City school district was able to double its fund balance

The Little Falls City School District was able to almost double its fund balance during the 2007-08 school year.
That was the good news provided by District Business Manager Clete McLaughlin during Monday night’s meeting of the board of education.
The bad news was that the district is facing a budget shortfall to cover the costs of the health insurance premiums for its employees.
As for the fund balance, McLaughlin said that the district received $200,000 more in revenues than anticipated and spent $146,000 below what was budgeted during the previous school year. This resulted in a fund balance increase, which as of July 1 amounts to $615,131.
As for the shortfall, McLaughlin said that the district budgeted for a 12 percent increase in health insurance premiums.
“The first rate that came across my desk called for a 23 percent increase,” said McLaughlin. “Through discussions we were able to lower the increase to 18.25 percent, but that still results in an unanticipated increase of 6.25 percent.”
He said that the district previously set aside $236,000 in another budget line which will have to be used to cover the unanticipated increase.
In response to the report, the board of education’s Finance Committee, which consists of board president G. Craig Hebert and commissioners Bill Dodge and Scott Tooley, will begin to meet with McLaughlin and Superintendent of Schools Lou Patrei on a more regular basis.
“This was something that came about as a result of our recent goal setting workshop,” said Tooley. “The purpose of these meetings is to bring us up to speed as to where we have been and where we are going financially, so that we can be better prepared at budget time.”
Tooley also said that items such as the increase in health insurance premiums would be discussed.
“We will be entering negotiations this year, so this may be an area we can address,” he said. “These are the type of discussions we will have.”
“This is an excellent idea,” said Hebert. “It’s a more proactive approach and should help us get a better understanding of things.”
Hebert and Tooley said that the committee would share the results of the meetings with their fellow board members.
In other business Monday:
•The board of education adopted their goals for the 2008-09 school year.
The goals include continue to review and update the K-12 curriculum; evaluate the current school safety plan; evaluate on a monthly basis the status of the EXCEL (Expanding our Children’s Education and Learning) project; explore the delivery of support services provided to students; conduct a review of the school transportation program and continue to foster a positive relationship with the community.
The goals were developed during the board’s annual July workshop.
•The board of education approved the issuance of a revenue anticipation note in the amount of $1 million. McLaughlin said that during the months of July and August the district does not receive revenue, so the money is necessary to pay bills and premiums. He said that the district will start to receive revenue again at the start of September when New York State Lottery funding and local tax moneys begin to come in.
The board typically approves the issuance of a revenue anticipation note at this time of year.
•The transportation contracts with the Little Falls Fonda Bus Corporation were extended. The contracts are four percent higher than last year.
•In his report to the board, high school principal Brian Coleman reported that summer school is coming to a close and that student schedules will be mailed home this week. He also reported that the faculty and student handbooks are ready for production and that he has been meeting with members of the student government and others to discuss alternatives to having a senior lounge, as based upon the recommendation of fire marshals and the insurance company the district has done away with the concept. In addition, he said the new desks have arrived.
•In his report to the school board, middle school principal Bart Tooley said faculty members have spent time reviewing the grades 5-8 English Language Arts curriculum, which was last revised in 2003. He also said that the administration and faculty have begun to look at the transition between eighth and ninth grade, as that can be a “make or break” year for students, and what can be done to make the transition smoother.
•In her report to the board, Benton Hall Academy Principal Anna Spagnolo outlined the schedule for the Wednesday, Aug. 27, kindergarten orientation and said that she met with representatives from Hummel’s Office Plus who helped to design an improved reception area. She said the improvements are affordable and more aesthetically pleasing, and should be in place shortly after the start of the new school year.
•In his report to the school board, Assistant K-12 Administrator Joe Long said that he has been at work on the Title I and special education grants, as well as the special education reports. He said that it has been a learning experience and thanked Bart Tooley for his assistance.
•The three principals, superintendent and board of education president praised the work of Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Mike Kelly and his staff in preparing the buildings for the start of school. In response, Kelly said that the work is going well and that now it is a “dash to the finish line.” He said that everything is just about on schedule and that the buildings should be in good shape for the start of school.