WANTAGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE

REPORT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

2012 –2013 DISTRICT BUDGET

March 2012

____________________________________________________ Cynthia Ambrosio Nick Defonte

Chairperson Co-chairperson

BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARGE AND GUIDELINES

The Budget Advisory Committee Charge is as follows: The Wantagh Board of Education welcomes the involvement of members of the Budget Advisory Committee, who are charged with reviewing the proposed 2012 - 13 school budget. As part of their review, it is expected that the BAC will interact and develop a dialogue with District personnel involved in budget development (as needed). Through this interchange, members of the BAC will be able to ask questions and gain insights into the specific needs and goals of the District. The first BAC meeting is to be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, following the regular monthly school board meeting for the purpose of organization and review of its format and charge. New BAC members will receive an orientation session from the Assistant Superintendent for Business on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The Board of Education expects the BAC to complete its review process by March 28, 2012. Revised: 12/2011 The Budget Advisory Committee Guidelines are as follows: 1. An open call will be made for people to join the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). Such a call will take two forms. There shall be an article placed in The Citizen and on the District Website inviting residents to participate on the committee. In addition, the Superintendent of Schools will invite each building planning committee and PTA to designate one member each to participate on the BAC. This member need not be a resident of the District. There shall be no limit to the total number of community volunteers who may serve on the BAC as long as they sign up by the orientation meeting. 2. The first meeting of the BAC shall follow the November school board meeting. 3. The returning co-chairperson should meet with the administrative liaison and a board representative prior to the first committee meeting. The administrative liaison shall then explain the charges to the committee at its first meeting. 4. The committee co-chairpersons shall oversee the formation of a political action committee and alternative revenue committee, in addition to any other sub-committees authorized and as directed by the Board of Education. 5. In order to participate in the BAC budget vote, the vote on recommendations, and the submission of recommendations, a committee member must be a Wantagh resident or taxpayer and have been present at 75% of the combined total regular meetings held up to the time of this vote. In order for attendance at a meeting to be valid, a member must be on time within thirty (30) minutes, and be present for 75% of the meeting. Attendance will be monitored by the co-chairpersons. 6. The co-chairpersons shall be voting members of the committee and shall have one vote each. 7. Eligible voters who are unable to be present for a vote on the final recommendations may submit a written record of their desired vote to the co-chairpersons. The co-chairpersons will cast the vote accordingly. 8. Prior to the conclusion of the BAC business, the committee shall designate, by majority vote, one individual to serve as co-chairperson for the following year. If necessary, the Board of Education will appoint a co-chairperson. 9. Co-chairpersons will serve on a two-year staggered term. 10. Reports of the committee shall reflect the consensus of the committee. Revised 12/2011

BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE ROSTER AND ATTTENDANCE SHEET 2011 – 2012

Name Dec. 14 Jan. 23 Jan. 31 Feb. 6 Feb. 28 Mar. 7 Mar. 15 Cynthia Ambrosio X X X X X X Jim Brown X Maria Brown X X Denise Burke X X Tom Burke X Mike Cain X X Eve Capuano X Chappy Chapman X X X X X X Angelo Cocchiola X X X X X X Beth Corbin X X X X Stephen D’Amato X X X X X X Donna DaSilva X X X X X X Nick Defonte X X X X X X X John DeLisa X X X X Gene Gaffney X X SallyAnn Gaffney X Anthony Greco X X X X X X Elizabeth Greco X X X X X Alan Gustafson X X X X X X Jennifer Gustafson X Zachary Kaplan X X Carol Ann Killian X X Alan Koreff X X X X X X Lynn Linekin X X X X X James Martinez X Kevin McAuliffe X X X X X Diane McCoy X X X X X X X Denise Melnick X X X X X Jackie Nealon X X X X X Jude Netto X X X Scott Nicchia X Bob Nicolai X Nick Paccione X Joe Parent X X X X X X Linda Parent X X X X X X Cathy Powell X Cathy Sokol X X X X X Susan Walpole X X X X Chris Wendt X X X X X X Diane Wenz X X X X X X X

Name Dec. 14 Jan. 23 Jan. 31 Feb. 6 Feb. 28 Mar. 7 Mar. 15 Board of Education Bill Russack X X X 8:45 Bob Leuchtmann X X X X 8:45 Mike Cucci X X X X X Jean Quinn X Michael Soethout X X Administration Dana DiCapua X X X X X X X Maureen Appiarius X X X X X Richard Marsh X X

In total there were 40 people on this year’s BAC roster. Nineteen of those people did not attend the meeting on December 14th. Eight of the forty people did not attend a meeting before January 31st. Of those 8 people; 1 attended 5 meetings, 1 attended 4 meetings, 1 attended 2 meetings, and the other 5 members only attended 1 meeting. Twenty people attended the necessary 5 meetings to attain voting privileges.

