Byron-Bergen Central School District

									

			

Budget May 2017	w w w.bbschools.org Superintendent’s Message

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of the Byron-Bergen learning community who took time to share their input with the Board of Education and myself in the creation of next year’s budget. This information was very helpful. We provided the community with an on-line survey and held public
Mickey Edwards              presentations on March 16 and Superintendent of Schools       April 4. Other data sources guiding
the development of the budget included the Board of Education, the District’s Strategic Plan, the District Goals, and our Mission and Vision statements.

It is evident Byron-Bergen is a community that cares greatly about the education of its students.We will continue to put information about the budget on our website. Our goal is to make the budget process as transparent as possible. Within this newsletter, you will find specific information about the proposed budget for 2017-18.

The Board of Education’s directives were very clear – develop a spending plan that does not exceed the tax cap and that builds for the future of the Byron-Bergen Central

May 16, 2017 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Jr./Sr. High School Wrestling/Fitness Room

School District.The 2017-18 proposed budget is $22.76M. This represents a decrease of 0.47 percent from last year’s budget.This budget will support existing programs and people for the next school year, and most importantly, builds for the future.The 2017-18 Budget includes the addition of:

• Equipment and textbooks for the music department • Driver Education program
• Athletic trainer
• Bus replacement of four vehicles
• Restoration of 1.0 FTE instructional position

It also includes reductions of:

• Maintenance costs
• Central Office services • Debt services
• Retirement contributions

This budget stays within the allowable tax levy limit calculation which will result in eligible tax payers receiving a refund from New York State.

In closing, I want to again thank our Byron-Bergen learning community for honoring the importance of public education for its children.We will continue to communicate with our legislature and governor, and advocate for what is legally and constitutionally ours.

On behalf of the Board of Education, the administration, and the staff –Thank you! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (585) 494-1220, ext. 2829, or email me at medwards@bbschools.org.

We need your input!

The District is beginning to plan for a new and improved website, and we’d like to get feedback from our community. Please tell us how you use the website, and your ideas for making it easier to navigate and more useful.You can find the survey
at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/29WNRB8. Please submit by May 26, 2017.

Board President’s Corner

Spring has arrived! This is the time of year that we finalize our school budget. It is always a difficult process because so many of our calculations and decisions come from projected numbers at the State level.This year, our district has gone from believing that the New York State budget would come in on time, to needing to revisit our numbers when it looked like the budget would not pass.Then, finally, we went back to the numbers recently released from the Governor’s office to the school district.

To say the least, it has been a rollercoaster over the last few weeks for us and for school districts across New York State. Our Board of Education, Superintendent, and Business Official, with the input of many others, have worked very hard to put in place a budget we believe is best for our community, our schools and, most importantly, our students. We look forward to seeing you at the May 16 Budget Vote.

I would like to thank all those who came out to vote for the Capital Project.The outcome was certainly not what we had hoped for, but we are taking the community’s concerns seriously, and are looking at what we can do differently.
We are hopeful that, with some adjustments based on a reassessment of our needs, we will be able to put this project out for a vote in the future, and have a positive outcome.

The Capital Building Project was voted down, but that doesn’t mean that the bulk of the work still won’t need to be accomplished. Our roofs still need repair, and asbestos has to be removed;kitchen equipment,lights,boilers,the
dehumidification system,windows,and fire alarm software all need to be replaced, along with other items that are old and outdated.We need to be ADA compliant, and must continue to make our buildings safe for our staff, faculty, visitors, and children.

The problem with the defeat of any Capital Project is that building projects generate State aid for the school district. It is like using a coupon from the State. In this case, it would have been like getting 86.5 cents off per every dollar spent. Now, if we do these repairs, replacements, and upgrades from our operating budget, the taxpayer pays full price. If you would like to share any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions about this project, please contact any Board of Education member, Superintendent Edwards, or other school official — we would love to hear from you.

Thank you to all of our actors, musicians, backstage crew, and playwright for another successful musical, the original production of “10 (Again).” It is always wonderful to see the talent that lies within our students.

Congratulations to all the students who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and National Senior Honor Society this year; and to all the kids who were involved in this year’s story telling event. Everyone’s hard work and dedication is evident in the number of students recognized and participating.These achievements could not be reached without support from families, faculty, and staff — thank you for all you do.

A huge thank you to our students who continue to give back to those within and outside of our community. Every year, the elementary children work on several areas of community need; this years’ girls’ soccer program again made a large donation to combat cancer; and our high school student body have worked hard to make the American
Red Cross Blood Drive a success.It doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone else’s life and all involved are wonderful examples of giving to others.

A big welcome back to Roger Caldwell who will be taking over as our new Director of Facilities,effective July 1.His experience and knowledge of our campus make him the perfect person to take over this position.We are very excited to have him back here at Byron-Bergen.

This now leads me to having to say goodbye to the current and long-standing director, Mike List. Mike graduated from B-B in 1978, left for a few years, and then applied for a maintenance position in 1984.After showing what he was capable of doing and working his way up the ladder, he became the Director of Facilities in 1994.There is nothing about this campus that Mike doesn’t know. His years of countless hours spent both inside and outside of the school walls cannot be measured by a simple time card: early morning plowing runs, late-night events, and everything in between. His expertise and knowledge is often sought after by peers in the maintenance field from other area school districts. His strong work ethic has kept him at school long beyond a normal working day, sometimes at the expense of his family and friends. His dedication to his job, our school campuses, faculty, staff, and students over the years is evident in a job well done. So soon we will say goodbye to a man who will now be spending a lot more time with those most important in his life -- his church, his friends, and especially his family. Best of luck, Mike, in your retirement and on the next path you take.

Debra List

Board of Education President Byron-Bergen CSD

2     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Budget Issue2017-18

NYS Property Tax Levy Limit in Brief

NYS has a property tax levy, not a 2% cap which is very confusing.The law does not restrict any proposed tax increase to 2%.The following is our District’s calculation for determining the 2017-18 property tax levy limit.

