* $1.2 million

2017-18 2.6% 1.7% At Cap* $1.4 million

2018-19 3.6% 3.9% Below Cap* $1.7 million

10 YR. AVERAGES 2.1% 1.9% *increase rebated

Clarence By the NumbersMetric Rank/Rating

Cost-Effectiveness 2nd best out of 432 upstate districts

Administrative Efficiency 2nd best out of 432 upstate districts

Per Pupil Spending 3rd lowest in NYS & 2nd lowest in WNY

College Readiness 3rd highest out of 432 upstate districts

Full Value Tax Rate 2nd lowest in WNY

Academic Ranking 3rd highest in WNY

Revenue Facts

Budget Development

Alexis Goris, a kindergarten student in Mrs. Selig’s class at Sheridan Hill Elementary, with her poem, Signs of Spring.

Students from Mrs. Hogan’s second grade math class at Harris Hill Elementary—hands-on learning about place value.

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Proposition #2 - Purchase of School BusesThe Board of Education is asking for authorization to purchase 10 school buses for an amount not to exceed $935,000.

The proposed bus purchase proposition is part of an ongoing school bus program instituted in 1988 that recommends annual replacement of approximately 10% of the District’s fleet. Regular replacement of school buses provides safer, more efficient transportation of students, reduces maintenance costs, and yields higher resale value for used vehicles.

The District will borrow funds for the bus purchases using a 5-year bond anticipation note with a borrowing rate of approximately 1%. The NYS reimbursement rate is approximately 70%, which is distributed over the life of the loan.

Well-trained drivers and an award-winning bus maintenance program form the cornerstones of the Clarence Schools Transportation Department. Clarence school buses log about one million miles per year while transporting over 5,300 students to the six Clarence schools and a number of private and parochial schools.

There is no tax impact for the bus purchases on the 2018-19 budget. The impact over the life of the five-year loan is approximately $5 per year on the average household.

Candidates ForumPTO School Board Candidates’ Forum

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 • 7 PMCHS Lecture Hall

2003-04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.85

2004-05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.60

2005-06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.80

2006-07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.84

2007-08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.81

2008-09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.73

2009-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.73

2010-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.16

2011-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.13

2012-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.26

2013-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.61

2014-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.80

2015-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.37

2016-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.53

2017-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.49

2018-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.03*

*Estimated

• Clarence has the second lowest tax rate among Erie County school districts.

• It is likely that the tax rate will be lower than projected if the total assessed value of the Town increases.

• The projected tax rate for 2018-19 is lower than it was in 2003-04.

Board of Education CandidatesJosh Bowers

n Tax Levy Limit for Clarence as Calculated by NYS: 4.7%

n Actual Tax Levy for Clarence in 2018-19 Budget: 3.9%

n Estimated Tax Rate: $14.03 per thousand of assessed value

Tax Impact

Average Tax Rate/$1,000 AV

Congratulations to the CHS Mock Trial Team, Erie County champions in 2018 and for the last six out of seven years. The team won the Region1competition in Rochester on April 21 and will compete in the state finals in Albany May 13-15. continued on page 7

Great schools are safe schools. I am an analyst for a Federal Law Enforcement organization where I am responsible for a $35M a year security operation that includes

multiple buildings, personnel and assets. School safety must be the board’s top priority, so students and teachers can focus on learning and educating.

I was appointed to the School Security Task Force after the Parkland, Florida shooting in February and I have seen firsthand we have fallen behind on protecting our schools. My opponents sit on an $83M a year budget and have ignored this issue for years. Their weakness is my strength and making our schools the safest in WNY will be my top priority.

I am a 1996 Clarence High School graduate, where I was male athlete of the year my senior year. I married my high school sweetheart Tara (CHS Class of 1995)

My wife, Julie and I moved to Clarence 19 years ago to start our family. We chose Clarence due to the strong sense of community and outstanding school

and together we have six kids in Clarence schools (#6 will be in Kindergarten at Clarence Center this fall). My kids are active in orchestra, band, musicals and sports.

I earned Master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Texas-Arlington. I hold Adjunct Professor appointments in the Master of Public Administration programs at SUNY Brockport and Hilbert College. I ask for your vote on May 15 to continue to have great Clarence schools and to make them safe!

Michael Fuchs

system. Over this time, we have been blessed with the exceptional education provided to our daughters and the opportunities afforded them from living in such an amazing community.

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My goal in seeking a third term on the board is to ensure we preserve the long-term excellence of our school system, which benefits everyone in the community. As a member of the Board I will continue to push for the restoration of programs, lower class sizes and enhanced offerings for our students.

I believe that through thoughtful planning and collaboration we can position ourselves to achieve these objectives in a cost-effective manner. At a time when we are faced with numerous changes in education policy, increasing mandates and reduced local control, it is critical that we have trustees that can deal with the realities of today while advocating for positive changes for our schools.

I currently am employed by O-AT-KA Milk Products and serve as their CFO. As a member of the Board I will leverage my background in strategic planning and financial oversight to promote these changes.

I greatly value your past support and would be humbled to serve this community for another term.