The 20 eligible voting BAC members are: Cynthia Ambrosio, Chappy Chapman, Angelo Cocchiola, Stephen D’Amato, Donna DaSilva, Nick Defonte, Anthony Greco, Elizabeth Greco, Alan Gustafson, Alan Koreff, Lynne Linekin, Kevin McAuliffe, Diane McCoy, Denise Melnick, Jackie Nealson, Joe Parent, Linda Parent, Cathy Sokol, Chris Wendt and Diane Wenz.

BAC Meeting - December 14, 2011 Wantagh BAC “Kicked Off” Meeting Auditorium of Wantagh High School Started immediately following the Board of Education meeting Welcome from Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent of Business The BAC “Charge & Guidelines” were distributed to returning and new members. Those in attendance were told that the committee was going to try again to remain paperless, and that any announcements would be made through the district website, and via email distributed by the co-chairs. In addition, the BOE has promised to make sure that all minutes and presentations from BAC meetings are posted on the website in a timely manner. Bob Leuchtmann, who is the vice-president of the Wantagh BOE, will be serving as the liaison between the BOE and the BAC. The BOE is instructing the BAC to focus on cost cutting topics; as a result, the number of sub-committees will be limited. Any suggestions for sub-committees will have to go before the BOE for approval before being formed. In addition, the total number of meeting dates has been reduced, because the presentations will be targeted to budget increases and decreases. Therefore, due to shorter presentations, multiple departments will be presented at each meeting. Finally, the next BAC meeting is scheduled for January 23rd in the High School South Cafeteria at 7 PM and the presenter will be Dana DiCapua. Her presentation will be an Orientation to Budgeting 101. Meeting concluded at 9:30 pm. (Handouts – Budget Advisory Committee Charge & Budget Advisory Committee Guidelines)

BAC Meeting - January 23, 2012 Orientation Meeting North Cafeteria of Wantagh High School Started at 7:00 pm Welcome from Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent of Business PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Dana DiCapua – School District Budget.

11 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website): School District Budget Budget Planning General Fund Expenditure Budget Budget Reports Information Budget Codes Revenue Budget Information Tax Terms External Challenges Challenges Questions & Answers Q – How are school guests chosen to present information regarding the Budget? A - The school board chooses but will take all suggestions. Any areas of interest can be made thru the BAC Chairs and must be done quickly. Q – What areas have been targeted for budget cuts? A – No one specific areas or items targeted. Presently this year, there are no big cuts in state aid expected to affect the Wantagh District. Q – Why won’t we accept the approx $900,000 in school aid which could be applied to a full day Kindergarten program? And can we keep rejecting this money from the state? A – Approx. $650,000 only would be applied to starting a full day Kindergarten program, but it would be a one time revenue to our budget. Thereafter, it would be the full responsibility of the district to continue to fund full day Kindergarten. Orientation meeting concluded at 7:45 pm. BAC Meeting North Cafeteria of Wantagh High School Started at 8:10 pm Welcome from Bob Leuchtmann, Vice-President of Board of Education & Representative Bob Leuchtmann explained function and the charge of BAC. In addition, he explained that with a joint effort between by the board & citizens of the community working together our goal is to find the best solutions to the budget. He then went on to explain that the board of education this year has suggested that the BAC will have a few less sub-committees, as to most of all the districts contracts are in place. Sub-committees that the board would like to see is a Alternative Revenue, Advocatory and Finance Sub-committees.

The BAC will also group together guest speakers and reduce the long of the presentations. In turn, the BAC will have less meetings and more time to review the budgets in progress. In addition, Dana will put together a presentation an effort to explain the tax levy in detail, as this always comes up with the public each year. The goal of the presentation is explain “Why is the tax levy “X” and my tax bill reads “Y”? This topic and presentation will be addressed on either March 7th or 12th, 2012. The BAC Meeting Dates and topics are as following: Curriculum, Guidance & Special Education - Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Technology & Athletics - Monday, February 6, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Facilities & Transportation - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Budget & Revenue - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Budget & Revenue - Monday, March 12, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Vote on Recommendations - Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Report to BOE - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Finally, the next BAC meeting will be in the South Cafeteria of the Wantagh High School starting at 8:00 p.m. Anyone interested in be a chair of the Sub-committees previous mentioned, would like to see a specific sub-committee created or would like to see a specific presenter, should contact the BAC Co-chairs. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm. (Handouts – Budget Advisory Committee Charge, Budget Advisory Committee Guidelines & Budget Advisory Committee List of Frequently Used Acronyms)