The law creates an 8-step formula to determine the tax levy limit.
• Adjusts tax levy to reflect local growth in the tax base and the rate of inflation (Consumer Price Index [CPI] or a maximum of 2% whichever is less).

Sets a higher threshold for voter approval of budgets IF proposed tax levy increase exceeds the tax levy limit plus exclusions.
• The Board of Education can present a budget that requires a leyy that would exceed the limit but we would need 60% voter approval to do so.

The property tax levy limits the school district’s levy NOT the individual tax bill of resident taxpayers.
• Assessments and equalization rates will still impact tax rates.

Voters are approving the budget (spending plan), not the tax levy.

Property Tax Levy Calculation

2017-18 Maximum Allowable Property Tax Levy

Tax Levy - prior school year Tax base growth factor

Add, PILOT payments from prior school year - Business development agreements with the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency

Less, exclusions, including capital levy, court orders, and pension contributions

Adjusted Prior Year Levy

Allowable Growth Factor (2016-17 lesser of CPI .12% or 2%) (2017-18 lesser of CPI 1.26% or 2%)

Less, PILOT payments anticipated for current school year

Add, available carryover Tax Levy Limit

Add, Exclusions

Capital levy (debt service)

Total exclusion

Maximum Allowable Property Tax Levy

2016-17 Actual Property Tax Levy

2016-17

$8,363,932 1.0023 $8,383,169

$43,360 $8,426,529

($364,989) $8,061,540

1.0112 $8,071,214

($37,500) $8,033,714
$0 $8,033,714

$343,623

$343,623

$8,377,337

2017-18

$8,377,337 1.0016 $8,390,741

$48,091 $8,438,832

($343,623) $8,095,209

1.0126 $8,197,208

($24,000) $8,173,208
$0 $8,173,208

$356,633

$356,633

$8,529,841

2017-18 Allowable Property Tax Levy Increase –
(2017-18 Levy limit minus 2016-17 Property tax levy amount)
Maximum allowable percentage change with simple majority vote of 50% + 1

$152,504 1.82%

If you have additional questions contact Lori Prinz, School Business Administrator, at 494-1220 ext. 2429, or email lprinz@bbschools.org.

Home of the Bees	3

PROPOSED “HOW FUNDS

2017-18 BUDGET ARE GENERATED”

Local Property Taxes 37.46%

State Aid
Foundation Aid - 34.99%
Categorical Aids, less Building Aid - 14.80% Building Aid - 9.79%

County Sales Tax .15%

Interest and Earnings .15%

Interfund Revenue .68%

Endowment Trust Fund .08%

Prior Year Refund .33%

Capital Reserve .44%

Prior Year Surplus .66%

All Other Revenues .47%

	2016-17	2017-18 Budget             Proposed
Budget

I. STATE AID
We have projected our State aid to increase $186,366 based on the adopted State budget passed by the State Assembly, Senate, and Governor for 2017-18. State aid is comprised mainly of foundation aid and many different categorical aids such as BOCES, Building, Special Education, and Transportation. Categorical aids are generally based on actual expenditures during the prior school year with the exception of building aid that is based on current year actual expenditures.

Foundation Aid

Categorical Aids, less Building Aid

Building Aid

$7,754,042	$7,966,422

$2,996,530	$3,369,431

$2,633,229	$2,228,116

4     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Budget Issue2017-18

PROPOSED 2017-18 BUDGET “HOW FUNDS ARE GENERATED”

2016-17	2017-18 Budget         Proposed
Budget

II. LOCAL PROPERTYTAXES
The actual amount of the tax levy is set by the Board of Education in August 2017.We are projecting the tax levy to increase 1.82%.
	$8,377,337	$8,529,841

III. COUNTY SALES TAX
Sales tax revenues are received by the school from Monroe County based on the number of students attending Byron-Bergen that reside in Monroe County.
	$50,000	$35,000

IV. INTEREST AND EARNINGS
This revenue reflects interest earned by investing cash on hand.Interest rates will remain low for the 2017-18 school year.We anticipate earnings to be less.
	$75,000	$35,000

V. INTERFUND REVENUE
This revenue includes District funds reserved to assist in the payment of New York State employee retirement cost, unemployment insurance costs, debt service, and employee contractual retirement costs.
	$206,500	$155,000

VI. ENDOWMENTTRUST FUND
An endowment for the swimming pool generates annual interest, which is used to help maintenance costs of the facility.
	$17,500	$17,500

VII. PRIOR YEAR REFUND
This revenue is an estimate of savings from our BOCES costs incurred during the prior school year.
	$75,000	$75,000

VIII. CAPITAL RESERVE
This revenue reflects usage of the 2014 Capital Reserve Fund to support costs related to the $100,000 Capital Outlay Project.
	$100,000	$100,000

IX. PRIOR YEAR SURPLUS
Also known as“Designated Fund Balance,”this is unspent money at the end of the school year, which is brought into next year’s budget as revenue. It is developed from unanticipated revenues during the school year or from under-spending of the expenditure budget.
	$300,000	$150,000

X. ALL OTHER REVENUES
This includes admissions to athletic events, late property tax penalties, medical reimbursement revenues,and the Monroe County HostAgreement for the Riga Landfill.
	$289,400	$106,187

TOTAL         TOTAL $22,874,538 $22,767,497

Home of the Bees	5

PROPOSED 2017-18 BUDGET “HOW FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED”

Employee Benefits 18.91%

Transportation 5.96%

Interscholastic Sports and Extracurricular 1.99%

Transfers .51%

Debt Services 9.10%

Maintenance and Utilities 6.71%

Board of Education and Central Administration 2.71%

Central Services and Administration 11.37%

Special Education 12.18%

Instruction 30.56%

I. BOARD OF EDUCATION AND CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION This category includes Board of Education costs and Central Office expenses including salaries for the Superintendent, School Business Administrator, District Treasurer, District Clerk, Superintendent’s Secretary,Tax Collector,supplies,contractual and equipment.Also included are internal and external auditing and legal fees to ensure the safeguarding of taxpayer monies.
This budget category anticipates a decrease for salaries and wages of $(64,160); BOCES services, $7,100; and contractual items, $2,650.

