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Focal PBYRON-BERGEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Budget 2021

Interim Superintendent’s Message

Dear Byron-Bergen Community,

The Byron-Bergen Central School District Board
of Education unanimously adopted the proposed 2021-22 expense budget during its April 8, 2021 meeting.

This year, the budget process was made more difficult due to a number of factors including the impact of federal stimulus funds, the late New York State budget, and the unknown circumstances that the next school year may bring. Through prudent stewardship of District
funds and the assistance of federal stimulus aid, we are able to present a budget with a 0.0%
tax levy increase for next year. At the same time, we will have the funding available to focus on the District goal of continuous academic improvement while supporting innovation and college and career readiness.

We also have been granted Federal Stimulus Funds to be used over four years that are designated to assist in making up for any learning losses caused by students being out of school during the last few months of the 2019-20 school year along with the impact of

the hybrid and remote learning portions of the 2020-21 school year. We will be learning more about the approved uses for those funds, but initial planning directions are for use with one-time costs to avoid having a funding gap at the end of the term of the grant. We will keep the community updated as we develop strategies to support our students through the use of these funds.

The following are on the ballot for May 18th:

Proposition 1: 2021-22 Proposed Budget

The $24,991,065 proposed budget projects a 1.59% increase over last year’s budget. As a result of additional revenue through the federal government, there is no planned increase in the tax levy to support the expense budget. The
District has been conservative in its approach to ensure that there is not a significant amount to replace when the federal stimulus funding ends.

Proposition 2: Bus Purchase

This proposition includes purchasing two buses and one minivan at a cost not-to-exceed $249,850. The state aid ratio is approximately
90%, making the net local share $11,317.50 per bus and $2,350 for the minivan. The estimated average cost for the bus proposition is less than $1.00 per year on a house valued at $100,000.

Board of Education Trustee Election:

Two Board of Education trustees will be elected to serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021. See page 7 for more information about the candidates.

We encourage you to review the information on the following pages to learn more about the budget, propositions, and Board candidates. Community members will also have an opportunity to learn more about the budget and candidates at a public hearing on May 11th at
6 p.m. via Zoom. The link will be available through the Byron-Bergen Central School District website under the Board of Education tab.
The public budget presentation, bus purchase proposition, and additional resources are posted on our website.

Please feel free to contact our Business Office at (585) 494-1220 if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support and we encourage you to exercise your right to vote on May 18, 2021.

Byron-Bergen Central School

MISSION	District’s MISSIONis to inspire, prepare, and support using the

VALUES of compassion, humility, VALUES	VISION	kindness, and persistence with
the VISION to change the world.

BUDGET VOTE - MAY 18, 2021

Three part budget expenditures

New York State law requires that school districts present the proposed budget in three parts: administrative, educational program, and capital.

Administrative component – includes expenses for the Board of Education, central administration, instructional supervision, curriculum development, legal services, central data processing, newsletters, mailing, internet, and employee benefits attributable to salaries included in these functions.

Educational program component – includes expenditures for instructional programs, school library/ audiovisual, attendance, counseling, health services, interscholastic athletics, student transportation, transfers to special aid fund, and employee benefits attributable to salaries included in these functions.

Capital component – includes expenses for operations and maintenance, grounds, security, utilities, principal and interest payments for debt service, transfers to capital fund, and employee benefits attributable to salaries included in these functions.

Total Budget: $24,991,065

Educational Program 69%

Administrative 9%

Capital

22%

Component
	Actual budget 2020-21
	Proposed Budget 2021-22
	
ADMINISTRATIVE
			
Board of Education
	$26,450
	$24,450
	
Central administration
	$253,415
	$259,525
	
Finance
	$367,849
	$372,544
	
Legal services
	$107,776
	$120,057
	
Public information
	$86,500
	$86,500
	
Other central services
	$41,050
	$143,250
	
Other special items
	$263,792
	$250,687
	
Curriculum, development & supervision
	$146,558
	$104,911
	
Supervision regular & special schools
	$537,428
	$584,156
	
Employee benefits
	$368,198
	$372,322
	
TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE
	$2,199,016
	$2,318,402

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
			
Teaching regular school
	$6,416,265
	$6,368,387
	
Teaching special school
	$2,874,261
	$3,076,761
	
Pupil personnel services (attendance, counseling, health, psychologist, clubs, athletics, recreation/civic activities)
	