BAC Meeting - January 31, 2012 BAC Meeting South Cafeteria of Wantagh High School Started at 8:00 pm Welcome from Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent of Business. She introduced the speakers with tonight’s topics (curriculum, guidance & special education). PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Maureen Appiarius– Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. She spoke of what services; curriculum & instruction priorities would be in this year’s agenda. She explained that there are new standards to be met, that NY state & Federal government has raised the bar in re to these new standards along with local measures. These new initiatives are data driven initiatives. 14 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website): INSTRUCTION PRIORITIES (SEE ABOVE)

DISTRICT ENROLLMENT all schools has decreases, mostly at the elementary level 2012-2013 NEW COURSE OFFERINGS including advertising, advanced language, statistics, environmental science DISTRICT ENROLLMENT ACTUAL PROJECT PROJECTED ELEMENTARY CLASS SIZE PRELIMINARY STAFFING IMPLICATIONS SUPPLIES & MATERIALS CONTRACTED EXPENSES teachers, supervisors, training, professional development CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT common core standards NEW ANNUAL PROFFESIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (APPR) this will judge teachers progress KEY MANDATED RESPONSIBLITIES UNDER APPR this is state approved BOCES DATA WHSE CURRICULUM TEXTBOOK CODE DISTRICT WIDE TESTING this is an unfunded mandate PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Louis Hirshfield – Director of Pupil Personnel 13 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website): PPS & SPECIAL SERVICES PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES PLANS FOR TONIGHT explain PPS, special education BOCES TUITION COSTS SPECIAL ED PROGRAMS IN DISTRICT SCHOOLS PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION FOR SPECIAL ED STAFFING IN DISTRICT PROGRAMS CURRENT VS PROJECTED SPECIAL ED STAFF CURRENT VS PROJECTED PPS (PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES) HEALTH SERVICES OTHER DISTRICTS OTHER PPS CODES (NOT MANDATED), HE COMMENTED NOT VERY LARGE! PPS ACCOMPLISHMENTS & SHORT & LONG TERM GOALS RTI RESPONSETO INTERVENTION) PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Frank Muzio – Director of Guidance 9 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website): GUIDANCE DEPT BUDGET CODES VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CONTRACTUAL EXPENSES/SUPPLIES BOCES INFO SERVICES NAVIANCE PROGRAM, Naviance provides student & pupils an on line tool re college & career search engines, tracks applications & has SAT tutorials MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUPS,UNITS, PROGRAMS HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS EVENING PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS HE STATED THE DEPT PROVIDES INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT STUDENT/COUNSELOR RATIO IS APPR. 250-1

Q & A Q- HOW DOES DISTRICT MAKE SURE THAT RE STATE STANDARDS FOR EVALUATIONS, THAT ALL TEACHERS & ADMINSTRATORS ARE ON THE SAME PAGE AS FAR AS WORKLOAD & OTHER STANDARDS? A-THE SCHOOL WILL TRY TO LOOK AT BIG PICTURE RE STANDARDS, COMMON CORE, NOT NECCESSARLY SAME WORKLOAD AMONGST TEACHERS. THEY WILL EVALUATE WITH STATE PROGRAMS AS GUIDES Q- IN THE FUTURE, DO YOU THINK STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO PICK TEACHERS ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ACHIEVEMENT? A- NOT CLEAR? Q- WHAT IS OUR LEVELOF ACADEMIC INVESTMENT COMPARED TO MAUREEN’S PREVIOUS DISTRICTS EXPERIENCES? A-SHE STATED THAT WANTAGH’S INSTRUTIONAL COMMINTMENT IS THE HIGHEST SHE’S SEEN OFALLTHE SCHOOLS SHE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATE WITH IN THE PASTBUDGETS ARE TIGHT EVERYWHERE & WANTAGH IS WORKING WELL WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS. OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE TURNING TO WANTAGH FOR ADVICE & GUIDANCE Q- IS BUSING INCLUDED IN SPECIAL ED PROGRAMS? A-NO Q-ARE THE # OF SPECIAL ED STUDENTS THE SAME A- YES BUT WE WERE ABLE TO BRING DOWN THE COST BY REVIEWING & CHANGING THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE Q-WHAT IS OHI? A- OTHER HEALTH IMPAIRED Q-WITH APPR, HOW WILL TEACHERS BE EVALUATED FOR EXAMPLE, A 5TH GRADE TEACHER WITH NO SPECIAL ED STUDENTS , RTI AS COMPARED TO TEACHER WITH AID & OTHER SIMILAR SITUATIONS. THE PLAYING FIELD IS DIFFERENT, HOW WILL THEY JUDGE TEACHERS? A-STATE STATISTICS COMPARING LASTS YEARS (4TH GRADE) TO 5TH GRADE SCORES & COMPARING SCORES, ALTHOUGH IT IS A WORK IN PROGRESS AT THIS POINT