II. MAINTENANCE AND UTILITIES
This category includes utility expenses for electricity, fuel oil, telephone, and water. Maintenance Department salaries,equipment,supplies,and contract services are also included. The maintenance budget has been reduced through savings for natural gas, electrical efficiencies,and sewer plant elimination.In 2008-09,maintenance accounted for 9.15% of the total budget.This proposed maintenance is 7.15% of the total 2017-18 budget.

III. CENTRAL SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION
This category includes expenses for the Elementary and Jr./Sr. High Principals’ offices.Also included are clerical positions,Assistant Principal, counseling, nurses, school libraries, school psychologist, computer services, insurance, BOCES administrative charges, and curriculum development.All purchases of computer equipment,software,and library/audiovisual materials have been limited to the maximum allowed based on State aid formulas.The 2017-18 maximum aid-able expenditure for these items is $94,432.

IV. INSTRUCTION
This category includes all costs directly related to classroom teaching. It provides a building budget plan for textbooks,classroom materials and supplies,furniture and equipment,and other educational resources.The budget category includes the restoration of (1) teaching position, $50,000; the implementation of Driver’s Education beginning in the summer of 2017, $25,000; Year 2 of a five-year plan to purchase musical equipment,$12,500;and an increase in BOCES service costs, $81,066.

2016-17 Budget

$671,468

$1,483,275

$2,482,755

$6,589,009

2017-18 Proposed Budget

$617,058

$1,528,195

$2,589,339

$6,956,870

6     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Budget Issue2017-18

PROPOSED 2017-18 BUDGET “HOW FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED”

2016-17	2017-18 Budget         Proposed
Budget

V. SPECIAL EDUCATION
This category includes expenses for the Chairperson of Special Education’s office, salaries
for special education teachers, supplies, contractual, and tuition for out-of-district placements at BOCES and private facilities.To minimize costs for the District, only those students
with the severest needs will be placed out-of-district.The District will continue to contract with outside providers for occupational, physical, and vision therapy for students. Costs for BOCES provider services and tuitions are projected to increase $78,225.
	$2,606,455	$2,773,138
	
VI. INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS AND EXTRACURRICULAR This category includes expenses for coaches’salaries,official fees,equipment,uniforms,and supplies to support the sports programs. It also includes expenses to support all extracurricular activities such as the marching band, school play, and various clubs.This category includes costs related to the S.O.A.R.(Shared Opportunities and Resources) initiative with the Caledonia-Mumford Central School for football and the restoration of the part-time athletic trainer, $25,000.
	$415,525	$452,255
	
VII. TRANSPORTATION
This category includes all salaries for bus drivers, mechanics, and supervision.Also included are operating expenses such as bus parts,fuel,tires,oil,and equipment to maintain the fleet. Overhead expenses to operate the bus garage are also included such as insurance, water, and fuel.We currently operate buses about 10 years or 150,000 miles.
	$1,305,101	$1,358,165
	
VIII. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
This category contains expenses for the State Retirement systems,Social Security,Workers’ Compensation,Unemployment,and health insurance premiums.TheTeachers’(TRS)
and Employees’(ERS) Retirement systems have contribution rates of 9.8% and 15.8%, respectively.These rates represent decreases from the 2016-17 rates of 11.72% and 18.2%, respectively.Health insurance premiums are increasing approximately 12% for 2017-18.
	$4,294,000	$4,305,000
	
IX. DEBT SERVICE
This category provides for principal and interest payments on the 2008 Capital Project. It also provides for transportation vehicle purchases.
	$2,911,950	$2,072,477
	
X. TRANSFERS
The category provides for funds used to cover special education summer school costs at BOCES, not covered by State aid.This category also includes a $100,000. Capital Outlay Project to address repairs and maintenance needed to our facilities that were identified through the recently conducted Building Conditions Survey.
The $100,000 Capital Outlay provides the District with a tool to do preventative maintenance to our facilities on a timely basis.This is a more cost effective process to address repairs before they become major expenses costing the taxpayers more.
A $100,000 Capital Outlay Project is subject to all State Education Department approvals, must be designed by a licensed architect, and is subject to Building Aid. Our current BuildingAid ratio is 76.5%.The net local cost for the Capital Outlay Project is projected at $23,500. Capital Outlay projects can be done on an annual basis.
	$115,000	$115,000

TOTAL            TOTAL $22,874,538     $22,767,497

Home of the Bees	7

Meet the Board of Education Candidates Statements as prepared by the candidates

Amy Phillips
I am Amy Phillips, and it has been an absolute honor, pleasure, and privilege to serve as a trustee on the Byron-Bergen Board of Education for the past four years. I have had the opportunity to learn so much about our community, school, and students. Being a member of the Board has given me many wonderful opportunities and experiences. I have attended the New York State School
Boards Association Conference along with the Legislative Breakfast annually to stay up to date on the most recent topics facing rural schools and to be an advocate and ambassador for our school.This year I also had the honor of attending the presentation of the “Be the Change for Kids”Award in Albany honoring the Elementary School’s Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) program.

Tamatha Menzie
My name is Tamatha Menzie, and I’ve lived in Bergen for 40 years. I’ve taught at Holley High School for 29 years and have been a teacher leader, manager of the girls’ soccer team, and Girl Scout leader for many of those years. I attended Byron-Bergen schools in grades 6-12, graduated in 1984, and married another B-B graduate.We’ve remained in this
community to raise our six children — the two youngest will be proud 2018 and 2020 B-B graduates.