$2,581,345
	
$2,625,262
	
Pupil transportation
	$1,173,528
	$1,201,295
	
Garage building
	$81,315
	$80,570
	
Contract transportation and community service
	$4,000
	$4,000
	
Employee benefits
	$3,849,725
	$3,904,093
	
TOTAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
	$16,980,439
	$17,260,368

CAPITAL
			
Operations of plant
	$978,532
	$971,870
	
Maintenance of plant
	$736,843
	$758,067
	
Other special items
	$167,433
	$167,433
	
Principal/interest payments
	$3,205,329
	$3,180,120
	
Transfer to Capital Fund for Outlay Project*
	$100,000
	$100,000
	
Employee benefits
	$232,208
	$234,805
	
TOTAL CAPITAL
	$5,420,345
	$5,412,295

TOTAL BUDGET
	$24,599,800
	$24,991,065

*Transfer to Capital Fund for Outlay Project

The 2021-22 general fund proposed budget includes a capital outlay project at the Bus Garage/Maintenance Building. This project will include the replacement of overhead garage doors, entry doors, HVAC upgrades, and plumbing upgrades. The total cost of the project will not exceed $100,000 and is aided through NYS building aid. By completing this work in the 2021-22 school year, the District will receive the NYS building aid in the subsequent year.

Component
	Actual budget 2020-21
	Proposed budget 2021-22
	Dollar increase (decrease)
	Percentage increase (decrease)
	
Administrative
	$2,199,016
	$2,318,402
	$119,386
		
Educational program
	$16,980,439
	$17,260,368
	$279,929
		
Capital
	$5,420,345
	$5,412,295
	($8,050)
		
TOTAL BUDGET
	$24,599,800
	$24,991,065
	$391,265
	1.59%

2 Byron Bergen Focal Point

2%
2021-22 Revenue

Revenue Sources
	Actual Budget 2020-21
	Proposed Budget 2021-22
	
Local property tax & STAR
	$9,024,961
	$9,024,961
	
Other tax items
	$117,523
	$125,075
	
Sales tax
	$25,000
	$35,000
	
Charges for services
	$12,000
	$12,000
	
Use of money & property
	$104,000
	$104,000
	
Other revenue
	$245,000
	$245,800
	
State aid
	$14,051,316
	$14,789,229
	
Federal aid
	$20,000
	$30,000
	
Reserves
	$0
	$200,000
	
Appropriated fund balance
	$1,000,000
	$425,000
	
TOTAL
	$24,599,800
	$24,991,065

Total Proposed Revenues: $24,991,065

State Aid 59%

Reserves and

Balance
Appropriated Fund	Other Income	Local Share 36%
3%

School bus proposition

2021-22 Proposed Expenditures

Proposed Expenditures
	Actual Budget 2020-21
	Proposed Budget 2021-22
	
Board of Education, Central Administration & District Office
	
$755,490
	
$776,577
	
Maintenance
	$1,700,929
	$1,729,937
	
Printing, postage, liability insurance, BOCES administrative cost
	
$558,776
	
$647,870

Supervision
	
$698,431
	
$689,068
	
Instruction – regular
	$6,361,177
	$6,368,387

Instruction – special education
	
$2,934,022
	
$3,076,761
	
Occupational education & summer school
	
$768,205
	
$774,875
	
Audio/Visual, Technology & Student services
	
$1,287,077
	
$1,362,512

Co-curricular/Inter-scholastic
	
$487,875
	
$487,875
	
Transportation & community service
	
$1,258,843
	
$1,285,865

Employee benefits
	
$4,483,646
	
$4,511,218
	
Transfer to Debt Service Fund for Debt Payment
	
$3,205,329
	
$3,180,120

Transfer to Capital Fund for Capital Outlay Project
	
$100,000
	
$100,000
	
TOTAL
	$24,599,800
	$24,991,065

Total Proposed Expenditures: $24,991,065

The District will have a proposition to purchase replacement school buses on the ballot on May 18, 2021 in an amount $249,850. The proposition
includes the purchase of two buses and one minivan. If approved, the district will purchase two (2) 66-passenger buses and one (1) minivan. With the purchase of buses annually, the District will continue to have the fleet of 30 school vehicles on a nine-year replacement schedule.