Q- TAKING SAME PREMISE AS ABOVE QUESTION, HOW WOULD YOU FACTOR IN KINDERGARTEN & NEW DISTRICT STUDENTS? A-NO CLEAR ANSWER YET FROM STATE Q-THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS IN OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL RE DRINKING, ETC, SOMETIMES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, AFTER SCHOOL HOURS, HOW IS THIS BEING ADDRESSED? A-THE SCHOOL’S ROLE IS TO PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE & ALSO TO HELP IN FORMING AN EXIT STRATEGY FROM THESE SITUATIONS Q- DOES THE GUIDANCE DEPT STEER STUDENTS TO ALTERNATIVES OTHER THAN COLLEGE? VOCATIONAL SCHOOL, THE MILITARY, ETC? A –THIS HAS TO BE A FAMILY DRIVEN DISCUSSION Q- IN LITE OF RTI, CAN WE HAVE A DISTRICT WIDE EXPLANATION OF PROGRAM? IS THERE ANY SUPPORTING DATA TO SEE PROGRESS? ARE PROGRESS REPORTS BEING MADE FOR GRADES 1, 2, 3? A-YES, ONGOING PROCESS BY TEACHERS TO DIAGNOS, COORDINATE FILES FOR INTERVENTIONS. PARENTS NOTIFIED WHATEVER IS LACKING, IN 6 WEEKS, THIS IS REVIEWED.THIS IS NOT DONE FOR SPECIAL ED UNLESS THEY’VE BEEN THOUGH 3 RTI LEVELS FIRST. Q-ANY SUMMARY DATA AS FAR AS % IN RTI & IT’S PROGRESS? A-IS BEING TRACKED & CAN BE OBTAINED THROUGH A UNIVERSAL SCREENING PROGRAM BY JULY 2012 FOR ALL TIERS & APPR Meeting adjourned at 10:15 pm.

BAC Meeting - February 6, 2012 BAC Meeting South Cafeteria of Wantagh High School Started at 8:00 pm Welcome from Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent of Business. She introduced the speakers with tonight’s topics (technology & athletic).

PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Don Murphy– Director of Technology. 13 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website):

BUDGET 2012-2013 490 BOCES EMERGENCY PHONE CODE 200 COMPUTER EQUIPMENT CODE (NON-INSTRUAL) 220 STATE AIDED HARDWARE CODE (INSTRUCTIONAL) 263 COMPUTER CONTRACTUAL CODE 401 COMPUTER REPAIRS CODE (DISTRICTWIDE) 402 COMPUTER EDUCATION CONFERENCE & TRAVEL CODE 450 COMPUTER EDUCATION SUPPLIES CODE (DISTRICTWIDE) 460 STATE AIDED SOFTWARE CODE (DISTRICTWIDE) 490 BOCES COMPUTER SERVICE LAST YEAR: WHERE DO WE GO NEXT? WHAT ARE THE GOALS GOING FORWAR? REWARDS EVIDENT Q&A

COMMENTS: 2014 WILL BE LAST YEAR OF FIRST 5 YEAR PROJECT, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY GO DOWN, & THEN LEVEL OUT NEXT TECHNOLOGIES ON THE HORIZON, CLOUD OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE CALLING WANTAGH ABOUT OUR TECHNOLOGY & TRAINING AS WE HAVE MOVED FORWARD IN THIS REGARD FORM THE RECENT PAST Q& A Q - WILL THE IPAD PILOT PROGRAM BE EXPANDED FROM ONE 5TH GRADE CLASS, TO OTHER SCHOOLS OTHER THAN W ELEMENTARY? A - GRANT SPECIFIC TO W ELEM. BUT GOAL IS TO ADD TO MANDALAY & FOREST LAKE, ONE CLASS AT A TIME Q - HOW WAS THIS FINANCED, WAS THIS A LOAN FROM BOCES? A - YES, APPR. $165 TH /YEAR Q - WHAT WILL BE FUTURE LEVELS OF INVESTMENT? A - TOUGH TO SAY AS THIS WAS A ANONYMOUS DONOR, BUT THE GOAL IS TO KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY, INEQUITIES WILL OCCUR Q - IS PROFFICIENCY DEVELOPMENT INCLUDED?

