Paul G. Williamsen

Superintendent

27 School Street

Mayfield, NY 12117

518.661.8207

leaf bullet Mayfield BOE adopts 2011-12 Budget


April 26, 2011

The Mayfield Board of Education unanimously adopted the $16,656,235 school budget for 2011-12 on April 19. The proposed spending plan which carries a tax levy increase of 4.9 percent will go before voters on May 17.

“This has been one of the most challenging budget development seasons we have ever experienced, and we know that is a common theme for school districts across New York State,” said Superintendent Paul Williamsen.

“Still, our Board of Education worked hard to maintain the integrity of our academic programs as well as to address the concerns of taxpayers during this difficult economy.”

The proposed budget is $333,128 less than the current school year budget, resulting in a spending decrease of about two percent. Despite a budget-to-budget spending decrease, the Board of Education is proposing to increase the tax levy because other revenue sources are declining.

Mayfield will lose $1,022,280 in state aid next year. The school district is also waiting for a resolution to the revenue problem of its second-largest taxpayer, the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD), which owes Mayfield $738,589 in school taxes, interest and penalties. Combined, the decrease in state aid and late tax payments amount to $1,760,869.

The proposed budget also reflects the elimination of 21.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, which will result in 17.5 layoffs.

The following positions were eliminated:

  •  Elementary classroom teachers (2.0 FTE)

  •  Elementary Reading teachers (1.5 FTE) One full-time position will be eliminated due to retirement.

  •  Elementary Special Education teacher (.5 FTE)

  •  Secondary Special Education teacher (1.0 FTE)

  • Secondary English (1.0 FTE)

  •  Secondary Social Studies (1.0 FTE)

  •  K-12 Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapist (1.5 FTE)

  •  Secondary Science (.5 FTE)

  • Guidance Counselor (.5 FTE)

  •  Foreign Language (.5 FTE)

  •  K-12 Art, Library and Music teachers (3.0 FTE)

  •  K-12 Teacher Aides (7 FTE)

  •  PreK 1 Section (.5 FTE)

  •  A district- wide Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds and Transportation position was eliminated as a result of a retirement.

Some athletics and clubs were also eliminated in the proposed budget. The following athletics were eliminated:

  •  Junior Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer

  • Junior Varsity Baseball and Softball

  • Modified Volleyball (one team only)

  •  Modified Boys and Girls Basketball (one team each)

The following clubs were eliminated:

  • outdoor club

  • Acapella Chorus

  •  Summer Vocals

  •  Summer Instrumental

  • Drama Art

  • GSA (Gay Straight Alliance)

  • Brainstorm

  • Mural Club

  •  ESP Elementary

  •  Odyssey of the Mind Elementary

  •  Builders Club

  •  SADD

  •  Junior National Honor Society