Dundee approves 3 percent tax levy increase

DUNDEE—Dundee Central School District board of education approved a budget of $13,622,927 for the 2011-12 school year at their meeting Thursday, April 7. The amount shows a spending decrease of $225,927 over the current budget. The tax levy increase will be 3.0 percent.
In other business: Superintendent of Schools Kathy Ring reported school nurse Aggie Woodard and Junior/Senior High School Principal Chris Arnold met with members of the Senior class regarding the offer of the use of Glenora winery property for graduation this year. The vote was 22 to 30 to keep graduation at school. The Seniors would like graduation to be out in front of school as is the tradition. They will wait to see how capital project work connected with the renovation of the football field will impact plans to use that area for graduation. Soil from the field may be stored in front of the school during construction, which is expected to begin this spring.
• Ring and District Business Manager Melissa Lawson met with representatives of the Yates County Board of Elections regarding the requirement to use new voting machines by 2013. The change will result in increased costs.
• Cheerleading coach Dawn Baker read a statement about the cheerleading team’s achievements. Baker asked permission to coach fall cheerleading as a volunteer. Fall cheerleading was cut from the budget. The offer was accepted by the board of education.
• During the second public comment section of the meeting, student Tyler Smith Carruthers spoke to the board about the benefits of driver education and the impact on insurance.
• The board authorized a contract for educational services with the Dundee Library in the amount $51,975. The current appropriation is guaranteed at $49,500. Approval would ensure the additional funds of $2,475 for future years.
• The Yates County Community Services contract in the amount of $35,400 was approved.
• Mega Scots for March were congratulated. They are Cole Hartman, Deniece Riek, Gregory Ellison and Jordan Cady.
• Elementary students recognized for outstanding character traits included Hayden Morrison, Christine Hunsinger, Jonathan Babcock, Brooke Peelle, Autumn Mitchell and Tiana Strickland.
• Accepted the resignation of elementary teacher Joy Pallischeck for retirement, effective June 30.
• Accepted the resignation of elementary teacher Sharon Hunt for retirement, effective June 30.
• Melody Clark was permanently appointed as secretary to the school administrator, district clerk and records management officer, effective March 5.
There will be a special meeting of the board of education at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES administrative budget and board members. There will be a budget hearing and Meet the Candidates program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 3. The next meeting of the board of education will be at 7 p.m. Thursday May 12. Meetings will be in the public meeting room.