Byron-Bergen is receiving approximately 90% state transportation aid on our 2020-21 school bus purchase. If the aid ratio remains the same for these two new buses, the District would receive $224,865 in aid

with the remaining $24,985 local share being financed over five years ($4,997 each year). The impact of $4,997 on the levy is less than $.01 per thousand of assessed value or less than $1.00 on a $100,000 home per year.

Summary of bus proposition:

• Proposition amount = $249,850 • Proposed # of buses = 2
• Proposed # of minivans = 1

• State transportation aid = $224,865 • Local share = $24,985
• Local share per bus = $11,317.50

• Local share for the minivan = $2,350 • Tax increase for a $100,000 home =

less than $1.00/year

General Support 13%

Interfund Transfers
0%

Instruction 51%

Debt Service

13%

Transportation

5%

Employee Benefits
18%

Budget 2021 3

School District Budget Notice

Overall Budget Proposal
	
Budget Adopted for the 2020-21 School Year
	
Budget Proposed for the 2021-22 School Year
	
Contingency Bud-get for the 2021-22 School Year *

Total budgeted amount, not including separate propositions
	
$24,599,800
	
$24,991,065
	
$24,868,158
	
Increase/decrease for the 2021-22 school year
		$391,265
	$268,358

Percentage increase/decrease in proposed budget
		
1.59 %
	
1.09%
	
Change in the consumer price index
		1.23%

A. Proposed levy to support the total budgeted amount
	$9,024,961
	$9,024,961
		
B. Levy to support library debt, if applicable
	$0
	$0
		
C. Levy for non-excludable propositions, if applicable
	$0
	$0
		
D. Total tax cap reserve amount used to reduce current year levy
	$0
	$0
		
E. Total proposed school year tax levy (A + B + C - D)
	$9,024,961
	$9,024,961
	$9,024,961
	
F. Total Permissible Exclusions
	$308,512
	$189,703

G. School tax levy limit, Excluding levy for permissible exclusions
	
$8,716,449
	
$8,835,258
		
H. Total proposed school year tax levy, Excluding levy to support library debt and/or permissible exclusions (E – B – F + D)
	
$8,716,449
	
$8,835,258

I. Difference: G – H (negative value requires 60.0% Voter approval – See note below regarding separate propositions) **
	
$0
	
$0

Administrative component
	$2,199,016
	$2,318,402
	$2,288,678
	
Program component
	$16,980,439
	$17,260,368
	$17,243,209
	
Capital component
	$5,420,345
	$5,412,295
	$5,336,271

The 2021-22 tax levy amount would remain the same as the 2020-21 actual tax levy amount with a zero percent increase. The 2021-22 budget reductions include the elimination of all equipment purchases (per Education Law), elimination of public newsletters, reduction of staff development, elimination of community recreation, and reduction in materials and supplies purchases.

Description
	Amount
	
Acquisition of two (2) 66-passenger school buses and one (1) minivan
	
$249,850

	Under the Budget Proposed for the 2021-22 School Year

Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings1
	$712 (Batavia) $680 (Riga & Sweden)
$698 (Byron & Elba) $717 (All Others)

The annual budget vote for the fiscal year 2021-22 by the qualified voters of the Byron-Bergen School District, Genesee, Monroe, and Orleans Counties, New York, will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time in the Jr./Sr. High School building, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot. For this year only, voters can request an absentee ballot application for an absentee ballot due to “fear of COVID.” To receive an absentee ballot application please contact Rachel Stevens at taxcollector@bbschools.org or call (585) 494-1220 ext. 2529.

* Name, phone number, and address required.

1. The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.

4 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Answering your tax-related questions…

Q. Is the tax levy increasing for the 2021-22 school year?

A. No, for the 2021-22 school year there will not be an increase in the tax levy. This means there will be a zero increase in the 2021-22
tax rate.

