Message from the Superintendent
Le Roy CSD

"Committed to providing the most effective teaching/learning environment for the success of all students."

DEC. 11, 2000 - This week I will answer some of the questions raised at the last public forum. Some background information might be helpful. Questions were asked regarding the cost per thousand of some projected costs concerning the building and renovation project. Budgets are made up of two parts - expenses and revenues. When one estimates expenses two to three years in the future, it is difficult to project what revenues will be available to offset these expenses.

The annual utilities, operations, and maintenance costs for the new high school with a 7/8 wing are estimated at about 1% of the projected building costs - about $130-150,000. The additional cleaning staff will cost approximately an additional $100-110,000. Based on this yearís budget and not taking into effect the revenue projection, it would be somewhere in the vicinity of $0.42 per thousand. This would be an additional $33-34 for an average $80,000 home. This is before any revenue offsets the cost.

Another question asked was the amount of retiring debt of the district that was applied to the original financial plan presented at previous meetings. Between now and the year 2010, about $6.4 million total in serial bonds and $1.25 million in interest will be retired and these payments will be applied to the new project indebtedness.

The architects are finishing final design plans to be sent to NY State for final approval. These must include all the mechanical drawings and building details necessary to draft bids after this approval. The Board of Education needs a more complete estimate from these plans before they can decide when, and if, to ask for needed additional funds. Voter approval is necessary for more funding.

The Safety Committee met this week to review the Emergency Evacuation procedure. Phase II will now include two changes: Kindergarten through third graders will be taken to the theater and grades 11-12 will be taken to the K of C building. Please note these changes. Also, please do not call the village dispatch number during these procedures. It ties up the 911 system. Thank you for your cooperation.

*Senior citizens need to apply EVERY YEAR for the enhanced STAR in order to qualify for the extra school tax reduction. Senior citizens, please, apply with your appropriate tax assessor before March 1, 2001. It can mean thousands of dollars in taxes that a senior citizen might have to pay. Please contact your assessor for the forms and more information.

Roger E. Thompson

Superintendent