Tiger TrendsU N I O N E N D I C O T T

Budget proposal meets state tax limit, maintains programs On April 23, the Union-Endicott Central School District Board of Education adopted a $85.4 million budget proposal for the 2019-20 school year that would maintain all current programs while staying within the state tax cap limit.

This year’s tax levy limit has been calculated for Union-Endicott at 1.96%. For a home with a full value of $100,000, that increase equates to approximately $55 per year. The actual increase for each town and taxpayer will be impacted by changes in equalization rates and assessments. Since Union-Endicott is meeting the tax cap requirements, taxpayers will once again be eligible to receive a rebate check.

These tax figures are subject to the varying equalization rates set for each town. Since Union-Endicott is meeting the tax cap requirement, taxpayers will once again be eligible to receive a rebate from the state.

In addition to maintaining all current programs, the new budget proposal also offers the opportunity to expand several programs that would benefit our students. Some of these enhancements include the following:uPromise Zone Program expansion district-wideuMiddle school teaming at seventh gradeuFamily & consumer science teacher at Tiger Ventures & UEHSuElementary library clerkuProject Lead the Way expansion at the elementary level u

Budget Edition - May 2019www.uek12.org

2019-20 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOTTotal Budget $85,438,451

Budget Increase $2,628,365

Total Tax Levy $42,034,686

Tax Levy Increase 1.96%

BUDGET VOTE Tuesday, May 21, 12-9 p.m. • District Office • George F. Johnson • Thomas J. Watson •

See “Budget,” page 2.

Proposed budget for the 2019-20 school year

Three Components 2018-19 2019-20 ChangeProgram $58,955,757 $61,019,192 $2,063,435

Capital $14,002,118 $14,280,975 $278,857

General Support $9,852,210 $10,138,284 $286,073

TOTAL $82,810,086 $85,438,451 $2,628,365

Propositions

1Shall the district appropriate the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures for the district which will

be required for the ensuing year for school purposes, exclusive of public moneys, and authorize the levy of taxes therefore?

2 Shall the following resolution be adopted to wit: resolved that the Board of Education of the Union-Endicott

Central School District be authorized to issue district obligations in an amount not to exceed $405,000.00 for the purchase of two (2) 65 passenger diesel school buses and three (3) 30 passenger gas buses, authorizing the levy of a tax to be collected in annual installments, to make future debt payments?

Program 71%

Capital 17%

General Support

12%

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A message from Dr. Suzanne McLeod This represents my final budget newsletter column to the Union-Endicott community.First and

foremost, I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given U-E schools during the dozen years I have been superintendent – and the many years before that, too. Above all else, U-E is a community that is proud of its schools, its rich history and its bright future. The community knows well that the path to a brighter future is through the promise our young people can offer

as well-educated citizens. I also want to thank everyone for caring enough to be knowledgeable about the intricacies of the budget-making process. The board and I are very grateful to all who have taken the time to come to budget workshops, to contact us with questions, and to review all of the documents and presentations we have placed on the website. We know you are all very busy, and we appreciate your caring and attention.We have entered a new era of budget development: the state-mandated property tax cap is now permanent. As I write, there has been no change in how that tax levy limit is calculated. So, for the foreseeable future, the calculation

will be based entirely on the consumer price index (CPI), the impact of PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes), growth factors, and debt service. We have shifted our budget development process to include a strong emphasis on long-range fiscal planning. By doing this, we hope to give the community confidence that the annual school budget will always respect the allowable tax levy limit. You were there for our schools during the very lean years of the recent recession, this is our way of making sure we reward that support.Again, my thanks to everyone for the support and dedication you have shown for the children of Union-Endicott. You have given them the very bright futures they all deserve. UE

Function/Account Description 2018-19 2019-20 Change

Instruction

Program funding for teachers, aides, monitors, counselors, nurses, psychologists, libraries, special education, athletics, summer school, supplies, equipment, books and BOCES fees for supplemental services

$38,380,741 $40,195,900 $1,815,158

Legal Fees associated with student services $40,238 $40,238 -

Transportation The cost of transporting over 4,000 students daily $1,740,878 $1,865,560 $124,682

Employee Benefits Retirement, social security, workers’ compensation, insurance, etc. for employees in this component $18,718,400 $18,832,494 $114,094

Interfund Transfers The cost of summer special education and certain cafeteria costs $75,500 $85,000 $9,500

Program Component Total $58,955,757 $61,019,192 $2,063,435

Program

uTwo additional bus/lunch monitorsu Boys modified tennis coachu Summer enrichment program K-12

Residents will vote on the proposed budget May 21. Since the district is within the state tax cap, a simple majority will be

sufficient to pass the budget. If you have questions regarding this year’s budget, please contact the office of the assistant superintendent at 757-2114.

