Residents to Vote on Sodus CSD Budget on

June 9th by Absentee Ballot Only Dear Sodus Central School District Resident: We want to begin by thanking you for all the ways you support Sodus CSD children. The past few months have challenged all of us in so many ways, but this community always finds a way to come together and care for each other. You continually support our students by attending after-school events, sharing your time and expertise as guests or volunteers in our classrooms, and helping and encouraging them when they need it most. We are so thankful to live in a community that is so giving and caring. This is just one of many characteristics that make Sodus a special place to live. This is the time of year that we ask you to give thoughtful consideration of our 2020-2021 school district budget. We are very proud of the budget we are putting before you. As a result of our work, we were able to develop a budget that preserves the programs and activities that Sodus children deserve. In addition, this budget ensures that students are educated in appropriately sized classes and will address priorities designed to strengthen our curriculum and instruction program. 2020-2021 Budget Highlights:

Maintains exceptional student-to-teacher ratios Supports our personalized learning implementation plan Provides exceptional professional development opportunities for staff (personalized learning,

distance learning, instructional best practices, etc.) Provides refinement of curriculums across grade levels and content areas Provides enhanced educational services to UPK students Supports the continuation of a full time School Resource Officer (SRO) The overall 2020-2021 budget is $28,066,842. With a proposed 1.0 % tax levy increase, we are excited about the balance of educational and fiscal responsibility represented in this budget. This budget brochure is designed to provide you with detailed information pertaining to our 2020-2021 budget. We encourage you to read this brochure, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Nelson Kise, Superintendent of Schools or Steve Moore, Business Admin-istrator. We encourage you to vote via absentee ballot. All ballots must be received by the district clerk by 5:00 p.m. on June 9, 2020. Thank you again for your ongoing support of the children of Sodus.

Laura Steffler-Alampi Nelson Kise Board President Superintendent of Schools

Q&A On Budget Processes ............. Pg. 2 Proposed School Budget Summaries ............ Pg. 3 Section One—Administrative ..... Pg. 4 Section Two— Program ............... Pg. 6 Section Three— Capital ................... Pg. 7 Property Tax Report Card .......... Pg. 8 STAR Information ........... Pg. 9 Proposition Information ......... Pg. 10 Board Candidate Information ......... Pg. 11 Voter Qualifications & Absentee Ballot Information ......... Pg. 12

Sodus Central School District 2020-2021 Budget Newsletter

www.soduscsd.org

VOTING WILL BE HELD BY ABSENTEE BALLOT ONLY BALLOTS ACCEPTED UNTIL 5 P.M. ON JUNE 9, 2020

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Budget Referendum Information If the proposed budget is defeated on June 9th, the School Board has three options permitted by State law. The Board can move immediately to adopt a contingent budget, it can submit the same budget to the voters a second time, or it can present a revised budget to voters. If the budget is defeated on a re-vote, the Board must then adopt a contingent budget. New York State mandates that a spending cap equal to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in-crease be applied in a contingency budget. The CPI increase for the 2020-21 budget is 1.5% If a contingency budget is adopted, additional reductions would be required. Items reduced in a contingent budget include equipment purchases, community use of buildings and grounds, and salary increases for specific confidential employees. STAR Update New York’s Tax Relief (STAR) program continues for homeowners in 2020-21, with an in-crease that remains capped at 2% by the NYS Legislature. Through the STAR program, property owners are eligible to apply for a partial property tax exemption from school taxes. Due to the low tax increase in this proposed budget, the new legislation will have no impact on Sodus taxpayers in 2020-21. The Basic STAR exemption is available to property owners on their primary residence. Re-gardless of the property owner’s age, Basic STAR typically exempts $30,000 of the full as-sessed value of a property from school taxes. Legislation adopted in 2011 eliminates the STAR exemption for residents who earn $500,000 or more per year. Savings are subject to a 2% limit on STAR savings increases. For senior citizens 65 years of age and older, and who meet NYS income qualifications, en-hanced STAR typically exempts $65,500 of the full assessed value of a primary residence. Residents apply for STAR through an application filed with the town assessor’s office by March 1 to receive the exemption. Savings are subject to a 2% limit on STAR savings in-creases. Questions About the Budget If you have questions about the proposed 2020-21 budget, contact Superintendent, Nelson Kise by email (NKise@soduscsd.org) or by phone at 483-5201, or contact Business Adminis-trator, Steven K. Moore by email (SMoore2@soduscsd.org) or by phone at 483-5283.

