IROQUOIS NEWSLETTER

BOX 32 Elma, New York

14059

May 2020

DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET VOTE June 9, 2020

Per the Governor’s Executive Order 202.26,

the Annual School District Vote and Election

shall be completed through Absentee Ballot

Each registered voter in the Iroquois district will receive, in the mail, an absentee ballot with a postage-paid return envelope.

If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot by May 26, please email District Clerk Cindy Sadowski at csadowski@iroquoiscsd.org

or by calling 652-3000 ext. 1001.

Budget Hearing and Board of Education Meeting

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 6:30 PM

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with Executive Order 202.26, please be advised that members of the public will not be

permitted to attend the Budget Hearing in person. The meeting can be viewed via live stream at www.iroquoiscsd.org. If you

have a question while viewing the hearing, email csadowski@iroquoiscsd.org. Your question will be read and answered before the end of the meeting.

In addition, the meeting will be recorded and posted to the District website.

Volume 53 Issue 2

Iroquois Newsletter Page 2

Iroquois Central School District 2020-2021

Budget/Board of Education Election

June 9, 2020 By Absentee Ballot Only

PROPOSITION NO. 1

ENTIRE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM BUDGET 2020-2021 Shall the following resolution be adopted to wit: Resolved, that the budget for the Iroquois Central School District, Erie County (the “District”) for the

fiscal year commencing July 1, 2020, as presented by the Board of Education, is hereby approved and adopted, in an amount not to exceed $52,583,668 and the required funds therefore are hereby appropriated and the nec-essary real property taxes required shall be raised by a tax on the taxable property in said District to be levied and collected as required by law.

PROPOSITION NO. 2

PURCHASE OF PUPIL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES

Shall the following resolution be adopted to wit:

Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Iroquois Central School District (the “District”) is hereby authorized to undertake the acquisition of four gasoline fuel 63-passenger buses (at a maximum estimated cost of $123,870 each), and one cutaway bus (at a maximum estimated cost of $62,609) for use in the transportation

program of the District, and having an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $558,089, less trade-in value, if any; and that such aggregate sum (or so much thereof as may be necessary) shall be raised by the levy of a tax to be collected in annual installments, with such tax to be partially offset by state transportation aid available

and received therefore; and, in anticipation of such tax, debt obligations of the District shall be issued in an amount not to exceed $558,089, or the District may enter into a lease/purchase or installment purchase con-tract up to such stated amount (and having a term of not more than five years), if the Board of Education deter-mines that it is in the best interest of the District to finance the purchases using that method.

PROPOSITION NO. 3

TECHNOLOGY RESERVE

Shall the following resolution be adopted to wit:

Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Iroquois Central School District, Erie County, is hereby

authorized, to expend $91,392 and accumulated interest from the Capital Reserve Fund of the District known as the “Technology Reserve Fund” (as established by the District’s voters at the District vote held on May 19, 2005) for the purpose of purchasing computer hardware, computer software and computer connectivity equip-ment.

Iroquois Newsletter Page 3 Where the Money Goes

EXPENDITURES 2019-20 2020-21 %

Change % of

Budget

Instruction Includes: K-12 instructional programs, supervision, BOCES, special education, occupational education, community education, interscholastic athletics, co-curricular programs, library programs and computer instruction. $27,965,199 $28,295,178 1.18% 53.81%

Employee Benefits

Includes: Teachers' & Employee Retirement Systems, health insurance, unemployment insurance, Social Security and Workers' Compensation. $12,878,691 $13,273,077 3.06% 25.24%

General Support Includes: Insurance, school board, refunds on property tax, utilities, BOCES administrative fees, central offices, buildings and grounds. $ 5,852,573 $ 5,950,487 1.67% 11.32%

Transportation Includes: Transportation to public and non-public schools, vocational schools, educational music trips & children with handicapping conditions. $ 2,649,516 $ 2,560,562 - 3.36% 4.87%

Debt/Interfund Transfer Includes: Principal and interest payments for renovation projects/additions approved by voters. (off-set by Revenue Building Aid) $ 2,864,065 $ 2,504,364 12.56% 4.76%

TOTAL $52,210,044 $52,583,668 0.72% 100.00%

$28,295,178 Instructional 53.81% of Budget

$2,504,364 Debt/Interfund Transfer 4.76% of Budget

$2,560,562 Transportation 4.87% of Budget

$5,950,487 General Support 11.32% of Budget

$13,273,077 Employee Benefits 25.24% of Budget

-

Capital Outlay Project — The 2020-21 Budget includes a Capital Outlay Project for $100,000. This project will address window replacement and masonry work at Marilla Primary. The work is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2021.