Three years ago, I was honored to win a place on our school board and I’ve learned a great deal since then. Our district has had to hire a number of new and truly exceptional executive leaders in a very short period of time, including superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and business administrator.The Board has followed the goals set in the district’s Strategic Plan for 2015-2020, and I believe strongly in our motto: that we are creating leaders one student at a time. I also believe that service

B-B School Budget PreSentation
Meet the Board of education candidateS night Tuesday, May 9, 2017
7 p.m. – Jr./Sr. High Auditorium

I’ve lived in our district for 11 years, and my two children will be graduating from our schools in 2023 and 2028. I believe that my life experiences as a resident, parent, and teacher enable me to see many perspectives on education.As an educator for the past 19 years, I have personally been affected by the mandated changes and requirements,often times unfunded,from the New York State Department of Education. Being innovative
is a way of life for educators. I hope to continue to bring that innovativeness to Byron-Bergen Central School. I am also
a member of the district’s STEP Boosters and coach youth athletics through the Gillam Grant Community Center.

My goals are to continue to give all the children of the Byron-Bergen community the greatest opportunities, while still being fiscally responsible to the community.We need to ensure
that our students can be competitive with students from all other schools. If re-elected to the Board of Education, I will continue to gather information from the community and share my experiences to benefit the entire district.Thank you for considering my application.

is important. I find great personal satisfaction in knowing that I have a role in confronting challenges and working to help our students succeed.

During my time on the Board, I’ve been part of the High School Collaborative Improvement Team, the Character Cluster, theAudit Committee,and the Facilities Committee.Each year, I feel more educated about the budget planning process. I’ve seen how difficult it is to put a good budget together and then communicate the need to our voters.

I’m seeking re-election because I still have much to learn and am eager to do so. I love how our small community — our village and town governments,fire departments,Facility Association, Gillam Grant Community Center, churches, and other community organizations — all communicate to make
decisions that benefit everyone, especially our students. My goal is to continue to support our district’s mission and vision. It is our job to work together to provide what is needed to our B-B students so they leave our schools as lifelong learners and people of strong character.

B-B Budget, ProPoSition Vote, & Board candidate election Tuesday, May 16, 2017 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jr./Sr.High SchoolWrestling/Fitness Room (Northwest corner of High School)

8     Byron-Bergen Central School District

Budget Issue2017-18

Jr./Sr. High School Happenings By Patrick McGee, Principal

I have been fortunate to attend events recently recognizing our students and staff:

• In March,11 of our students were recognized as part of the National Technical Honor Society.We are very proud to send students to the Batavia Career and Technical
campus to experience a wide variety of programs.These students have excelled in their current program and should be proud of this accomplishment.

• We were represented in a big way at the 2017Youth Recognition Banquet held by the Genesee County and City of Batavia Youth Boards.Three current students, two alumni, and a faculty member were all recognized for their contributions to our community.
• AdultYouthWorker:Jr./Sr.High School CounselorAndrea Feeney.

• Youth RecognitionAwards:Evan Harter, Brian Ireland, and Lily Liles.

• Spirit of Service:Makayla Fee (2015 graduate).

• BusinessAward:T-Shirts Etc., Inc. — owned by Beth (Barnard) Kemp (2000 graduate) and her husband, Brian.
• I am so proud of our girls’soccer program.Recently,I had the privilege to join members of our girls’ soccer team to present a check of over $3,200 to the Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital.These girls worked so hard fundraising for a great cause.

We are excited about our plans to offer an agricultural course elective next year.We are also going to be starting an FFA program for the 2017-2018 school year. Over the last few months, we have created an FFAAdvisory

Board consisting of key stakeholders who can provide great insight into getting our program off the ground.We are fortunate at Byron-Bergen to have an Ag.-certified teacher, Jeff Parnapy, who will be vital in kick starting
the program. I am so excited for this program, as I feel it is a necessity in a rural school district like ours.

There have been many exciting events lately for College and Career
Readiness,and we’ve been happy to see so many families taking advantage of the opportunities.

• College Readiness Night • ASVABAdministered
• National College Fair at Rochester Convention Center

• Career Day at SUNY Geneseo • GCCTechWars
• Accuplacer exam - planning to attend GCC or take GCC Promise Plus Courses

• Imagine RIT (May 6)

Our athletes continue to excel in sports and in the classroom.

• Over 30 winter student athletes were recognized as NYS Scholar-Athletes for having an average of above 90. Kudos to these students for excelling as student athletes during the winter season.

• For the second straight year,our wrestling team won a Section V title. We also sent three of our wrestlers
on to the State tournament in Albany. Congratulations to Will Thompson for finishing fourth in the State tournament.

• Our boys’basketball team achieved their best record in over 10 years. Senior Brandon Burke also became the first 1,000-point scorer in school history.

• Our girls’basketball team finished
14-8, second in the league, and led all of our winter sports teams with eight scholar-athletes.

• Our swim team finished the season with three All-Stars, as well as a new record-setting diver. Congrats to Rebecca Johnson on setting the diving record this year.

• Our cheer team had another strong season finishing in the top 10 in the Section V championships.They also had two All-Stars.

I would like to recognize music teacher and creator of this year’s original musical, Laurence Tallman, and the
cast and crew of “(10) Again.” I am so proud of the countless hours they all put in, and am amazed at the talent that was on display. It was an absolute pleasure watching the performances of our students. It speaks volumes to the dedication of Mr.Tallman as a teacher that he wrote his own musical for our students to perform.

Moving into May and June, be sure to watch your calendars for important upcoming events. Our Senior High Band Concert is on May 10, Senior High Vocal Concert on May 16, Academic andAthletic Recognition
Night on May 31, 7/8 Spring Concert on June 1, and Graduation on June 24.

