2014-15 Budget Spotlight Series #1: The Ripple Effect

Making room for our elementary school students

The Ripple Effect: Instruction A ripple effect occurs when a rock is tossed into a pond of water. Similarly, instructional spaces will increase & improve when administrative & storage spaces are relocated as follows:

• Safer environment when Roosevelt School’s principal office is relocated & administrative office visitors are eliminated from Roosevelt & Park Schools.

• Roosevelt School classrooms can be reconfigured to provide more adequate learning; some student services are provided in a closet.

• Claremont school will gain one (1) classroom to accommodate reduced class size.

• Park School will gain 3 classrooms to accommodate reduced class size and additional Pre-K classes when additional funding from NYS is secured.

The Ripple Effect: Cost Tax Credit: OUFSD tax levy is below the Tax Cap; therefore STAR qualified homeowners will receive a check from NYS in the amount of their school tax increase. Efficiencies/Cuts: Reductions in non-instructional expenses like health insurance offset lease costs; next year’s health insurance budget is $445,000 lower. Cost Effective Solution: • Temporary/portable/re-locatable/mobile/trailer-type

spaces must meet the same NYSED requirements as acquiring a new building or adding space; it could cost around $250/sq.ft. not including interest costs.

• Administrative offices are not eligible for NYS Building Aid; which is roughly 42% of allowable expenses

• Lease expense may go away if District space becomes available in the future; bond payments may continue for the probable useful life of the portable; which can range from 15- 30 years.

• Buyers Real Estate market resulted in a competitive rent with services like snow removal and cleaning included at no additional cost.