Watkins expects $513K more in state aid

WATKINS GLEN—The Watkins Glen Central School District board of education heard the district’s New York state aid will increase approximately 4.13 percent or $513,464 for 2014-15, during the Tuesday, Jan. 14 board meeting.
Gayle Sedlack, Watkins business manager, presented preliminary budget information in preparation of the 2014-15 school year budget. Gov. Andrew Cuomo released proposed 2014-15 state aid figures Tuesday.  Sedlack said after reviewing the figures, Watkins would receive 4.13 percent more state aid, excluding building and pre-kindergarten aid. She explained the increase represented $513,464.
She added preliminary figures also indicate an approximate 3 percent increase in the spending budget, or $697,461. Sedlack explained these are “extremely preliminary” numbers. The board’s finance committee will meet at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 to further discuss the budget.
In other business:
• High school Principal Dave Warren, special education administrator Nan Woodworth-Shaw and middle school Principal Kai D’Alleva gave a presentation on the transition of all grade levels to one campus. They discussed the shifting population and course offerings, as well as the meetings with staff throughout the year to monitor the transition.
• The board approved the Chinese class trip to New York City, Feb. 1.
• The Seneca Youth Basketball trip to Corning Community College was authorized.
• Steve McFarland was appointed as an elementary teacher and Shelia Hess was appointed as a senior food service helper
• The board appointed Joe Fazzary as the volunteer modified “B” girls basketball coach, as well as Joseph Kostolansky as the varsity boys lacrosse coach.
• Ralph Diliberto, teaching assistant, was approved for tenure.
The next Watkins Glen board of education meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 3. It is anticipated the regular session will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. following an executive session.