Home of the Bees	9

Scholar-Athletes

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) honors students that excel in the classroom at the
end of each sport season.To receive this honor, each individual varsity athlete must achieve a scholastic average of 90 or above grade-point average (GPA) during their sport season. Congratulations to the following Byron-Bergen winter season athletes:

Boys’ Basketball Brandon Burke Chase Felton
Dillon Montgomery Colin Noeth Ryan Richardson

Cheerleading Reanne Dressler Makenzie Muoio

Girls’ Basketball Jenna Amesbury Jean Denson Kelsey Fuller Hailey Hubbard
Karson Richenberg Mary Sweeney Miriam Tardy
Dana VanValkenburg

Swimming Caitlin Ashton Mackenzie Fox Morgan Fuller Margaret Graney Annaliese Hersom Celia Mercovich Brittany Rada Alaura Rehwaldt

Wrestling Cameron Brumsted Jared Fregoe Justin Hannan Hunter Leach Adam Walter

Girls State and Boys State

The Bergen American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary recently announced the Byron-Bergen school representatives who will be attending Empire Girls State and Boys State this summer. Margaret Graney, daughter of Sean and Bobbie Graney; and
Hayley Hoehn, daughter of Charles Hoehn and Jennifer Hoehn, will
be representing Byron-Bergen at Empire Girls State at The College of Brockport.Representing Byron-Bergen at Empire Boys State, held at SUNY Morrisville, will be Nathan Knickerbocker, son of Kevin and Stefanie
Knickerbocker.	American Legion Boys and Girls State representatives from Byron-Bergen include Nathan
Representatives to Girls and Boys	Knickerbocker (Boys State), Margaret Graney State are selected from the current	(Girls State), and Hayley Hoehn (Girls State). junior class by members of the
Legion and Auxiliary based on various criteria, including academic achievement, leadership,character,and other personal qualities.During the last week of June and early July, hundreds of young women and men from across New York State will participate in a practical government course.The program is designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon them the fact that their government is just what they make it.They will create bills, participate in campaigns, rallies, speeches, and develop a platform. They will also participate on various legislative committees. Information on this educational program can be found at www.boysandgirlsstate.org.

The Byron-Bergen Central School District is very grateful to the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary for sponsoring and funding such a great opportunity for our students every year.

Wrestling Club Annual Chicken Barbecue

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 • 4–7 p.m. Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria

Presale tickets $9.00 • ($10.00 at the door)

For tickets,see any wrestler or contact Rich Hannan at 494-1220, ext. 2003.

10 Byron-Bergen Central School District

counselor Andrea Feeney.
Budget Issue2017-18

Evan Harter receives School-Community Partnership Award

The Collaborative Improvement Team’s Community Cluster presents a School-Community Partnership Award each semester to recognize students for their contributions to the Byron-Bergen community.This special award was created in an effort to highlight students who choose to “go the extra mile” in their community, therefore distinguishing them as ambassadors from the school community.The Community Cluster is pleased to present this award to Evan Harter for the first semester of 2016-17. School Counselor
Andrea Feeney nominated him for making an outstanding contribution to the community and being a role model for his peers at Byron-Bergen.

Students Brian Ireland (front left), Evan Harter (center), and Lilly Liles (r) were recently honored with the 2017 Youth Recognition Award by the Genesee County and City of Batavia Youth Boards for their contributions to the community. Counselor Andrea Feeney (back, left) was recognized as an Adult Youth Worker.

Evan is one of the founding members of the Kiwanis Builder’s Club and has been a part of the process from the beginning, which
Ninth-grade student Evan Harter
received the School-Community
Partnership Award from school
involved applying for a Builder’s Club Charter from Kiwanis Club. He is currently the club’s treasurer. He started his community service at age 9, and has put in over 300 hours of service by the age of 15. He volunteers at several
breakfast and barbecue fundraisers, has been a
bell ringer for the Salvation Army, and assisted with the annual Elementary School Harvest Festival.He has been involved with raising money for many community projects.Feeney hopes that his peers will be inspired to emulate the kindness and empathy he displays towards others.

Nomination forms for this special award can be found on the Byron-Bergen District website,www.bbschools.org, and are available in the Sr. High School Office.

HOBY representative named

Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminars have been held yearly throughout the United States and Canada since 1958.The purpose of HOBY (www.hoby.org) is to provide sophomore students the opportunity to meet many distinguished leaders of the community from various sectors such as business, technology, education, government, arts, and science.Through intense but informal panel discussions, HOBY participants get a realistic look at their nation, its people, and their own role in the world community.

Every year, all sophomores are eligible and encouraged to apply for this exceptional leadership seminar.This year,Adam Drake, son of Gary and Amy Drake, was selected as the Byron-Bergen High School HOBY Ambassador. Drake, together with sophomores from around the country, was selected based on a variety of criteria including leadership ability, sensitivity to others, communication skills, and community service.The seminar will be held in early June at the University of Rochester.

Adam Drake

Home of the Bees 11

National Junior Honor Society Induction

Twenty-five students from the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School were inducted as new members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on March 22.They proudly joined the 38 standing members of the school’s NJHS.

The NJHS program highlights the well-rounded students at Byron-Bergen. Inductees are selected based on their high standards of scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership, and character.All members are required to demonstrate their achievements in each of these areas.

The traditional lighting of the candles symbolizing the tenets
of the NJHS: character, service, leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.

The 2017 new members are:

7th Grade Jared Barnum Rachel Best Madison Burke Caleb Carlson Sadie Cook
Makenzie Eccleston Grace Huhn Brooke Jarkiewicz Meghan Kendall Madelynn Pimm Elli Schelemanow Grace Shepard Alayna Streeter Ella VanValkenburg Alexandra Vurraro Claire Williams
Corden Zimmerman

8th Grade Zoey Chambry Carli Kirkwood Andrew Parnapy Sarah Streeter Devon Zinter

9th Grade Kelsey Fuller Mikaela Hubler Miriam Tardy

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School 2017 National Junior Honor Society Inductees.