Dennis Priore

overall administrative efficiency, Third in: highest academic ranking, highest college readiness, lowest spending per pupil spending in WNY, in overall cost effectiveness, and in administrative efficiency. Clarence is also fifth in overall cost-effectiveness out of 431 upstate school districts.

When I first ran in 2015 I promised to work on six areas. 1. To eliminate unfunded State mandates. 2. To fight to eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), 3. Examine testing at all grade levels. 4. Work with the district to establish long-range budget planning to avoid financial upswings and the uncertainties from year-to-year. 5. Implement creative ways to be more efficient, resulting in savings to avoid cutting programs and allow the restoration of others. 6. To work together, with all constituents to maintain and grow one of the best school systems not only in Western New York but New York State. I feel I have helped to accomplish those and will continue to work in those and other areas.As a retired teacher and school administrator I have the time and expertise to study our issues and offer suggestions. My wife Karen and I are the proud parents of two Clarence graduates who received a world class education with a healthy dose of sport and extra-curricular activities. I understand the balance we must maintain between a good school system and our community’s ability to pay for it.

In addition to the school board I also serve on the Clarence Youth Board, the Clarence Community Center Task Force, Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight, and at many other school, church and community activities. There still is a great deal of work to be done, and I would be honored to have your vote on Tuesday, May 15th, 2018, “Because Great Schools Matter!”

It has been a pleasure to represent you as a member of the Clarence Central Board of Education over the past three years. I am running again because I want to continue to be

a part of one of the finest school districts not only in Western New York but in the state. Allow me to cite some examples (all from Business First): In 96 WNY school districts Clarence is first in: Science and Athletic program, Second in: Math, teacher experience, lowest full value tax rate, and

Rachel E. SilvaEight years ago, my husband and I made Clarence our home, drawn to its reputation for quality education. Now, with two daughters as current/future students

of Clarence schools, I am interested in helping to continue this high standard.

I was educated in a variety of public school systems utilizing diverse curricula in several communities across the United States. Growing up in a family of educators, education was always a priority throughout my upbringing.

I attended Indiana University and earned a bachelor’s degree in both Biology and Spanish. I believe my unique educational experiences will be helpful in representing the Clarence community and our students. I have a strong desire to see all students succeed, as they are the future of our society.

My career in consulting requires me to problem solve, actively listen, communicate effectively, and collaborate with diverse audiences. Managing large-budget, multi-faceted projects affords me a valuable skillset for responsible allocation of district financials. I will engage these abilities, and draw upon my insight as a parent, while serving the Board.

I strive to bring a unique and useful perspective to the Board to help achieve our common goal of a quality education for our children. It would be my honor to serve the students, staff, faculty, and families of Clarence as a member of the Board of Education.

Board of Education Candidates continued from page 6

CHS Student Council Sleepout–2018On February 2, nearly 100 students, faculty, and staff spent the night in the CHS parking lot to raise money and awareness for some of our less fortunate neighbors. This was our 28th annual sleepout, with the first twenty-seven raising a combined $484,325. Since 2000, we have reached at least $20,000 in donations each year. We are now closing the books on this year’s event. Through the support and generosity of our community and the hard work of many people, we are proud to announce that the final total for the 2018 sleepout is $23,722.81, bringing our twenty-eight-year total to $508,048!

FIRST CLASS PRESORTUS POSTAGE

P A I DPermit #862BUFFALO, NY

Clarence Central School District9625 Main StreetClarence, NY 14031716.407.9100www.ClarenceSchools.org

Annual Report to the CommunityMay 2018 • Volume 66

SuperintendentGeoffrey M. Hicks, Ed.D.716.407.9102

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Annual School Budget Vote & Board Election

QUESTIONS?Please contact Dr. Geoffrey Hicks,

Superintendent of Schools, at 407-9102 or e-mail: ghicks@clarenceschools.org

if you have any questions about the information contained in this report.

Voter Verification SystemVoting inspectors will confirm a voter’s eligibility by checking Erie County voter registration records. If you are eligible to vote in a school election but are not a registered voter, you may sign an affidavit attesting to your eligibility to vote.

Absentee BallotsEligible voters who cannot get to the polls on the day of the vote due to illness or travel outside the county may use an absentee ballot. Applications for absentee ballots are available online or may be picked up at the District Office, 9625 Main Street, during normal business hours. Call 407-9013 for more information.

Directions to Polling PlaceEnter the High School back parking lot from Gunnville Road near the tennis courts. Proceed to the far end of the lot and park in the designated area near the football field. Attendants will direct you to the appropriate building entrance. School officials caution that traffic may be particularly heavy from 3:30 PM when high school students are dismissed up to 8 PM. A shuttle bus will be available from the Clarence Town Library.

Public Hearing on 2018-19 Proposed School Budget7 PM Monday, May 7, 2018Clarence High School Lecture Hall9625 Main Street

Date, Time, and Location of Public VoteTuesday, May 15, 20187 AM - 9 PMClarence High School Gymnasium9625 Main Street

Voter EligibilityTo be eligible to vote, you must be:

n at least 18 years of age;

n a United States citizen;

n a resident of the District for at least 30 days immediately prior to the vote.

On the Ballot n Proposition 1 - Proposed 2018-19 School Budget

n Proposition 2 - Bus Purchase Proposition

n Election of Two (2) School Board Members