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S o d u s C e n t r a l S c h o o l D i s t r i c t

P R O P O S E D S C H O O L B U D G E T 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1

SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS

% OF % OF APPROVED TOTAL PROPOSED TOTAL EXPENDITURES 2019-2020 BUDGET 2020-2021 BUDGET ADMINISTRATIVE $3,547,231 12.64% $3,519,066 12.54% PROGRAM $20,575,362 73.33% $20,536,636 73.17% CAPITAL $3,934,744 14.03% $4,011,140 14.29% TOTAL $28,057,337 100.00% $28,066,842 100.00%

SUMMARY OF REVENUES LOCAL SOURCES PROPERTY TAX $8,970,608 31.97% $9,060,314 32.28% SALES TAX $380,000 1.36% $390,000 1.39% INTEREST AND EARNINGS $10,000 0.04% $10,000 0.04% BOCES REFUND $40,000 0.14% $75,000 0.27% OTHER (TUITION, ADMISSIONS, PROGRAM FEES, ETC.) $368,000 1.31% $385,000 1.37% FUND BALANCE TO REDUCE TAXES $485,000 1.73% $485,000 1.73% INTERFUND REVENUE/RESERVES* $498,555 1.78% $368,218 1.31% SUB TOTAL $10,752,163 38.33% $10,773,532 38.39% *Reserves to be potentially used in the 2020-21 budget: Reserve for Employee Retirement Systems—$50,000, Reserve for Debt Service—$265,000. Reserve for Unemployment Benefits—$53,218

STATE SOURCES BASIC STATE AID $16,085,403 57.33% $15,834,356 56.42% BOCES AID $1,115,000 3.97% $1,354,183 4.82% TEXTBOOK, LIBRARY, & $104,771 0.37% $104,771 0.37% SOFTWARE AID SUB TOTAL $17,305,174 61.67% $17,293,310 61.61% GRAND TOTAL $28,057,337 100.00% $28,066,842 100%

TAX RATE ON ASSESSED VALUATION 2019-20 Actual Sodus Tax Rate ........................ $20.32 2019-20 Actual Arcadia Tax Rate ......................... $20.95 2019-20 Actual Sodus Tax Levy ................. $8,943,145 2019-20 Actual Arcadia Tax Levy ......................... $6,384 2020-21 Est. Sodus Tax Levy Increase ................ 1.0% 2020-21 Est. Arcadia Tax Levy Increase ................. 1.0%

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BUDGET PROPOSAL—SECTION 1—ADMINISTRATIVE

PROPOSED BUDGETED BUDGET 2019-20 2020-21 Board of Education $28,000 $29,050 The members of the Board of Education are the elected representatives of the public who serve, without pay, as trustees of the school district. Included in this section are the expenses incurred by the Board in the performance of their duties, (i.e. office supplies, necessary travel, and memberships in school board associations). This section of the budget includes 4-County School Boards Associa-tion membership dues and NYSSBA membership dues. District Clerk/District Meeting $1,200 $1,200 The expenses of the District Clerk, the annual school budget vote, and District election of members of the Board of Education are included in this section. Also included are advertising and other print-ing expenses for the school district election.

Central Administration $218,134 $226,876 The Board of Education employs the Superintendent of Schools to serve as the chief executive of-ficer of the District, responsible to the Board for the overall operation of the District. Compensation for the Superintendent of Schools, as well as office supplies and materials, district memberships, and necessary travel are in this section. Finance $490,364 $504,147 The Business Administrator and business office staff coordinate all of the support services and fi-nancial affairs of the District. This section includes the salaries of the Business Administrator, busi-ness office staff, the District Treasurer, costs for independent audits, tax collection expenses, and purchasing expenses.

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BUDGET PROPOSAL—SECTION 1—ADMINISTRATIVE (cont’d.)

PROPOSED BUDGETED BUDGET 2019-20 2020-21

Legal/Personnel $113,650 $119,850 This section includes funding for legal counsel necessary for the operation of the District. Also in-cluded are expenses related to the advertisement of personnel positions, public mandated notices, and printing services for public information - including District newsletters. Central Services $1,243,867 $1,192,549 This section includes district-wide insurance, school association dues, copy costs, District mailings, and the District’s share of BOCES costs for BOCES administration and rent. Also included are sala-ries for K-12 services (Curriculum and Instruction and District Registrar), as well as contractual, equipment, and supply costs for these areas.