The evening began with a welcome from faculty advisor Ken Gropp, and NJHS Vice President Nathan Zwerka led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.The ceremony continued with opening remarks from Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Principal Patrick McGee. Students Cambria Kinkelaar
and Siomara Caballero led the traditional candle lighting with help from Nick Baubie,Alex Brumsted,Amaya Gunther, Colby Leggo, and Jillian Menzie.

NJHS President Abby Vurraro addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of failure.“It’s what you do after you fail that really counts,” she said.

The induction ceremony featured two guest speakers who were chosen by NJHS members: Byron-Bergen teachers Diana Walther and Laurence Tallman.“Different is good,” said Tallman.“Our diversity is ultimately what unifies us.”

As part of the induction ceremony, each new inductee received a certificate and pin, and the distinct honor to be a part of
the National Junior Honor Society. Over a million students participate in NJHS: https://www.njhs.us/. Membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

12 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Budget Issue2017-18

Elementary School News By Brian Meister, Principal

Our District Mission is to	paths for our students to explore. “challenge, engage, and	Our students are receiving 21st nurture students to pursue	century learning experiences in a life-long commitment	the areas of science, technology, to personal and academic	engineering, and math (STEM) achievement and strong	throughout their elementary character.”To bring this	school years.
mission to life, our Character
Education Committee has	March 2 was ReadAcross fostered strong character by	America Day, and the elementary identifying positive character	students and staff celebrated Dr. traits.These traits are taught	Seuss’ birthday by dressing as
Students Lily Whitney and Lelyn Krause help Principal
Meister with his math.
and reinforced in classrooms,	their favorite Dr. Seuss character and celebrated at monthly	and cheering on The Cat in Character Education	the Hat and other characters in celebrations.A few of our	our annual reading parade. In monthly themes have included                                                                                                    preparation for this day, students respect, responsibility, gratitude,                                                                                                   created birthday cards, posters, and kindness, and our most recent, acceptance. Each program starts      banners to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
out with a school-wide recognition of students who have
consistently exhibited the previous month’s trait. Everyone	Once again, students in grades 3-6 participated in the annual cheers as the recipients are called up to the front to receive	storytelling competitions.This year’s program took on a new their certificates.Then it is on to the show. Each grade level	twist.Recently retired teacher and popular local storyteller has taken on the responsibility of developing an instructional	Rick Merritt returned and provided instruction and guidance performance to introduce their new trait.This past month, our	to interested participants. Students at each grade level
third-graders introduced “teamwork.” Past performances have	prepared and practiced telling stories in front of an audience. included songs, dance, skits, and more.These fun, high-energy	School-based competitions were held in March, with the top programs have become a hit with students and families.For the	storytellers in grades 4-6 were invited to the annual Storytelling kids, they are unforgettable.	Festival held at Pavilion Middle/High School onApril 6.

The Elementary School’s Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) Lab continues to provide highly engaging learning opportunities to students in grades K-6. It applies Project Based Learning principles to the areas of programming and robotics. Earlier this year, Byron-Bergen Elementary was honored by the New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) and SUNY Polytechnic with the 2016 Be the Change for Kids Innovation Award. Not only was this an immense source of pride for our school and community, but it also carried with it a $5,000 award.This money has gone toward instructional computer and robotic technology that has opened numerous

Word has spread as many of our school officials are taking to Twitter to share news and updates from throughout the district, as well as recognizing students and staff for their accomplishments. I encourage parents, families, and friends to follow me @MrBrianMeister as we continue to make
Byron-Bergen the place to be for children.As always, I would like to thank our community, parents, and friends for their continued support of our school.If you have any questions, please contact me at 494-1220 or by email at bmeister@bbschools.org.

Home of the Bees 13

Girls’ soccer team raises $3,200 for Wilmot Cancer Institute

On March 13, representatives from the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr.High School girls’ soccer team visited the University of Rochester Medicine’sWilmot Cancer Institute.Seniors OliviaAudsley,Karson Richenberg,and Kelsey Mauer were there to present a check for $3,200 to help combat head and neck cancer.
The team, led by Coach Wayne Hill, has been raising funds to support cancer awareness for many years.This is the third year they have focused on head and neck cancer,in honor of Richenberg’s mother,Toni,who has throat cancer.

This year’s fundraiser, which raised $1,800 more than last year, was held in September 2016. It was supported by many local businesses, including Sloat Tire Shop,Fullerino’s Pizzeria,and NAPAAuto Parts in Bergen.Donated products and services filled gift baskets that were auctioned off during halftime at one of the team’s games.

Principal Patrick McGee said,“I am so proud of our girls’ efforts.They have showed over the past few years a true commitment to fighting cancer. I would also like to thank everyone in our community for their extraordinary generosity and for supporting our students and all of their hard work.”

UR Medicine’sWilmot Cancer Institute is the Finger Lakes region’s leader for cancer care and research.To learn more, visit www.wilmot.urmc.edu.

Byron-Bergen girls’ soccer team members with Wilmot Cancer Institute staff. (front, l-r) Principal Patrick McGee, Coach Wayne Hill, teammates Olivia Audsley, Karson Richenberg, and Kelsey Mauer, and mother Toni Richenberg

Scholar Program

The Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School’s academic incentive program recognizes students for their good effort, attendance, and academics.This reward program is named the “Scholar Program” and the cards achieved are Gold, Silver, Bronze, and

Special Recognition.At the end of the year,monetary awards are presented atAcademic andAthletic Recognition Night to seniors who have maintained a solid record of attaining cards throughout their high school career.