Q. What is Byron-Bergen Central School’s budget for next year?

A. The proposed budget is $24,991,065. This represents a budget-to-budget increase of 1.59%.

Q. What is Byron-Bergen’s allowable tax levy limit?

A. Under the law, Byron-Bergen could establish a maximum tax levy limit of $9,075,868. The 2021-22 Budget approved by the Board of Education has a zero increase. This means the tax levy limit will remain the same as the 2020-21 school year amount of $9,024,961.

Q. Is the STAR program still in effect?

A. Yes. The STAR program is in effect. The STAR exemption is a reduction on your school tax bill for homeowners who participated in the STAR exemption program prior to 2015 and continue to meet the eligibility requirements. For the Basic STAR exemption, the homeowner could see a reduction of up to $30,000 in taxable
assessed value. For the Enhanced STAR exemption, the homeowner could see a reduction up to $70,700 in taxable assessed value.

The STAR credit check is for eligible homeowners since 2015 and after. If you purchased your primary residence after August 1, 2015, you are eligible to receive STAR credit check in the mail each year. For the STAR credit check method only, STAR exemption amounts may be increased by New York State by 2% or less each year. For information regarding eligibility go to www.tax.ny.gov.

Q. How do new homeowners apply for their STAR benefit?

A. For homes purchased after August 1, 2015, the homeowner will need to register for the STAR credit through New York State rather than applying with your assessor. For these homeowners, a STAR credit will be received in the form of a check from New York State directly.

Q. Am I eligible for the Enhanced Star benefit?

A. If you own your home and it is your primary residence, are age 65 by December 31, 2021, and your income is $90,550 or less, you are eligible for the Enhanced STAR benefit. Go to www.tax.ny.gov for more information.

Q. What affect does an increase in property assessments have on my school taxes?

A. Increases in property assessments can cause an increase in your tax. Please note, the school is not involved in any increases/decreases with your property assessment. If you have any questions with regard to your assessment or need any information changed on your tax bill, you should contact your town tax assessor.

True Value Tax Rate

Tax
	Actual 2020-21
	Estimated 2021-22
	
$ Change
	
% Change
	
Estimated true value tax rate per $1,000 full valuation
	$23.39
	$23.39
	$0.00
	0%

Final tax rates are established in August, when the tax rolls are prepared. These figures are only projections subject to adjustments. Projections are based upon the latest assessed values provided by the individual town accessors and equalization by the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services.

	
Budget 2021
	5

B-B Wrestling Club Annual Chicken Barbecue

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 4-7 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School loop – DRIVE THRU ONLY

Presale tickets $11.00 ($12.00 at the door)

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

What will you see at the polls?

Proposition #1 – 2021-22 School Budget
RESOLVED that the proposed budget of expenditures of the Byron-Bergen Central School District for the school year 2021-22, totaling $24,991,065 and for the purposes shown in the statement of estimated expenditures adopted by the Board of Education, be and the same hereby is approved and the amount thereof shall be raised by a levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the school district, after first deducting the monies available from state aid and other sources as provided by law.

Proposition #2 – Acquisition of School Buses RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Byron-Bergen Central School District is hereby authorized to acquire two (2) 66-passenger school buses and (1) minivan at a cost $249,850, which is estimated to be the maximum cost thereof, expend such sums for such purpose, levy the tax necessary therefore, to be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education, taking into account state aid received, and in anticipation of the collection of such tax, to issue bonds and notes of the District at one time or from time to time, or enter into a lease-purchase agreement to acquire said vehicles.

Proposition #3 – To elect TWO (2) MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION for a three (3) year term commencing on July 1, 2021 and expiring on June 30, 2024 and to succeed William Forsyth and Debra List.

1. William Forsyth

2. Debra List

Voter Eligibility

You are eligible to vote if you are:

• a United States citizen • at least 18 years of age
• have lived in

Byron-Bergen Central School District for at
least 30 days prior to vote

* Identification required

All occupants of houses or apartments who meet the criteria may vote, as may any college student whose primary address
is in the District. Pre-registration is
not required.

Save the Date Friday, June 18, 2021

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School GRADUATION

Commencement Exercises will begin at 6:30 P.M. at the SOCCER STADIUM AT BYRON BERGEN 6917 West Bergen Road, Bergen NY 14416

Rain Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 A.M.