Supervision/Evaluation $772,665 $735,514 This section includes salaries for building principals, assistant principals, building clerical staff, equipment, materials, travel, and testing costs. Payment for the Districts full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) through the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is also included in this area. Employee Benefits $679,351 $709,880 This section includes the cost of fringe benefits (retirements, social security, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and medical/dental insurance) for the administrative program area. TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE $3,547,231 $3,519,066 % OF TOTAL BUDGET 12.64% 12.54%

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BUDGET PROPOSAL—SECTION 2—PROGRAM

PROPOSED BUDGETED BUDGET 2019-20 2020-21 In-Service $248,115 $232,283 This section includes the cost of staff development for instructional staff. Training for staff related to State assessment requirements is included . Regular School $6,526,623 $6,504,669 This section includes salaries for teaching staff, teaching assistants, teacher aides, and monitors. In addition, salaries for substitutes and department chairpersons are included. Instructional equipment, supplies, textbooks, cost for repairs, and BOCES programs fall under this category. Special Education $4,121,516 $4,097,509 This section includes salaries for special education teachers, special education teacher assistants, and teacher aides assigned to special education, as well as costs for occupational/physical therapy. Also included are costs for equipment, supplies, tuition, and BOCES special needs programs the District does not provide in-house. Instructional Media: Library/Audio Visual $1,087,994 $1,155,420 and Computer Assisted Instruction This section includes salaries for the librarians, library clerks, computer lab teaching assistants, and technicians for AV and computers. Equipment, supplies, and repairs to support the library, comput-ers, and audio-visual are also included. Pupil Services 692,987 $529,862 This section includes salaries for building guidance counselors, health office staff, school psycholo-gists, and clerical staff. Supplies and contractual expenses are also included. Co-Curricular & Athletics $343,484 $344,881 This section includes salaries for class and club advisors, intramurals advisors, and coaches of inter-scholastic sports. Essential equipment and supplies for the athletic program are included.

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BUDGET PROPOSAL—SECTION 2—PROGRAM (cont’d.) PROPOSED BUDGETED BUDGET 2019-20 2020-21

Transportation $1,242,293 $1,276,391

This section includes transportation salaries for the regular daily runs of bus drivers, substitutes, and special runs such as field trips, athletics, and trips for which the District is reimbursed. Also included are costs for the transportation supervisor, clerical staff, and mechanics, as well as the cost of bus parts, fuel, maintenance and tires. Included in the budget is the addition of a full-time transportation supervisor.

Community Service & Transfers $485,500 $487,500

The community service portion of this section includes the cost of staffing for community use of the pool, and District census. Transfers are made to the special aid fund for summer special education programs and the Bus Purchase Reserve for purchase of future school vehicles. There is an off-setting equal revenue in State Aid for the Bus Purchase Reserve transfer.

Employee Benefits $5,826,850 $5,908,121

This section includes the cost of fringe benefits (retirements, social security, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and medical/dental insurance) for the instructional program area.

TOTAL PROGRAM $20,575,362 $20,536,636 % OF TOTAL BUDGET 73.33% 73.17%

BUDGET PROPOSAL—SECTION 3—CAPITAL

Operations and Maintenance $1,447,104 $1,429,362

This section includes district-wide custodians, cleaners, maintenance, and grounds staff. This area provides funds for the operation of the school buildings including costs for cleaning and mainte-nance, heat, light, power, telephones, security, equipment, supplies, and repair projects.

Debt Service $2,086,684 $2,161,692

This section includes expenditures for previous borrowings of a $6.5 million project approved by the voters in November 1996, the $22.7 million project approved in July 1999, and the $16.9 million pro-ject in 2014. Debt Service is significantly off-set by State building aid.

Employee Benefits $400,956 $420,086

This section includes the cost of fringe benefits (retirements, social security, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and medical/dental insurance) for the capital program area. TOTAL CAPITAL $3,934,744 $4,011,140 % OF TOTAL BUDGET 14.03% 14.29%

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SODUS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROPERTY TAX REPORT CARD

2020‐2021

New York State Legisla on requires this informa on be publicized in this format.