The Scholar Program Committee is pleased to announce the 2016-17 second marking period recipients:

Gold Scholar Larissa Ashton Jared Barnum Nicholas Baubie Rachel Best Lindsey Bowman Dillon Brew Bianca Brumsted Brandon Burke Madison Burke Siomara Caballero Hallie Calhoun Grace Campbell Lydia Campbell Caleb Carlson Benjamin Chaback Emily Chaback Jonah Clare Sadie Cook Alexander Dean

Brionna DeMichel Jean Denson Richard Denson Elizabeth Donnelly Adam Drake Makenzie Eccleston Marlaina Fee Joshua Fleming Kyle Foeller Mackenzie Fox Sara Fraser Kelsey Fuller Emma Goodman Sara Goodman Margaret Graney Angelique Heick Tyler Henry
Annaliese Hersom Hope Hersom Hailey Hubbard

Grace Huhn Brian Ireland Kelly Ireland Brooke Jarkiewicz Daniel Jensen William Johnson
Cambria Kinkelaar Carli Kirkwood Hunter Leach Colby Leggo Alexandria Loewke Jillian Menzie Andrew Parnapy Madelynn Pimm Grace Pulcini Alaura Rehwaldt Kameron Robinson Elli Schelemanow Grace Shepard Chloe Shuskey

Kevin Smith Alayna Streeter Sarah Streeter
Dana VanValkenburg Ella VanValkenburg Alexandra Vurraro Claire Williams Kaitlyn Windhauser Corden Zimmerman Michael Zwerka

Silver Scholar Sarah Bleiler Cole Carlson Zoey Chambry Eden Goff Mitchell Gonyea Chad Green Alyssa Hing Shaun LoVerdi

Kitana Maher Julia Menzie Erin Parnapy Jaden Pocock Logan Pocock Garrett Sando Miriam Tardy Nathan Zwerka

Bronze Scholar Hannah Catalino Jordan Gardner Brandon Kropf Logan Lewis Melissa MacCowan Joshua Phelps RobertYohon,III

Special Recognition Aleigha Shallenbeger

14 Byron-Bergen Central School District

”
Budget Issue2017-18 Our District earns 2017 School Safety Excellence Award

The Byron-Bergen Central School District is one of 136 school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National lnsurance Group’s School Safety Excellence
Award for 2017. District Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Jr./Sr. High School Principal Patrick McGee accepted the top, titanium-level award and a $500 prize, to be used to further safety efforts, on April 21.

“This is an affirmation of all the safety and security initiatives our district has been taking,” said Edwards.“Our school resource officer recently completed a district-wide safety audit, and he has made remarkable personal connections with our students and staff. Our
culture includes the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and regular character building events and activities at all grade levels.We have implemented a number of measures, including the New York State Sheriff’s Association (NYSSA) Rapid Responder® Program, an all-hazards site-based

“Providing a safe and secure learning

environment for our

students,teachers,

staff,and visitors is

our first Priority.

crisis management system, and a large security camera system that oversees buildings and grounds. Current security also includes a comprehensive visitor management system in all schools that is used for visitor background checks and ID badges.”

“Providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students, teachers, staff, and visitors is our first priority,”

he said.“We are honored to receive this recognition.”

The School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels — titanium, platinum and gold — and annual awards are given based on quantifiable measurements of excellence in categories that include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas. Utica National has kept children and school staff safe for over 40 years, and currently insures more than
300 school districts in upstate New York alone.

“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” said Brian Saville, resident senior
vice president in Utica National’s Educational Institutions Unit.“Districts that go above and beyond to provide
a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we’re pleased to count Byron-Bergen Central School District among them.”

2017 Sportsmanship Summit

Seven student-athletes and three coaches, along with an administrator attended this year’s Section V Sportsmanship Summit held at SUNY Geneseo in early April.They participated in multiple activities and seminars geared towards this year’s theme of Inspirational Leadership. Students Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe,Rebecca Johnson,Janae Meister,MacKenzie Rosse,Lucas Stucchio, and Wade Thompson participated in the ice breaking and cooperative games portion of the Summit,“Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today through Athletics.”These activities
for the student-athletes occurred simultaneously with interactive presentations for our SectionV coaches Rich Hannan,Nick Muhlenkamp, and Chad Smith. Jr./Sr. High Principal Patrick McGee was also in attendance participating in “Proactively Tracking Your Students’ Social Media,” and “Proactive Coaching vs.Reactive Coaching.”

Home of the Bees 15

Storytelling 2017

The School Library System of Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) sponsors a Storytelling Festival for students in grades 3-8 every year.The goals are to provide a rich learning experience for the participants and to help build language skills and self-confidence. Public speaking skills are also strengthened. Each school in the School Library System holds a building-level selection process. This year, Byron-Bergen students in grades 4, 5, and 6 were selected (two per grade level) to participate in the 2017 Storytelling Festival at Pavilion Middle/High School held on April 6.

Congratulations to our storytelling winners and all of the Byron-Bergen participants.

Fourth-Grade Storytelling Winners (l-r): Deborah Catalino and Rose Wilson (team), first place; Adam Piper and Jack Farner (team) second; and Mikayla Yohon, third.

Sixth-Grade: (l-r) Ava Wagoner and Kendall Phillips (team), second; Joshua Tardy first-place tie; Grace Capostagno, third; and Dayanara Caballero, first-place tie.

Fifth-Grade: (l-r) Hannah Loeke, third; Callista Kinkelaar, second; and Coral Allbright, first.

SubStituteS Wanted

Do you have an interest in helping Byron-Bergen CSD in the capacity of substitute teacher, substitute teacher aide, substitute office aide, or food service worker?

If so, please visit the employment section of our website at www.bbschools.org and complete the non-instructional

Fourth Grade: Vict ria Rog yski,
ergen, NY 14416.
application (teacher aide, office aide, food service worker), and instructional application (substitute teacher). Please submit the application (viaomail oroin person) to: P. Gunio – District Office, Byron-Bergen CSD, 6917 West Bergen Road, BMadison Fuller, and Hanna Loewke.