A - YES Q - WHERE WILL GOOGLE APPS BE APPLIED? A - HIGHSCHOOL LEVEL Q - HOW WAS APPLE PICKED, AS COMPARED TO CHEAPER OPTIONS? A - SPECIFIC GRANT WAS PROVIDED & APPLE IS THE LEADER IN THIS TECHNOLOGY, DON TOOK IN TO ACCT ALL OPTIONS Q - HOW MUCH WAS THE GRANT? A- $25 TH Q - IF MORE IPADS ARE PURCHASED, WHERE WILL FUNDS COME FROM A - SCHOOL BUDGET Q - WHAT IS THE AID RATIO? A - 41% Q - IS REUSE OF IPADS A POSSIBILITY & WHAT ABOUT STUDENTS THAT ADD APPS TO THEM? A - REUSE IS A POSSIBILITY & DON HAS PUT IN RESTRICTIONS ON APPLYING APPS Q - HOW WILL THE PILOT PROGRAM BE ASSESSED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRESS? A - GOOGLE SURVEY, INPUT FROM STUDENTS & PARENTS PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Jennifer Keane – Director of Athletics 10 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website):

DESIRED OUTCOMES POINTS OF PRIDE, MANY AWARDS, ALL COUNTIES, COACHES OF THE YEAR & TEAM AWARDS BUDGET, INCREASE 1.49 %, FOR TRANSPORTATION, BOCES, SUPPLIES & CONTRACTS PHYSICAL ED SUPPLIES INTERSCHOLASTIC COACHES, SALARIES, FUNDS FOR PLAYOFFS & EXTENDED SEASONS GAME SUPERVISION CONTRACTUAL EXPENSES, FACILITY, ENTRANCE FEES, EQUIPMENT REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

ATHLETIC TRAINER INTERSCOLASTIC MATERIALS & SUPPLIES, TEAM SUPPLIES, UNIFORMS BOCES, INTERSCHOLASTIC FEES AHTELTIC TRANSPORTATION

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm (A Handout was supplied by Diane McCoy – Wantagh School District Budget Trends)

BAC Meeting - February 28, 2012 BAC Meeting South Cafeteria of Wantagh High School Started at 8:00 pm Welcome from Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent of Business. She introduced the speaker with tonight’s topics (Facilities & Operations). PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Marty Ambrams – Director of Facilities & Operations. 23 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website):

MISSION STATEMENT WANTAGH SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES STATS IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS (Gym lights, MS Hallway lights, A/C Units & MS Solar panels)

IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS II (LED Lighting Showcases, HS IMC LED’s, Painted MS Gym & Undated all EXIT LED Lights)

IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS III (Changed florescent bulbs, occupancy sensors & outside of building LED wall packs for security)

IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS IV (MS Instructional space construction, HS Room 117, New Server Room & Replaced New Art Room tabletops)

IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS V (New Hand Dryers, New Auto Faucets, New Auto Flushers & Waterless Urinals)

IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS VI (Refurbished Existing School Equipment)

IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS VII (Installed WES New Gas Water Heater, MS Classroom Doors Refinished, New Drop Ceilings & Donated Furniture)

IN-HOUSE DISTRICT SAVINGS VIII (Room 117B, HS Room 204 & Office Furniture)

DUAL FIRE BURNS & ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON COMPUTER EXAMPLES OF OTHER WAYS WE ARE CONTROLLING COSTS

EXAMPLES OF OTHER WAYS WE ARE CONTROLLING COSTS II WHAT EFFECTS FACILITIES BUDGET… WHAT EFFECTS FACILITIES BUDGET… II TWO WEEK GAP OF SCHOOL EVENTS OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS PM WORK ORDERS FACILITIES BUDGET (Amounts & Codes) FACILITIES BUDGET (Amounts & Codes) II FACILITIES BUDGET (Amounts & Codes) III FACILITIES BUDGET (Amounts & Codes) IV LONG TERM PROJECTS Q&A