Budgeted  Proposed  Percent 

  2019‐20    Budget 2020‐21    Change 

(A)  (B)  (C) 

Total Budgeted Amount, not including Separate Prop‐osi ons

A. Proposed Tax Levy to support the Total Budgeted

Amount 1 B. Tax Levy to Support Library Debt, if applicable C. Tax Levy for Non‐Excludable Proposi ons, if appli‐

cable2

D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy, if applicable

E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A+B+C‐D)

F. Permissible Exclusions to the School Tax Levy Lim‐it

G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissi‐ble Exclusions3

H. Total Proposed Tax Levy for School Purposes, Ex‐

cluding Permissible Exclusions and Levy for Library Debt, Plus Prior

Year Tax Cap Reserve (E‐B‐F+D) I. Difference: (G‐H); (nega ve value requires 60.0%

voter approval)2

Public School Enrollment

Consumer Price Index

1 Include any prior year reserve for excess tax levy, including interest.

2 Tax levy associated with educa onal or transporta on services proposi ons are not eligible for exclusion under the School

Tax Levy Limit and may affect voter approval requirements.

3 For 2020‐21, includes any carryover from 2019‐20 and excludes any tax levy for library debt or prior year reserve for excess

tax levy, including interest.

Actual 2018‐19    Es mated 2019‐20    (D)  (E) 

Adjusted Restricted Fund Balance

Assigned Appropriated Fund Balance

Adjusted Unrestricted Fund Balance

Adjusted Unrestricted Fund Balance as a Percent of the Total Budget

28,057,337

8,970,608

1.0%

0%

8,970,608

0

0

8,970,608

0

9,240,794

28,066,842

1063

9,060,314

0

0

9,060,314

0

9,376,437

3,270,637

1,060,744

3.74%

1,046,636

3,250,000

3.74%

1,000,000

0 0

270,186 316,123

9,060,314

1053 4.5%

1.5%

1,050,000

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STAR

(School Tax Relief) IMPACT OF NEW YORK’S STAR PROGRAM

2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020

Assessment 80,000 80,000 80,000 80,000 STAR—Basic 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 Taxable Value 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 Tax Rate/$1,000 20.96 20.12 20.27 20.32 Tax Bill 1,048.00 1,006.00 1,016.00 1,016.00

PLEASE NOTE: When the final property tax rate is calculated in August, property owners should check their individual assessment to estimate school taxes. If you have any questions about your school tax, please feel free to contact Sodus Busi-ness Administrator, Steve Moore at 483-5283.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSITION #2 Proposition #2: Voters authorized the establishment of a Bus Purchase Reserve Fund for the purpose of replacing District transportation vehicles in 2019. The reserve is funded by State aid received in the 2019-2020 fiscal year and any fiscal year thereafter. This aid is generated by the purchase of vehicles for student transportation. Also used to fund the reserve will be unencumbered fund balances in any fiscal year as designated by the Board of Education; budgetary appropriations as approved by the voters; proceeds from the sale of used vehicles; insurance proceeds from damaged or destroyed vehicles; and any other source approved by the voters. This proposition would authorize an ex-penditure of up to $350,000 in 2020-21.

Estimated 2020-2021

80,000

30,000

50,000

20.52

1,026

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL BUDGET VOTE

AND ELECTION OF TRUSTEES To the qualified voters of Sodus Central School District: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to the Exec-utive Order 202.26 of the State of New York, separate balloting will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, by absentee ballot only, on the election of members of the Board of Education, and on the following proposi-tions: Absentee ballots will be accepted by mail to Regina Moline, Board Clerk, POB 220, Sodus, NY 14551-0220. A drop box will be available outside the District Office entrance on the day of the vote between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The District Office address is 6375 Robinson Rd., Sodus, NY 14551 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year, July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, for school purposes, specifying the several pur-poses, and the amount of each, will be mailed to the qualified voters within the district by Thursday, May 28, 2020. The budget brochure will be available on the District’s webpage, www.Soduscsd.org on May 26, 2020.

PROPOSITION 1:

Shall the proposed School Budget in the amount of $28,066,842 for the period

July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 be approved?

PROPOSITION 2:

Shall the Board of Education be authorized to expend from the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund, an amount not to exceed $350,000 in the 2020-2021 fiscal year for the purpose

of purchasing buses for student transportation?