Thank you for supporting the Union-Endicott Central School District. UE

“Budget,” from page 1.

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General supportFunction/Account Description 2018-19 2019-20 Change

Board of Education Salary for the district clerk, supplies for elections, memberships and conferences $75,903 $87,416 $11,513

Superintendent’s Office

Salaries for the superintendent, secretarial staff, supplies, memberships and conferences $298,273 $268,610 ($29,663)

Business

Salaries for assistant superintendent for business/elementary instruction, administrative costs, and central business office (oversees accounting, accounts payable, payroll, purchasing, etc.)

$1,267,275 $1,295,148 $27,873

PersonnelSalaries for assistant superintendent for personnel/secondary instruction, personnel office staff, legal services, supplies, equipment, contractual and BOCES services

$413,259 $423,944 $10,684

Communications/ Records

Management

Contractual expenses for BOCES communications & development services, production/mailing of district newsletters, records access services, maintenance of district records system

$106,324 $116,121 $9,798

Central Services Data processing and computer services, BOCES data processing, central receiving, printing and mailing $2,178,871 $2,300,893 $122,022

Contractual Items BOCES administrative costs, insurance, judgements and claims, sports and program fees $910,138 $952,917 $42,779

Curriculum Development/

Instruction

Compensation for instructional coordinators and directors, in-service training, graduate work $575,648 $595,551 $19,903

Supervision-Regular School

Compensation for building principals, assistant principals, secretarial support and supplies $1,662,040 $1,746,936 $84,895

Employee Benefits Retirement, social security, workers’ compensation, insurance, etc., for employees in this component $2,364,480 $2,350,749 ($13,731)

Support Component Total $9,852,210 $10,138,284 $286,073

CapitalFunction/Account Description 2018-19 2019-20 Change

Plant OperationsSalaries for facilities director, custodians, cleaners, secretarial support, utilities, environmental programs, furniture replacement and trash removal

$3,417,579 $3,490,681 $73,102

Plant Maintenance

Salaries for building mechanics, grounds keeping, heating/ventilating mechanic, electrician, painter and secretary. Expenses for materials, equipment and contracted resources to maintain all buildings and grounds

$1,599,799 $1,486,063 ($113,736)

Employee Benefits Retirement, social security, workers’ compensation, insurance, etc., for employees in this component $1,663,438 $1,666,180 $2,742

Debt Service Pension, bus purchases and bond balances for previous capital projects $7,221,301 $7,538,050 $316,749

Interfund Transfer Transfer to support the Small Capital Project $100,000 $100,000 $0

Capital Component Total $14,002,118 $14,280,975 $278,857

See page 6 for details on the yearly capital outlay project.

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Account 2018-19 2019-20 ChangeTax Levy $41,225,736 $42,034,686 $808,950

Building Aid $6,416,504 $6,727,810 $311,306

All Other State Aid $31,758,167 $32,882,571 $1,124,404

Payment-in-lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) $76,603 $82,042 $5,439

Interest & Penalties $70,000 $70,000 -

Admissions $29,000 $29,000 -

Other Student Fees/Charges $100 $100 -

Day School Tuition - Other Districts $34,000 $40,000 $6,000

Health Services/Districts $28,000 $28,000 -

Transportation/Districts $10,000 $10,000 -

Interest & Earnings $50,000 $100,000 $50,000

Property Rental $40,000 $40,000 -

Property Rental/Athletic Fields $5,000 $5,000 -

Property Rental/BOCES $35,030 $175,693 $140,663

Equipment Rental $13,000 $13,000 -

Instructional Supply Sales $5,700 $5,700 -

Refund Prior Year Expenses $1,190,000 $988,000 ($202,000)

Interfund Transfer from Debt Service $10,905 $6,566 ($4,339)