Iroquois Newsletter Page 4

Iroquois Central School District Projected Revenues

2019-20 2020-21 $ Change % Change

State Formula Aid $ 13,856,688 $ 13,811,518 $ (45,170) -0.33%

State Building Aid $ 2,328,793 $ 2,009,363 $ (319,430) -13.72%

Medicaid $ 110,000 $ 110,000 - 0.00%

Appropriated Fund Balance $ 1,773,612 $ 1,773,612 - 0.00%

Erie County Sales Tax $ 2,556,197 $ 2,632,882 $ 76,686 3.00%

Use of Reserves $ 555,000 $ 520,091 $ (34,909) -6.29%

Other Sources $ 582,125 $ 645,353 $ 63,228 10.86%

Tax Levy $ 30,447,629 $ 31,080,849 $ 633,219 2.08%

Totals $ 52,210,044 $ 52,583,668 $ 373,624 0.72%

Tax Levy

Iroquois Tax Levy History

Year Levy %

2000-01 3.26

2001-02 4.89

2002-03 5.07

2003-04 7.95

2004-05 8.80

2005-06 8.78

2006-07 5.99

2007-08 8.03

2008-09 5.93

2009-10 4.97

2010-11 3.98

2011-12 4.98

2012-13 3.42

2013-14 2.24

2014-15 3.14

2015-16 3.41

2016-17 0.81

2017-18 2.58

2018-19 2.89

2019-20 2.77

2020-21 2.08

Understanding Your School Taxes

Three Factors That Affect Your Tax Rate 1. The Tax Levy from the school district.

From the budget approved by district voters; Set by district voters at the May budget vote.

2. The Equalization Rate set by New York State.

New York State balancing property values in the different Townships; The lower the equalization rate, the higher the full value and the higher your tax rate; Fixed in August by New York State Property Tax Division.

3. The Total Assessed Value of the District set by the Tax Assessors of the towns.

Home values and new construction; The more improvements to the entire community, the higher the assessed value and the lower the tax rate; Set by Town Assessors in June; Individual households value changes from improvements and similar house sales.

Iroquois Newsletter Page 5

Spring is always a welcome season in Western New York. The longer days and better weather serve to lift our spirits. This year, March brought us something different. No one could have ever imagined the dramatic changes that were about to happen due to COVID-19. Our routines and ritu-als were replaced with a new set of rules. On March 17, it was announced that all school buildings in Western New York would close and students would be instructed through distance learning. This was then extended through May and most recently for the remainder of the year. Families, teachers and staff worked diligently to put their emergency plans into place and the Iroquois community banded to-gether, as they have in the past, to face this “new normal.” All were up for the challenge. Teachers dis-seminated work to their students in a variety of ways. Their goal was to provide consistency and consolation in the days and weeks they were about to face. While it is true that no one could have pre-dicted that education would be completed virtually, the teachers and students have, in fact, been prepar-ing for years. The 2019-20 school year saw the cul-mination of a four-year plan that began in December 2015. That was the first year of the 1:1 computer initiative with the then fifth grade students. Since that time, hundreds of hours have been dedicated to acquiring hardware, software and honing skills in curriculum, instruction and technology. Profession-al development has not been limited to simply learn-ing how to use the device. Much of the training fo-cused on technology integration that deepens in-

struction. As school build-ings closed, families and faculty commu-nicated using multiple meth-ods. Phone calls,

email and soft-ware programs

“Change is the end result of all true learning.”

-Leo Buscaglia

such as Teams, Zoom, Class Dojo, etc., were crucial to extending the classroom into the home. Using

Microsoft Teams, the technology department set up accounts for both students and faculty allowing them to receive assistance via text, or video conferences.