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MEET THE CANDIDATES—SODUS BOARD OF EDUCATION

Five (5) people are running for four (4) open positions on the Sodus Board of Education. The candidates, in alphabet-ical order, will appear on the absentee ballot, as follows: Alden Akins, Tony Cincinello, Roy Pickering, Laura Steffler-Alampi, and Sarah Williams. Voters will select candidates at the June 9th budget vote and the candidates will assume their terms at the July 9, 2020 Board meeting.

Nurtured by the influence of a diverse community, our district is committed to the success of every student. We will support our students in developing the skills and strategies needed to achieve academic excellence and to become respectful, responsible, kind citizens of a global society. We are dedicated to sustaining an environment that fosters a joy for life and continued learning.

THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES ARE TO BE FILLED ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Trustee for a term of three (3) years: Trustee for a term of three (3) years: Present Incumbent: Laura Steffler-Alampi Present Incumbent: Tracy Sergeant Trustee for a term of one (1) year: Trustee for a term of one (1) year: Present Incumbent: Tony Cincinello Present Incumbent: Sarah Williams

BOARD CANDIDATES

Candidates for the Board of Education are:

1) Alden Akins 2) Tony Cincinello 3) Roy Pickering 4) Laura Steffler-Alampi 5) Sarah Williams

My greatest hope for the Sodus Central School District is to establish a reputation for cultivating a support-ive and successful culture where students develop into positive role models that take pride in self and com-munity, resulting in continuous improvement of the district and community as a whole.

Alden Akins

My greatest hope is for all of our students to learn and grow in a supportive and well structured environ-ment, giving them the tools needed to achieve greatness, and to continue down whatever path they choose. Also, I hope the relationship between our staff and community continues to grow allowing our students to continue to capitalize on all the benefits of living in a small yet strong community

Tony CIncinello

I have lived in Sodus all my life. My husband, Martin and I are now raising our three children here and hope they enjoy growing in up in Sodus as much as I did! My greatest hope for Sodus Central School District is for the board, administration, staff, families, and the community to continue to work together to promote the education, personal growth, and success of all students. Despite the financial hardship we face as a school and as a community, we are still developing meaningful connections with the young people in Sodus. Together we have the ability to support each student as he or she learns positive values, healthy decision making, personal power, and a sense of purpose.

Sarah Williams

On my time on the board I have always wanted to give our students the best education possible. The school is the heart of our community and the success of our students continues to put Sodus on the map. We are united during our most difficult times and always show a willingness to assist to others. As a graduate of Sodus, I have the fondest memories of growing up here and deciding to come back to live. I would love nothing more than to continue to give back to my community and be part of the success of our Schools

Laura Steffler-Alampi

I am running for School board because I have two children that attend Sodus Central School District and I feel I can give valuable input to make a difference and ensure the success of all our students.

Roy Pickering

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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Nelson Kise Steven K. Moore

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Laura Steffler-Alampi Tony Cincinello Jeff Martinez Tracy Sergeant Brian Wagner Jason Walters Sarah Williams

QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS AT DISTRICT MEETING

Education Law, Section 2012 A person shall be entitled to vote at any school meeting or election for the election of school district officers, and upon all other matters which may be brought before such meeting or election, who is: 1. A citizen of the United States. 2. At least eighteen years of age. 3. A legal resident within the district for a period of

thirty days immediately prior to June 9, 2020. LEGAL RESIDENCE IS THE ADDRESS ON YOUR: 1. Driver’s license. 2. Federal income tax form. 3. Car registration and other government registra-

tion forms. 4. Where you are registered to vote in county,

state and federal elections. TO VOTE YOU: 1. DO NOT have to own property. 2. DO NOT have to be a parent or have children in

school.

VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUIRED PER

EXECUTIVE ORDER 202.26 FOR THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

ON JUNE 9, 2020 Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Execu-tive Order 202.26, one absentee ballot shall be provided per registered voter for the 2020 annual meeting. All voting will be done by mail and absentee ballot for the 2020 annual meeting. If you are not registered to vote with the Board of Elec-tions of Wayne County, you may acquire an absentee ballot from the District Clerk by calling (315) 483-5201 or by emailing rmoline@soduscsd.org to obtain one. All ballot’s must be received by the district clerk by 5:00 p.m. on June 9, 2020. A drop box will be available outside the District Office entrance on the day of the vote between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The District Office address is 6375 Robinson Rd., Sodus, NY 14551

Sodus Central School District P.O. Box 220 Sodus, NY 14551-0220

Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid Wolcott, NY 14590

Permit No. 3

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