Medicaid $150,000 $200,000 $50,000

Unclassified Revenues $95,000 $95,000 -

Appropriated Reserves $67,341 $405,283 $337,942

Appropriated Fund Balance $1,500,000 $1,500,000 -

Revenue Total $82,810,086 $85,438,451 $2,628,365

Revenues

Fund Balance 2%Reserves 1%

Other Revenues 2% STARAs of 2016-17, if you are a new homeowner in New York, or if you move to a new home, you will receive a rebate check in the fall. Taxpayers earning more than $250,000 will now receive a rebate check instead of a reduction of taxes. More information is available at: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/default.htm

State Aid 46%Tax Levy 49%

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Pesticide use notificationAll schools are required to provide annual written notification to all persons in parental relation and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides throughout the school year. As a reminder, the Union-Endicott School District is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications. The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:

uA school remains unoccupied continuously for 72 hours following an application;

uAnti-microbial products;

uNonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

uNonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper-resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

uSilica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children;

uBoric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;

uThe application of EPA-designated biopesticides;

uThe application of EPA-designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25;

uThe use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets.

In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. If you would like to receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications in your school, or if you would like more information about the products being used, please complete the form below and return it to :

U-E District Office - 1100 E. Main St. Endicott, NY 13760 Phone: 607-757-2106 Fax: 607-757-2859.

Union-Endicott Central School District request for pesticide application notification School Name (Circle All that apply) AGM CFJ GFJ JFS TJW UEHS DO BG HS

Name Address

Day Phone Evening Phone Email Address

Immunization informationStudents entering seventh and twelfth grades are required to be immunized against meningitis. One dose is required for seventh grade and a second dose is required for twelfth grade. If a child is new to New York state and entering eighth, ninth, or tenth grade without one dose, then he/she must be immunized. Check with your child’s provider to determine if your child has already met the vaccination requirement.

All students are required to have two doses of varicella vaccination except twelfth grade which is only required to have one.

All students entering sixth grade through twelfth are required

to have the Tdap vaccination. Please note: all vaccinations must be given at appropriate intervals per CDC recommendations.

Any student who does not meet NYS immunization requirements for school attendance, and does not have a medical or religious exemption, will not be allowed to enter school at Union-Endicott. The student and his/her family must provide proof from a physician or clinic showing compliance with the NYS immunization requirements for school attendance. If you have a question, please contact your school’s health office.UE

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U-E continues to strive for safe and sound facilities that enhance learning for our students. By completing yearly capital outlay projects, the district can get capital construction work completed and receive the state aid back on the project the following year.

To that end, the district has been progressing with interior light replacement at UEHS as part of past capital projects. The new lights that have been installed are energy efficient LED’s and require less maintenance than a fluorescent fixture, saving the district operational money.

The 2019 capital outlay project is continuing at UEHS, where many light fixtures are being replaced in the corridors. UE

LED lights are being phased in at UEHS.

Share your thoughts on ThoughtexchangeAs part of our ongoing efforts to learn about the needs of our community, the Union-Endicott Central School District is piloting a new communication tool called “Thoughtexchange.”

Thoughtexchange is a digital community engagement, outreach program that presents a specific audience (our community) with a thought-provoking question via email, Facebook and Twitter. Following a link, readers are able to share their response as well as review and rank the responses of others who have participated in that exchange. The system ensures the anonymity of all participants while creating an ongoing list of all thoughts and their ranking as assigned by the participants. The data collected from these exchanges can provide valuable insight into community needs and desires, helping guide the decisions made by district leaders.

In the first exchange, users were asked to share their ideas regarding town hall meetings, including suggestions for future educational topics and locations. The highest ranked thoughts included the need for providing resources to support mental health issues, streaming town hall meetings for parents who cannot attend, and reinforcing the school-family partnership.

We want to thank all who participated in this first exchange, and urge everyone to watch for more thoughtful exchanges in the future. UE

2019 capital outlay project update

Fire inspection completedNotice is hereby given that the annual inspection for 2019 of the school buildings of Union Endicott Central School District for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, employees therein, has been completed and the report thereof is available at the facilities office located at 1100 E. Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760, for inspection by all interested persons. UE

Asbestos management plansThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, AHERA) requires Asbestos Management Plans to be on file in each building containing asbestos, as well as in the District Office. The Union Endicott District has performed the required six month periodic inspection and surveillance in the Fall of 2018 and the triennial re-inspection has been scheduled for Spring 2019.

An accredited Asbestos Inspector / Management Planner performs all inspections, plans for response and the updates to the Management Plan. In the recent past, window caulk and window glazing has been removed from the windows in the high school. Also floor tile, floor tile mastic and corridor smoke doors have been removed from various locations in the high school, including the 2nd. floor cafeteria flooring. Lastly, the high school 3rd and 4th floor small gym’s roof parapet caulk was removed.