Their videos and other guidance helped parents, students and teachers connect. When teachers were recently surveyed regard-

ing their new mission, several commented on how thankful they were to parents for their help and patience while this transition occurred. They praised

their students for their diligence and willingness to meet with them and complete their work. When asked what has been the most difficult

part of the remote learning, the resounding response was: “It’s so hard not being able to see my students, to greet them, to hug them, to laugh with them, to lis-

ten to their stories…I miss them so much!” Motivational speaker Sam Cawthorn once

said, “Crisis moments create opportunity. Problems and crises ignite our greatest creativity and thought leadership as it forces us to focus on things outside

the norm.” Teamwork, flexibility and dedication from the entire community allow for its success as it breeds resiliency, tenacity and goodwill.

by MaryJo Dudek, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent

Iroquois Newsletter Page 6

Considerations for Budget Preparation

Completely and unwaveringly committed to serving the interests of our students. Committed to exercising care and good judgment in managing the resources with which we are entrusted.

Committed to conducting business in an open, objective, and professional manner. Future-focused planning and committed to constant improvement.

2020-2021 Proposed Budget

$52,583,668

Budget-to-Budget Increase 0.72%

Projected Tax Levy Increase

2.08% Increase Over Current Levy

Total Levy of $31,080,849

2.08% Tax Levy All current academic, athletic and extracurricular programs remain intact.

If Budget is Defeated Determine….

A) Reduce athletic expenditures by eliminating modified and low participating junior varsity and varsity sports along with reduction of extra-curricular clubs by 50%

OR B) Return to voters with the same proposed budget.

0.00% Tax Levy (adopted with two (2)

failed budgets)

100% Reduction of Athletic and Extracurricular Clubs High School Reductions: AP Offerings, Electives, Increased Class Size, Computer Labs, Art Classes, Business/Tech Classes & Dept. Chairs. Middle School Impact: Class Sizes Increase to Maximum of 27, Reduction of Computer Lab & Technology Classes. Primary Levels: Increased Class Size to maximum of 27, Elimination of Instrumental Band and Chorus. Community: All non-school organizations would be required, by law, to pay for the use of school building facilities.

*Estimates do not include Star subsidies. *The estimates are based on 2019-20 equalization rates; actual equalization rates for 2020-2021 are not available. *Individual assessments may vary.

County Town

Property Market Value

Equalized Assessed

Property Value

Actual 2019-20

Tax Rate (Per $1,000)

Estimated 2019-20

Tax Rate (Per

$1,000)

Dollar Tax

Increase

Estimated %

Increase

Erie Aurora $200,000 $ 65,000 $ 46.88 $ 47.85 $63.37 2.08%

Erie Elma $200,000 $ 8,200 $372.68 $380.44 $63.56 2.08%

Erie Lancaster $200,000 $154,000 $ 20.21 $ 20.63 $64.74 2.08%

Erie Marilla $200,000 $ 76,000 $ 40.27 $ 41.10 $63.65 2.08%

Erie Wales $200,000 $ 80,000 $ 38.18 $ 38.98 $63.53 2.08%

Wyoming Bennington $200,000 $ 82,000 $ 40.32 $ 41.09 $63.23 1.91%

Estimated School Tax Bill* Based on $200,000 Property PLEASE NOTE PLEASE NOTE

Iroquois Newsletter Page 7

School District Budget Notice

Overall Budget Proposal Budget Adopted for the 2019-20

School Year

Budget Proposed for the 2020-21

School Year

Contingency Budget for the 2020-21 School

Year *

Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions $ 52,210,044 $ 52,583,668 $ 51,954,949

Increase/Decrease for the 2020-21 School Year

$ 373,624 $ (255,095)

Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget 0.72 % -0.49 %

Change in the Consumer Price Index 1.81%

A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount $ 30,447,629 $ 31,080,849

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

E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D) $ 30,447,629 $ 31,080,849 $ 30,447,629

F. Total Permissible Exclusions $ 52,484 $ 14,861

G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions $ 30,395,145 $ 31,065,988

H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to Support Library Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E – B – F + D) $ 30,395,145 $ 31,065,988

I. Difference: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval – See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions) ** $ 0 $ 0

Administrative Component $ 5,305,667 $ 5,377,688 $ 5,322,258

Program Component $ 39,547,614 $ 40,209,723 $ 39,914,580

Capital Component $ 7,356,763 $ 6,996,257 $ 6,718,111

* The contingent budget represents expenses that are related directly to student instruction and required support activities. The contingent budget excludes non-contingent equipment and program expansion. It would also include cutbacks as follows: a percentage of extracurricular clubs, a percentage of athletics, and the Capital Outlay Project.

