 Phone: (518) 382-2511 2012-2013 PTO Co-Presidents: Maryann Selway meselway@yahoo.com and Cindy Desso cindyd2275@aol.com Our next meeting will be Monday, June 10th at 7 PM in the Media Center ______________________________________________________________________ May 13, 2013 To our Niskayuna School Community Members: As many of you are aware, the Niskayuna School District faces a substantial budget gap for the coming 2013-2014 school year. This budget gap is attributable to diminished revenues, mainly from reduced state aid over the course of the past five years, and rising costs, a substantial percentage over which the district has no control (pension contributions, health insurance). When the 2013-2014 budget discussions began, a nearly 12% tax levy would have been necessary to close the budget gap without effectuating any cuts. On April 9, 2013, after much deliberation, the Board of Education adopted a budget which represents a budget to budget increase of 1.31%, and a tax levy increase of 5.76%. This budget is over the “tax cap,” or “tax levy threshold” which is calculated at 4.66% (and not the “2%” we hear discussed). The proposed budget requires the support of 60% of the voters. If the proposed budget falls short of the required 60% support on May 21st, New York State law allows for another budget vote in June on either the same budget or a revised budget. If the Board of Education chooses to propose a budget at the tax cap/tax levy threshold, which would require a simple majority of voter support, it is estimated that at least another $560,000 in reductions from the current budget proposal would be required. Items that were discussed as potential reductions but ultimately maintained in the proposed budget could be considered again. These include closing a school, returning to half-day kindergarten, eliminating sixth grade foreign language, and/or many, many other budget items which were considered during budget deliberations. A detailed list of additional potential budget cuts can be reviewed on the district web page under the Board of Education’s meeting materials section. If a second budget vote is unsuccessful, the Board of Education would be required by state law to adopt a contingency budget. A contingency budget would require a 0% tax levy increase, necessitating an additional $2.94 million in reductions beyond those in the proposed budget up for vote on May 21st. As you consider how you will vote, please add this information to the myriad of other considerations you will also weigh. Thank you, Niskayuna School District PTO Council _______________________________________________________________________
For the latest on the Niskayuna Budget for 2013-2014 go to http:www.niskayunaschools.org. Update April 20th: Let's support Relay for Life! More information at Fundraising in left-side menu. Help Wanted!! 2 Co-presidents positions are open!! PTO co-presidents responsibilities include running PTO meetings and offering support and assistance to PTO volunteers and committee leaders. They also represent the NHS PTO on the PTO Council and on several school committees such as the selection committee for the Hall of Fame. 2 Co-secretaries are needed!! The co-secretaries share the duty of recording the minutes at each meeting. They assist the webmasters in communicating information to the NHS parent body. The Craft Fair is the PTO's only fundraiser and is held in the fall each year (usually the last Saturday in October). Craft Fair Chairperson This Chairperson is the main contact person for crafters and vendors, he/she determines layout of the fair, prepares forms and communications, solicits and supports crafters and vendors, coordinates with other chairs, and leads the taping of the booths on the night before the fair. Publicity: The Publicity Chairperson arranges public announcements of the fair in various forms of media. Volunteer Coordinator: The Volunteer Coordinator Chairperson develops a schedule of volunteer staff for each area of fair, including Friday night layout taping, recruits volunteers, sends confirmations, and works with other chairs. Also solicits crockpot food donations for the Food Concession. Junior Class Party Chairperson This event, a party for junior students, regardless if they attend the prom, offers a safe environment for the Junior Class to gather for a fun late night of activities and food. This committee plans the event, solicits donations and recruits volunteers. - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - What else does the PTO do? PTO meetings provide a medium for parents to meet, express concerns, and ask questions of the administration and board members. The PTO facilitates new families’ introduction to high school and helps to build a strong parent community. The PTO provides mini-grants to fund teacher-requested items not covered in the district budget. The PTO gives awards to two NHS students selected by the NHS administration and teaching staff for demonstrating consistent responsibility in services to the school. The PTO can provide these items because of the Craft Fair. If enough volunteers do not step forward it is possible the Craft Fair would not be held and this funding and events like the Junior Class Party won’t happen..
Contact Maryann at meselway@yahoo.com if you will step up to the PTO.
Update: We are looking for volunteers to help with the 2013 Craft Fair. It's a lot of fun and very exciting! Contact us if you if you are interested. Update: N-CAP (at left) added Jan. 2013 Comments or suggestions regarding these webpages should be directed toward Maryann or Cindy (see Above) Questions about your information in the directory? Contact registrar@niskypto.org ________________________________________________________________________ Come, start the new year right! Get connected. There's no better way to know what's happening at the high school! Discover Great Resources: The PTO offers a variety of opportunities for parents as well as students. Tap into a Network. PTO meetings provide opportunities to meet other parents, teachers and administration, build rapport and discuss issues that are on your mind. What You Get. By volunteering with the PTO, you gain valuable experiences. It's an opportunity to put your skills to good use for a good cause. Speak Up. The PTO is a forum for exchanging ideas. You are encouraged to make suggestions and more effectively suggest change at the school. Help your child succeed. Parent involvement has been proven by decades of research to be the greatest predictor of student success. What's the Buzz? Subscribe to our Mailing Lists |
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