The inspection and re-inspection data, the response actions and post-response action activities are all on file in the Asbestos Management Plans. The District Office has a copy of each Asbestos Management Plan available for review. To schedule an appointment, please call the Facilities Office at 607-757-2106. UE

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STEM provides unique opportunities for studentsSTEM activity has been in full swing at U-E with students learning about all things science, technology, engineering and math. From annual science fairs for all elementary and middle school students and STEM nights and academies for elementary students through a grant from Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, STEM continues to engage our Tigers.

Each of our elementary schools hosted a STEM night during which students and family members participated in a wide variety of science activities

At AGM/LWW, students made slime, built robots, created terrariums and more. Additionally, during the school day, Lockheed Martin engineers brought an engaging “I want to be an Engineer” event to the fifth-graders, giving them the opportunity to build robots with Lego “WeDokits.”

At CFJ, over 350 people attended the CFJ STEAM Spectacular and Science Fair, which included 53 students completing science fair projects and 62 students completing STEAM Challenge projects. Families rotated to different hands-on STEAM activities throughout the building, which included Kopernik, Lemon Volcano, Magnetic Slime, and more.

GFJ hosted its STEM Night in April. Students engaged in several exciting activities, including robotics with TigerTronics, slime, and many other fun opportunities.

At TJW STEM Night, students worked with BU students and staff in eight different stations, including scratch programming, carbon dioxide gas, rockets and binary coding. In May, Lockheed Martin engineers will host the “I want to be an Engineer” event with Lego “WeDokits.”

STEM Academy, a five to 10 week program for girls that focuses on STEM activities will conclude with the opportunity to visit the Ithaca Science Museum in June.

At JFS, over 90 students participated in the annual Science Fair. Students were required to develop, research, and summarize an area of interest, including hypothesis, experiments where appropriate, findings, data and conclusions. They presented their projects to area professionals from Lockheed-Martin, Binghamton University, SUNY Broome and several other community organizations

who served as judges.

In addition, sixth-grade students recently visited the Ithaca Science Center where they spent the day engaged in a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations. Students learned about the power of air and launched paper rockets, and wound their way through a maze to learn more about aeronautics.

STEM will continue to be a learning priority in all grades at U-E, as its importance continues to impact the world economy. Thank you to the

many staff members at each building who helped make these worthwhile learning opportunities possible. UE

JFS Science Fair challenged students to think outside the box.

All the elementary buildings hosted evening science fairs with fun, hands-on experiments.

AGM/LWW hosted Lockheed Martin engineers who taught students how to build robots.

8 9CFJ and TJW celebrated 50 years of educating our Tiger Cubs!

JFS science teacher Ken Lyman was selected to the New York state Master Teachers program.

UEHS art teacher Cindy Henry received the 2019 Marion Quin Dix Leadership Award.

UEHS technology education teacher Tom Palazzo was named Regional Teacher of the Year by the Southern Tier Technology and Engineering Educator’s Association.

UEHS math teacher Elizabeth Waite received the 2018 Yale University Educator Award.

Student-muscians in grades five through 12 perform at the highest levels as members of the BCMEA groups through auditions.

PTA members were recognized for their service and efforts to further student education in all buildings at the annual PTA Founders Day Dinner.

Andre Guccia signed a national letter of intent to play lacrosse at the College of Saint Rose.

Taylor Mischler signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Caldwell University.

Zach Tatar signed a national letter of intent to run cross country and track at the University of New Haven.

The UEHS Musical Department performed “Mamma Mia” to nearly sell-out audiences over four days.

District highlights, recognitions, and #TigerPride

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Board of education candidateOne candidate is running for one open seat. The seat is for a five-year term and is currently held by Dick Testa, who is seeking re-election. Mr. Testa has provided the following information:

Dick TestaNumber of years of U-E residency: 74

Education: U-E Class of 1961. Syracuse Uni-versity, 1965Career: Two years in the U.S. Army, three years with IBM and 21 years with Zappia’s Sporting Goods, 30 years with Tempo & Valley News Sports Writer, 34 years with the Sports Page Tavern.

Do you or did you have children in U-E schools: 2 U-E graduates: Jennifer-2001 and Derrick-2004.