Description Amount Proposition #2: Purchase of transportation vehicles $ 538,587

Proposition #3: Use of Technology Reserve $ 91,392

On May 1, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.26, which schedules the annual vote and election to take place remotely on June 9, 2020. As a result, qualified voters shall only be permitted to vote using an absentee ballot.

See page 12 for further information.

Under the Budget Proposed for the 2020-21 School Year

Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings $ 465.53

Iroquois Newsletter Page 8

Questions & Answers Q: With the change in enrollment, has the District reduced staff?

A: Yes, annually the District reviews the staff/enrollment ratio to adjust for changes in enrollment. In the last ten years, the district has reduced general education staff by 15% and administration by 5%.

Q: Did the Iroquois School District remain within the tax cap limit?

A: Yes, Iroquois has remained within the tax cap every year since its inception and is doing so again for the 2020-2021 school budget.

Q: Does the state tax cap guarantee a 2% change

in my taxes?

A: No. The tax cap has exemptions that are used within a formula to develop the true percentage. Q: Does the increase in the tax levy actually equal

the increase on my school tax bill?

A: No. There are additional factors, such as equali-zation rate and assessment, that cause the

individualization of each resident’s tax bill.

Message from the Superintendent

This year, the annual school budget vote will take place on June 9th. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor has signed an Executive Order completely rewriting the format of the vote. All voting will be done through absentee ballots which will be sent to every household within the district. Eligible voters must com-plete the statement of eligibility, fill in the ballot and return this information to the district in the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided. Please keep an eye out for all of this information that will be mailed to you. On June 2, at 6:30 PM, the annual budget hearing will be broadcast live on the district website, www.iroquoiscsd.org. The 2020-2021 total school year expenditures will again be less than the inflation rate as stated by the consumer price index. In fact, the total budget from last year is increasing by less than 1.0%. At Iroquois we are able to accomplish this minimal impact while still maintaining the programs and services for the students.

The commitment the community has made to the 21st century learning at Iroquois is proving to be vital to the virtual learning taking place now. A major part of the success is due to the dedication of students

and teachers. Together, they are using a variety of communication tools. This instruction with “real-world” technology is preparing our students to be productive members in the world economy. The implementation of technology, student instruction and staff development over the years have all blended together allowing

Iroquois to emerge as a leader during these unprecedented times. This distinction would not have happened without the entire support of the Iroquois community. Please contact me at 652-3000 ext. 1001 or dscofield@iroquoiscsd.org if you have questions about the

2020-2021 proposed budget.

Douglas R. Scofield

Artist: Megan B. Grade 8

Iroquois Newsletter Page 9

Questions & Answers cont. Q: Has the District implemented any new practice to make budget information more available to

community members?

A: Yes. The District has implemented an email service that allows any resident to sign up and receive emails directly from the school that has budget information, newsletters and mailings. The link to sign up is on the website, www.iroquoiscsd.org, under Site Shortcuts.

Q: What methods does the Iroquois Board of Education use to hear public opinion?

A: The Board of Education uses multiple methods to hear the public as a whole. There is time devoted at every meeting and work session to listen to the public directly, board members’ emails are posted on the website and a community roundtable takes place every year.

Q: Will the Technology Reserve Fund expenditure increase my taxes?

A: No, the funds currently in the technology reserve are from previous years and need voter approval to expend. These expenditures are to support Wi-Fi devices that are required for instruction to prepare students for employment.

Q: How are reserves funded?

A. After all expenditures are complete, the remaining balance is used to fund reserves. Q: How does the District plan to protect the taxpayers’ investment of the facilities within the 2020-2021 budget?

A: The District will replace end-of-life windows and repair masonry at Marilla Primary through the $100,000 Capital Outlay Project.

Q: What happens if the June 9th budget vote is not supported?

A: If the budget is not supported on June 9th, the Board of Education will decide, based on the number of votes, to either:

• Reduce athletic and extracurricular club expenditures, decrease course offerings and increase class size; or,

• Return to the voters with the same proposed budget and corresponding tax levy.

Q: What does it mean if the budget is defeated and we are required to adopt a contingent budget?