GOALS Present a safe facility & optimum environment for learning FUNCTIONS Maintenance of facilities, facility inspections for example, fire, lighting, locks, alarms, boilers, etc The district facilities includes 5 buildings, that are cleaned daily, the approximately equivalent of 300+ homes WHAT COST SAVING MEASURES BEING TAKEN Reduced wattage bulbs, some have rebates Reduced fixtures from 2 bulbs to 1 bulbs Buying energy efficient AC Solar panels in the middle school, saved approximately $7000 LED lights in high school & in exit signs Changing fluorescent bulbs from 32 watt to 25 watt LED wall panels In house construction wherever possible, building of instructional space, tables, repairing existing chairs, repairs of dumpsters. Ongoing replacement of hand towels with electric dryers In house water heater installed, saving thousands In house replacement of drop ceilings Donations of furniture, computers The use of dual fire burners in 3 schools allows use of oil or gas, depending on price savings Energy management system for zone control allows efficient use of heating Grants donations web based programs(less paper), rebates from LIPA, and reimbursements from FEMA WHAT AFFECTS BUDGET SED required inspections tests Fire & asbestos inspections Dept of Labor regulations re facility employees Dept of Health inspections of kitchens, fuel tanks NC Police Departments safety hazards OSHA regulations

Insurance inspections of buildings Utilities, unpredictable fuel costs, electrical costs School activities increase costs Building projects up approximately $120th this year (proposed) LONG TERM PROJECTS INCLUDE: Lighting & bulbs (LED) Gas conversions at Mandalay & Forest Lake Upgrades on door locks, asphalt repairs, sidewalk repairs Q& A Q – DID WE SAVE ON THE SOLAR PANELS? A – HARD TO DETERMINE BECAUSE THE MS & HS ARE ON ONE METER Q – WILL ANYMORE SOLAR PANELS BE INSTALLED? A – NO, SINCE THE DISTRICT DIDN’T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS PROJECT OUT OF THE BUDGET Q – WHO DECIDES BUILDING PROJECTS? A – THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS THE FINAL SAY Q – BUDGET TO BUDGET, WHAT IS INCREASED IN THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENT? A – 5.8% WHICH WILL BE APPLIED TO THE MS BLEECHERS AND FLOORS Q – OVERALL IS THE BUDGET MORE OR LESS? AND BY HOW MUCH? A – MORE BY $120,000 Q – CAN WE CUT THE BUDGET MORE? A – WE ARE REVIEWING TO SEE WERE TO CUT – THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS Q – WHAT IS YOUR WISHLIST? A- NEW DOORS, LIGHTS, MS GYM REFURISH (WHICH IS #1 ON MY LIST) Q - WHERE WOULD YOU REDUCE? A – BUILDING PROJECTS Q – IS THERE ANY INCREASES TO TRANSPORTATION? A – NONE

Meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm

BAC Meeting – March 7, 2012 BAC Meeting South Cafeteria of Wantagh High School Started at 8:00 pm Welcome from Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent of Business PowerPoint slideshow was presented by Dana DiCapua – Property Tax Cap. 11 slides were in the presentation. They were (full presentation is on Wantagh School Website):

PROPERTY TAX CAP (CHAPTER 97 OF THE LAWS OF 2011 AGENDA PROPERTY TAX CAP (Chapter 97 of the laws of 2011 which is in effect thru 2017 school year)

IN BRIEF TOTAL LEVY TO SUPPORT PROPOSED BUDGET TAX LEVY LIMIT WANTAGH UFSD TAX CAP CALCULATION DOES THE PUBLIC STILL VOTE ON THE BUDGET? ALL BUDGET DEADLINES/REQUIREMENTS REMAIN IN PLACE COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES Q&A

IN BRIEF NY State has mandated a 2% tax cap, not a 2% tax cap on taxpayer levy Cap is based on an 8 step formula (see attached) The law sets a higher threshold for voter approval if 2 % cap is pierced It requires a simple majority (50%) if under cap, & requires a super majority (60%) if over cap Q& A Q - Does public vote on budget? A - Yes on expenditures, don’t vote on tax levy Q - If budget comes in over cap, what happens next?

A – The public will vote on it two times in order to get the needed super majority (60%) for approval, if it fails after these steps, it goes to a contingency budget Q - If enrollment is down 9.2% since 2007, why are taxes increasing? Why isn’t the budget trending downward? A - Because state aid has not been keeping up & is basically flat lined over this time period, also salaries for teachers are up during this period Q- Why has the public relations line increased approx. $20,000? Couldn’t it be eliminated & put to better use for the arts, or some more meaningful purpose that would directly affect students? A - The board tried to use a less expensive plan, which they felt didn’t produce the desired results. Maureen also stated the importance of PR for the WSD, as it makes our community attractive to prospective homebuyers. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm (Handouts – Wantagh UFSC Tax Cap Calculation & Work-in-progress Budget dated 03/07/2012)

