Penn Yan school looks at 2-3 percent increase

PENN YAN--The Penn Yan Central School District school board met Feb. 15 to review data to guide school decision making for 2017-2018. Budget projection updates for support services and information about student performance were presented.
Howard Dennis, superintendent of schools and Cathy Milliman, assistant superintendent for business, presented data that projected an overall 2 to 3 percent budget increase for 2017-2018. The current tentative tax cap is 2.34 percent.
Health insurance costs are expected to rise by about 4.5 percent in 2017-2018. The board also proposed the addition of three new 65-passenger buses and one 42-passenger bus for a total cost of $440,000. An increase in building maintenance costs is expected due to the addition of a custodial worker and an increase in equipment expenditures. An increase in student accident insurance is expected.
Costs for the school conference in Lake Placid, district office administration, business office support functions, and transportations costs are projected to remain about the same as last year. A slight decrease to BOCES administrative costs is expected.
A new capital reserve fund for up to $5 million for 10 years is proposed for May 2017. Reserves provide funds for future projects, repairs, acquisitions, and unanticipated costs. They provide a way to legally save money to finance all or part of future improvements, reduce long term borrowing costs, and smooth large fluctuations in tax rates.
The first look at the total budget expenditures and revenues will occur at the March 22 meeting. April 12 will be the final budget vote.
David Pullen, principal of Penn Yan Academy, presented information about school grades, participation in clubs and athletics, absenteeism and disciplinary referrals. The data indicate about half the student body is on the honor roll. However, a significant and growing number of students are experiencing behavior problems that make them ineligible.
To address these issues, the school has launched a stricter, more structured and more accountable program designed to curb student misbehavior. Pullen noted that the school's efforts are "a work in progress."