A. A contingent budget would cause elementary class sizes, in a majority of the classes, to increase up to approximately 27 students per class. There would be a reduction of elective courses, including art and music, as well as advanced placement courses. It would also be necessary to eliminate some modified, junior varsity and varsity sport teams, as well as some extracurricular clubs. Equipment purchases would be eliminated. In addition, all non-school organizations would be required, by law, to pay for the use of school building facilities. Q: Is the total dollar amount stated in the Bus Purchase proposition the actual amount expended?

A. No, by law we must state the maximum cost, but we always trade in buses which reduces the final cost of the buses purchased.

Iroquois Newsletter Page 10

It is important for all residents, whether or not you have children attending school, to receive essential information in a timely manner. To achieve this goal, we are pleased to announce the implementation of the Iroquois School District email notification system.

To sign up for the email notifications visit www.iroquoiscsd.org and click on “District Email Notifications” under site shortcuts.

Registration to receive emails from individual buildings, athletics, music and art are also available at the links below:

Elma Primary - https://www.iroquoiscsd.org/Page/8633 Marilla Primary - https://www.iroquoiscsd.org/Page/8635 Wales Primary - https://www.iroquoiscsd.org/Page/8636 Intermediate/Middle School - https://www.iroquoiscsd.org/Page/8637 High School - https://www.iroquoiscsd.org/Page/8638 Athletics - https://www.iroquoiscsd.org/Page/8641 Music & Art - https://www.iroquoiscsd.org/Page/8640

HAVE YOU REGISTERED?

Pictured above: Wales Primary physical education teachers visited some of their students to engage in window workouts.

Pictured above: Marilla Primary fourth grade students and families took time to create homemade cards for the nursing

home residents at GreenFields who are unable to accept visitors at this time.

Pictured at left: This past winter, Bright Minds Club Advisor Ms. Pici, taught club members about oil spills such as the famous BP Oil Spill. They were then challenged to construct a device that would contain an oil spill in one hour. Students were only allowed to use three materials to create their device and modeled devices

such as booms, skimmers, and dispersants.

Iroquois Newsletter Page 11

I will teach you in a room. I will teach you now on Zoom. I will teach you in your house. I will teach you with a mouse. I will teach you here and there. I will teach you because I care. I will teach you to do your very best. And do not worry about the rest.

-Author unknown

Iroquois Newsletter Page 12

IROQUOIS NEWSLETTER U.S.P.S. 270-040

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Jane Sullivan, President

Gunnar Haberl Michele Hovey David Lowrey

Charles F. Specht Sharon Szeglowski

Louise Toth

Douglas R. Scofield Superintendent of Schools

Cindy Sadowski District Clerk

Iroquois Central School District Box 32 Elma, NY 14059-0032

Non-Profit US Postage-paid at East Aurora, NY 14052 Permit #33

Postal Patron ECRWSS

This is your official School District Newsletter

Notice Regarding Iroquois Central School District

Annual Meeting and Election

On May 1, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.26, which impacts the annual meet-ing and election for school districts. The Executive Order reschedules the annual meeting and elec-tion to take place remotely on June 9, 2020. As a result, registered voters shall only be permitted to vote using an absentee ballot. Below, please find additional information required by Executive Order 202.26:

Date of Election: June 9, 2020.

Date of Budget Hearing: June 2, 2020. The budget hearing will be held remotely at 6:30 PM and broadcast live on the district website at www.iroquoiscsd.org.

Definition of a Qualified Voter: A qualified voter is a person who is: (1) a citizen of the United States; (2) eighteen years of age or older; (3) a resident of the school district for at least 30 days prior to the meeting (i.e. since at least May 10, 2020); and (4) not otherwise prohibited from voting pursuant to Election Law § 5-106.

Absentee Ballots: Absentee ballots, along with a postage-paid return envelope, will be mailed to

each registered voter. Please note that absentee ballots will not be counted unless they are received in the District Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 9, 2020. If you are a qualified voter (defined above) and do not receive an absentee ballot, please contact Cindy Sadowski, District Clerk, by email at csadowski@iroquoiscsd.org or by phone at (716) 652-3000 ext. 1001 to request one.

SPECIAL BUDGET ISSUE

ANNUAL VOTE - JUNE 9, 2020

BY ABSENTEE BALLOT ONLY