District Involvement: 20 years on the Union-Endicott School Board, 15 years as a charter member of U-E Education Foundation, 20 years as a reader at district elementary schools, 9 years as coordinator of district reading volunteers, member of U-E Alumni Having Made a Difference (2017), U-E Athletic Hall of Fame (2018), Founder and Co-Chairperson of Endicott Proud BAT Team, Founder’s Day Award (2004).

Community Involvement: 36 years with Endicott Sertoma Club (numerous committee chairs and three times Sertoman of the Year), four time President of Endicott Sertoma, 38 years on the Endicott Youth Baseball Board of Directors, Broome County Legion Hall of Fame, (baseball field named after him), and 14 years as coach of the American Legion Post 82 team (county, district and state champions.)

How would you be responsive to the needs of all stakeholders; students, staff, parents, administration and community, given the

economic challenges in the local, state and federal economy? I have been responding to these groups for 20 years. I have always followed the policy of placing the best interest of the students first and then everything else falls into place. All stakeholders must work together in the best interest of the U-E school district. I initiated the Endicott Proud Board Advisory Team to coordinate a group effort to enhance the image of U-E and revitalize Endicott.

What unique strengths, talents and interests would you bring to a policy-making board? I have 38 years of experience on the Endicott Youth Baseball Board, 36 years on the Endicott Sertoma Club Board, seven years on the West Endicott Fire Station Board and 20 years on the U-E Board of Education. I feel that I am very qualified to make difficult decisions. I have loved U-E since I was a child and am obsessed with sports. I volunteer in 12 elementary classrooms every week and visit students in Tiger Ventures. I know what teachers experience.

What are the greatest strengths of the district and how would you continue to capitalize on them in these challenging times? The greatest strengths of U-E has always been the “TIGER PRIDE” of the students, staff, support staff, administrators, and Board of Education. Because of this, U-E graduates are ready for whatever lies ahead. We must all work together to continue to prepare students to succeed in a global economy.

How do you define leadership from the Board of Education, from the administration and from the staff and students? Again, placing the best interests of the students first and making all decisions based on that. The Board of Education must set the example of how cooperation achieves this goal. Tiger Ventures illustrates that U-E Board members, administrators and teachers have an insightful vision. UE

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Throughout the school year, the U-E Board of Education travels to each building to recognize students and staff for a variety of accomplishments and achievements, including perfect attendance, high test scores, participation in music, art, sports, clubs and groups, working to improve their school, as well as participation in community service and staff development.

Students, staff and their families are invited to attend these recognitions, which highlight the many positive happenings in each building. Often, it is standing room only. Tiger Pride is alive and well in all U-E schools. UE

BOE recognitions highlight staff, student achievements

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POLLING LOCATIONSGeorge F. Johnson Elementary

999 Taft Avenue (Buffalo St. entrance)

District Office 100 East Main Street

Thomas J. Watson Elementary 263 Ridgefield Road

Voting information Eligibility To be eligible to vote, you must be:• A U.S. Citizen• At least 18 years of age• A district resident for at least 30 days• Someone who has not been adjudged mentally

incompetent or convicted of a felony in any state or federal district court

Registration The district maintains a permanent voter registration file. Residents who have voted in any election within the past four years need not register each year. New residents, or those who are not registered, must do so by May 7, 2019, at the district office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Absentee ballotRegistered district voters may apply for an absentee ballot by completing an application at the district office. Applications must be received at least seven days before the vote by May 14, 2019. The district will automatically mail absentee ballots to voters listed as “permanently disabled” on registration lists provided by the Broome and Tioga County Boards of Elections.

Paper ballotsIf there is a question concerning your registration status on voting day, you may use a paper ballot. Paper ballots protect the voter and the district by providing a method for validating voter registration prior to including the paper vote in the final vote count. UE

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDNorwich, NY

Permit No. 18

Union-Endicott Central School District1100 E. Main St.Endicott, NY 13760

Board of Education:Dick Testa - PresidentJim Truillo - Vice PresidentGlenn McIverDr. Thomas MartinJoe OzvoldLowell TaylorDr. Sharon Wells

Superintendent: Dr. Suzanne McLeod

ECRWSSPostal Patron

Current Resident or

May 2112-9 p.m.

6 p.m., May 13District Office

PUBLIC HEARING

Tiger Pride: Rich Traditions & Boundless Opportunities

BUDGET VOTE & BOARD ELECTION