BAC Meeting – March 15, 2012 BAC Meeting IMC of Wantagh High School Started at 8:00 pm Welcome from Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent of Business Excel worksheet was presented by Dana DiCapua – Revenue. Presented was a 1 page Excel worksheet. (A copy will be on Wantagh School Website): IN BRIEF Total State Aid increase .67% Total Other Revenue decrease 13.81% Total Interfuned Revenue remained the same Total Appropriated Fund Bal/Reserves increase 11.33% Real Property Tax 2.12% Total Budget increase 2.01% Q&A

COMMENTS $325,000 was appropriated for capital projects Capital Projects add to the budget are: 2 bathrooms at Wantagh Elementary Gas conversion of boilers (dual use) for Mandalay & Forest Lake Middle school gym floor & bleachers Bathroom in the High School Brick Repairs at the High School In regards to the Revenue: Sources include, foundation aid, BOCES aid increases, MTA tax rescinded (although basically a wash) The appropriated fund balance is the same Q&A Q - Are we getting shortchanged in state aid? A - Money directed to other districts of higher needs (example breakfast programs) & we aren’t getting our fair share Q - How much are we receiving with PILOT program? Also is it rolled into capital fund? A - We receive $35 TH & yes $’s are rolled into capital fund Q - How much is gas conversion project? A - Approximately 50 TH, no rebates available Q - Is there an increase in budget? A - Not really, as it is offset by the $325TH capital transfer Q - Is there a long term planning list? Why was a vice principle hired without publics knowledge or input? A - Vice principle is needed because of new NYS laws. There is no long term planning list as has been speculated Meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm (Handouts – Work-in-progress Budget dated 03/15/2012)

VOTING PACKET AND RESULTS

FOR 2011-2012 WANTAGH BAC

PART 1 INDIVIDUAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BAC

1.) Scour our Balance Sheet for overstated or unnecessary reserves and transfer them to un-appropriated fund balance. YES 12 NO 6 ABSTAIN 1 2.) The unfunded appropriation balances that are transferred from one line in budget to another, be communicated to BAC in a timely manor, so that the BAC would be able to discuss & influence the use of these funds in better ways. YES 15 NO 4 ABSTAIN 0 3.) Recommend that the BAC support Full Day Kindergarten for the Wantagh School District. YES 13 NO 6 ABSTAIN 0 4.) Recommend that the BOE do a feasibility study for the district to adopt Full Day Kindergarten with at least a 4 year cost analysis and prospects for sustainability within the "2%" tax cap. And present this to the district for a public vote. ***REASONING BEHIND RECOMMENDATION: After all shouldn't the people of the district be involved in this decision making process once all of the facts are presented. Perhaps this is something that the district can see value to and worthy of the costs. YES 13 NO 6 ABSTAIN 0 5.) Recommend that the BOE do a feasibility study for the district to adopt the "Princeton Model" for our 3 elementary schools with at least a 4 year cost analysis projection, and present this to the district for a public vote. ***REASONING BEHIND RECOMMENDATION: In these hard economic times, perhaps it's time for Wantagh to think out of the box. Sure there will be issues, most notably transportation, but this could be the chance for Wantagh to become a leader in dealing with declining enrollments and the use of schools. No one wants to see a school closed and this

could be the golden opportunity to help manage enrollment and building facility issues. Again this is something that the whole district has a large stake in, and they should be the ones via a public vote to decide. YES 12 NO 7 ABSTAIN 0 6.) Recommend that Math Lab be put back in 9th grade. It’s a regents year that the kids NEED to pass. If only 5 kids need help then its 5 kids to many. We should be able to have it available to whoever is in need to help them pass and not have parents pay for a tutor when the school should make every effort to help the child first! YES 12 NO 6 ABSTAIN 1 7.) With declining enrollment I don't think its necessary at this time to hire an assistant principle. Dr Sternberg was well aware that he was losing his assistant and made NO attempt to prove he needed her to stay. Please use the money for education (computers, smartboards ect..). YES 11 NO 7 ABSTAIN 1 8.) 1480.400.7 Public Relations Contractual. 90% increase, +$19,000 Do not increase spending for the existing Public Relations firm. Budget Reduction: $19,000 YES 13 NO 5 ABSTAIN 1 9.) 2810.150.8 Guidance Counselors 6.27% increase, +$40,997 Do not increase 0.5 FTE Guidance Counselor. Guidance has been one of the few departments to run lean & mean (efficiently) during the past decade. Despite the bubble at the high school, now is not the time to add to staff. Absorb the workload by having the GC's stay an extra 15 minutes a day when necessary, fewer hours when possible to compensate. This is a common, typical business world approach to balancing workload spikes. Budget Reduction: $40,997 + $10,000 estimated benefits & payroll related costs, or a total savings of $51,000. YES 13 NO 6 ABSTAIN 0