16 Byron-Bergen Central School District

Budget Issue2017-18 Student Showcase

“Rose Window” Markers

By: Jorie Strzelecki, grade 7

Art Teacher: Mrs.Auer

“Advanced Clay Vessel” Clay

By: Cameron Shenk, grade 11

Art Teacher: Mrs.Auer

“Advanced Clay Vessel” Clay

By: Melanie MacCowan, grade 12

Art Teacher: Mrs.Auer

“Starry Night” Pastel and Paint on Paper

By: Leyna Wheeler, grade 6 Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Ed Sheeran” Acrylic on Canvas

By: Mackenzie Fox, grade 12

Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

“Butterfly” Mixed Media

By: Emma Thomas, gr. K Art Teacher: Mrs. Coniglio

“Rural Scene” Acrylic on Canvas

By: Mary Sweeney, grade 12

Art Teacher: Mrs. Fritz

Home of the Bees 17

Byron-Bergen Central School District

We’re here to serve you and your family
delicious breakfasts and lunches. Convenient, economical, and healthy meals served July 10-August 11, 2017.

Monday - Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

July 10 through August 11, 2017

Breakfast served 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. & Lunch served 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Held at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971 W. Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416

No paperwork required...just show up for a great Breakfast and Lunch.

This establishment is an equal opportunity employer/provider.

Music Notes

Jr./Sr. High School Drama Club presents No Signs of Intelligent Life

May 5 - 7 p.m. May 6 - 2 p.m.
Jr./Sr.High Auditorium

Sr. High Spring Band Concert May 10 - 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr.High Auditorium

Sr. High Spring Vocal Concert May 16 - 7 p.m. Jr./Sr.High Auditorium

Grades 7-8 Spring Concert June 1 - 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr.High Auditorium

Grades 5-6 Spring Concert June 6 - 7 p.m. Jr./Sr.High Auditorium

Grade 4 Spring Concert June 13 - 7 p.m.
Elementary Cafetorium

18 Byron-Bergen Central School District

WNY Tech Academy

Spring is a busy time of year in all schools, and the Western New York Tech Academy is no different. Plans are finalizing for our second annual Mentor Week & Job Expo, to be held the week of May 15.The theme of this year’s program is “Looking
forward … Connecting the dots.”Throughout this week, we will welcome many of our mentors and business partners in to work with our students on topics ranging from resume writing and effective interviewing to entrepreneurship and mindfulness.We’re really excited about this year’s program that will culminate with a job expo to be held in the gym, where our students will be able to practice the many skills they will learn about throughout the week.

Also happening this spring: our 11th-grade team is completing their project proposals to bring a greenhouse to campus. If successful, this greenhouse will serve as a learning lab that will integrate our three academic pathways — Food Processing Technology,Accounting, and Supply Chain Management.We’re excited to welcome representatives from National Grid and Bonduelle in early June, and present our proposals to them. Both companies have expressed interest in providing support for this project, and we look forward to exploring that possibility with them.

Budget Issue2017-18

Looking ahead to next year, we’re incredibly excited to welcome, what will be our fourth cohort of students. Each year since our inception, we have seen growth in our enrollment numbers and the 2017-18 cohort will prove to be our largest yet.To date, 29 new students from 12 regional school districts are expected to attend the Western New York Tech Academy next year.With that, our program has grown to over 80 students in the three years
our doors have been open.This would not have been possible without the wonderful partnerships we have formed with our partnering school districts, businesses, and families throughout the region!

Lastly, we’re proud to announce that the Western New York Tech Academy has been nominated by the Genesee County YWCA for the Women of Distinction – Economic Empowerment Award for 2017.This award recognizes our program’s mission
of preparing students for high-skill and financially stable career opportunities.This award is truly a reflection of the hard work so many people have put in to get this program off the ground. On behalf of our entire team, we are so thankful to the many partnerships we have formed and we look forward to fostering them to the benefit of our graduates.THANK YOU!

District-Level Collaborative Improvement Team seeks an at-large representative

The Byron-Bergen District-Level Collaborative Improvement Team (DLCIT) serves as a key communication link among the building-level Collaborative Improvement Teams in the District.This group meets approximately five times a year to coordinate District efforts to improve student achievement.

All interested members of the Byron-Bergen community are invited to apply for an “at-large” position.Any person who resides or works in the District is eligible, including parents, grandparents, staff, members of local businesses, and students currently in grades 8-11. Simply return the application below by Thursday, May 27, 2017. If you have questions,please call Patty Gunio,Secretary to the Superintendent,at (585) 494-1220 ext. 2329.

Byron-Bergen DLCIT Application for an At-Large Representative

Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone __________________________ Work Phone ______________________________________________

Occupation _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a statement in which you explain why are you interested in serving on the DLCIT, which group(s) within our school community you believe that you represent, and what you, as an individual, could bring to the group.

Return the completed application no later than May 25, 2017 to: P. Gunio, Secretary to the Superintendent Byron-Bergen Central School District 6917West Bergen Road Bergen, New York 14416

Home of the Bees 19

Superintendent Mickey Edwards

Board of Education Debra List, President Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Vice President Kimberly Carlson William Forsyth Tammy Menzie Amy Phillips
Jennifer VanValkenburg

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Brockport, NY Permit No. 7

Editor Gayla Starowitz

Graphic Designer Lisa Constantine

w w w.bbschools.org

BYRON-BERGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Budget, Proposition Vote, and Board Candidate Election Tuesday, May 16, 2017 • 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Wrestling/Fitness Room (Northwest corner of the High School)

ProPoSition #1 - For the purpose of adopting a budget of $22,767,497 for the 2017-18 school year.

YES ¨	NO ¨

ProPoSition #2 - To authorize the purchase of one (1) 66-passenger bus, one (1) 72-passenger bus, and one (1) 15-passenger bus with a wheelchair station, and one (1) minivan at a cost not to exceed $303,960.

for the PurPoSe of electing two (2) MeMBerS of the Board of education for terMS of three (3) yearS exPiring June 30, 2020.
1.	Amy Phillips

2.	Tamatha Menzie

Voter eligiBility
1. A citizen of the United States
2. A resident of the District for 30 days preceding the vote 3. At least 18 years of age

YES ¨	NO ¨

20 Byron-Bergen Central School District