6 Byron Bergen Focal Point

Meet the Board of Education Candidates

My name is William Forsyth and I am seeking re-election for the position on the
Byron-Bergen Board of Education. I have been a resident of Byron for over 45 years along with my
wife Lisa, and our children, Connor and Lauren.

Even though it's been a year like no other, our number one priority is to get all of our students safely back to school. With the support of the faculty, staff, administration, and our parents, this process is going as smooth as possible.

I’m Debi List and for the last 24 years I have passionately served on the Byron-Bergen School Board. I am extremely proud to represent our families, community, and children and I ask for your support to continue this
important work. The past year has been a struggle for everyone, working through on-line classes, federal guidelines, CDC recommendations, spotty Internet, and much more. We have made some progress for our kids with in-person learning, welcoming more students

We are currently in the midst of hiring a new superintendent, the second search that I have been involved in. I am looking forward to finding the best person for our District; someone who will facilitate our students to be engaged, motivated, and will be supportive of programs that help them become upstanding citizens in our community.

If re-elected, I will continue working as a team with the Board to maintain a clear vision of our District's goals. I would like to continue my work on the Facility Committee and put my experience of being a Construction Site Superintendent to good use. I feel I have been helpful with giving input during the Capital Project. I have had mutual respect and support from faculty, staff,

back, and working toward having all students back in school full-time. As we work to get back to a normal educational setting, we are focusing on ways to close the learning gap that has occurred with some students. We continue to look to help those students who may be struggling socially and emotionally due to a variety of reasons, while working toward helping them become happy and healthy students.

I currently serve on several boards in and outside of Genesee County, always working with the mindset of what is best for students. At meetings and events I am able to network with

and administration, and I want to thank them for their dedication to our students. I will continue working with the Board to develop cost-effective budgets that will help guide our school towards a sustainable future. I will fairly represent the community's needs and stay transparent and accountable in my actions and decisions.

Thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve as a Byron-Bergen Board of Education member.

Respectfully,

William R. Forsyth

board members and others across the state understanding how and what they are doing and if it could benefit our students and District.

As with everything there is always work to be done. I look forward to being tasked with this responsibility and to continue working on behalf of the District. I see this as an honor and a privilege. I ask for your consideration and vote.

Thank you,

Debra M. List

	

Information regarding the Byron-Bergen Central School District 2021-22 school vote to be held on May 18, 2021.

For this year only, New York State has passed legislation to allow district voters to vote one of two ways:

2021-22 School Budget, Proposition Vote & School Board Candidate Election

● In-person voting will be held on May 18, 2021 in the Jr./Sr. HS Wrestling/Fitness Room from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., social distancing and masks will be required.

● Absentee ballot applications can be requested any time between April 19, 2021 and May 18, 2021 by contacting the District Clerk, Rachel Stevens, at (585) 494 -1220 ext. 2529 or emailing taxcollector@bbschools.org. District residents concerned about COVID-19 can choose “fear of
COVID-19” as a legal reason on their absentee ballot application. Once the application is received an absentee ballot will be provided. Absentee ballots can be returned via mail or dropped off between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the District Office. All absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on
May 18, 2021. Under Education Law, ballots are invalid if received later than this time.

In-person voting will take place: Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Jr./Sr. HS Wrestling/Fitness Room Masks and social distancing required.

To request an absentee ballot application, please contact:

Rachel Stevens 585-494-1220 ext. 2529 taxcollector@bbschools.org

*Name, phone number, and address required.*

Budget 2021 7

Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping

Board of Education Debra List, President
Yvonne Ace-Wagoner, Vice President

Kimberly Carlson, Trustee William Forsyth, Trustee Tammy Menzie, Trustee Amy Phillips, Trustee
Jennifer VanValkenburg, Trustee

Byron-Bergen Central School District Bergen, NY 14416

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

Editor Susan Kuszlyk

Communication Specialist Gretchen Spittler

Graphic Designer Lisa Constantine

Byron-Bergen Central School District Budget, Proposition Vote, and Board Candidate Election

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Wrestling/Fitness Room (Northwest corner of High School)

8 Byron Bergen Focal Point