10.) 2820.150.8 Psychologists Salaries Reduce Psychologists 1.0 FTE. We no longer have the ARRA funds to justify an extra body. In November, 2011 the Regents approved amending the regulations to eliminate the requirement for a psychologist to be a CSE member except for evaluations to determine initial eligibility, and, to repeal the requirement that a school psychologist prepare a written report of his/her determination of the need to administer an individual psychological evaluation for a reevaluation of a student with a disability. Budget Reduction: Estimated $95,000 salary + $24,000 benefits & payroll related costs, or total savings of $119,000. YES 13 NO 5 ABSTAIN 1 11.) 2010.156.12 Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum 18.25% Increase, + $25,000 Reduce this increase to a nominal amount, 2%, in line with principal’s increases. Budget Reduction: $21,000 salary plus $5,000 payroll and related costs, for total $26,000 savings. YES 16 NO 3 ABSTAIN 0 12.) 360-degree Programming Needs Assessment &Market Evaluation The Board of Education should conduct an evaluation of parental and student interests concerning the following opportunities: • Arts programming • Foreign language offerings • Full-day Kindergarten and Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program • Advanced Scientific Research Program • Advanced Technology Education Course Offerings • Khan Academy The intent of this study should be rationalization and prioritizing of future spending. YES 11 NO 7 ABSTAIN 1 13.) Future Planning The Board of Education should initiate a formal ongoing future planning activity which involves community resources and input. YES 14 NO 5 ABSTAIN 0

14.) Presentation & Articulation of the Budget Future proposed and adopted budgets should be presented with a change summary, how they align with district priorities/wishlists and justified in the context of comparisons to actual, historical (3-5 year trends) and competitive (neighboring and similar size districts) spending. YES 12 NO 6 ABSTAIN 1 15.) Restore art programs. YES 10 NO 8 ABSTAIN 1

PART 2

FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Tax Levy. The Board of Education should make adjustments to the budget necessary to achieve a tax levy below 2.00%. YES 13 NO 5 ABSTAIN 1 2. Revenue Budget. The Board of Education should increase the Revenue Budget to an amount necessary to fund Full-day Kindergarten, but not to exceed $640,000, or the actual amount of State Aid available for this purpose. The Board should then make the necessary adjustments in the appropriate budget codes to implement full-day kindergarten. This proposal is intended to be revenue- and tax-neutral for the next school year (2012-13). Finally, the Board should examine BOCES enrollment forecasts for Kindergarten, plan for the correct number of Kindergarten sections for the following two years, and project the annual cost of sustainment of full-day kindergarten for that period of time (2013-14 and 2014-15). YES 14 NO 5 ABSTAIN 0

****ALL OF THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY THE BUDGET

ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ARE HEREBY FORWARDED TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE

ADMINISTRATION FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION****

PART 3 MOST CURRENT DRAFT OF 2012-2013 BUDGET

Do you support the most current version of the budget that was discussed on March 20, 2012 by the BOE, Administration and BAC? This budget was not physical presented to the BAC. It was a verbal amount of the bottom line number. This latest version called for a 1.99% Budget to Budget increase, with the understanding that it may be lower based off the recommendation presented to the BOE and Administration (from this report). YES 16 NO 1 ABSTAIN 2

**********

80% OF THE BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE THAT WAS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE, VOTED TO SUPPORT THE BUDGET AS

DISCUSSED WITH THE B.A.C. ON MARCH 20, 2012 20 MEMBERS WERE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE – ONLY 19

MEMBERS VOTED **********

***BAC REQUEST*** The Budget Advisory Committee would like to request a written response to the above recommendations from the Board of

Education and the Administrators.

CONCLUSION

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Dana DiCapua, the Assistant Superintendent for Business, for her tireless efforts and

responsiveness to this committee.

We would also like to thank Mr. Bob Leuchtmann, the BOE liaison to the Budget Advisory Committee, and all of the Administrators and members of the Board of Education who took the time in their busy schedules to

attend and participate in the BAC process.

We believe that the Budget Advisory Committee was successful this year in its participation in the budget review process and looks forward to

reconvening in December of 2012 to face new budget challenges. The goal of the BAC is to help to provide the best educational opportunities

possible for the children of our district along with a strong sense of fiscal responsibility to the Wantagh Community.