Tax-Levy Increase. Budget Highlights. Lowest tax-levy increase on record. Multi -Year Planning Results in Minimal Tax - Levy Increases

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1 May 2015 Budget Edition Budget Highlights The entire academic and co-curricular program remains intact with enhancements and additions: Lower elementary class sizes Enhanced middle school enrichment programs Additional/enhanced college-level courses and electives at the high school Enhanced and restored secondary athletics and intramurals Expanded intermediate intramural opportunities PLUS: Increased security presence District-wide Lowest tax-levy increase on record In, Commack High School Students Will Continue To Have Greater Access To College Level Learning Opportunities TV Studio Production AP Human Geography AP World History IB Chemistry SL Pre-Calculus Pre-AP World History Design & Drawing Production (RIT) PLTW* World History Enrichment College Marine Biology Intro to Dance Computer Science & Software Engineering PLTW* *Project Lead The Way Python Math Spanish Language and Culture 2 Business and Personal Law (CW Post) Italian Language and Culture New Courses & Opportunities IB Language and Literature Adv. Studio Production All Art, Music, and PE offerings stable New technology and computers in all schools Multi -Year Planning Results in Minimal Tax - Levy Increases Tax-Levy Increase Under the mandated tax cap every year See Page 2 for Tax Freeze Credit Information % Visit the Commack Website for more information:

2 Dear Friends and Neighbors, Thanks to our multi-year planning practices and a partial restoration of state aid (Gap Elimination Adjustment GEA ), the proposed budget for the school year will result in the lowest tax-levy increase in decades: 0.95%. As shown in the chart at right, this year s increase is once again below our State mandated tax cap. Staying under the State mandated tax cap allows for the District to apply for our residents to receive the State s Property Tax Freeze credit (see information below). We are putting together the mandated Government Efficiency Plan and working with our BOCES to maximize the Plan for submission to the State. Our students are continuously honored for their research, humanitarian works, and their many music, art, athletic, and academic accomplishments. As a community, we rally together to help those in need locally and around the world through our Board of Education Message joint efforts. We thank you for your support of our schools, and we are proud of the fact that our schools are thriving despite the fi nancial constraints and unfunded mandates imposed on us by New York State. State aid is still less than we received in This is due to the ongoing Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) imposed by the legislature, and the minimal increases in Foundation Aid. In-depth budget information, including all presentations, can be found on the Commack Website ( by clicking on the Budget button. We encourage you to join us at upcoming Board of Education meetings, and, as always, welcome your ideas and input. Sincerely, The Commack Board of Education A complete copy of the line-by-line budget and school report card is available for review in each school building, at the Commack Public Libraries, on the District Website, and at the Hubbs Administration Building. Under the Cap Every Year Maximum Commack s Tax Cap Actual Year Allowed Tax Levy % 2.96% % 1.585%* % 1.96% % 0.95%** *In , the proposed Tax Levy voted upon was 2.91%. The Board of Education returned a surplus from the budget to the taxpayers, which lowered the tax levy to 1.585%. **The Tax Levy will be no higher than 0.95%, and may be lower. Property Tax Freeze Credit Facts The Property Tax Freeze Credit is a two-year tax relief program that reimburses qualifying New York State homeowners for increases in local property taxes on their primary residences. Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the credit, homeowners must meet the requirements for the STAR property tax exemption: The property must be the homeowner s primary residence. The total household income must be $500,000 or less. School district /local government requirements: The requirements imposed on taxing jurisdictions (school districts and local governments) will be phased in over two years. Year 1: The jurisdiction must comply with the property tax cap. This means the increase in the tax levy cannot be more than that allowed by a formula established by State law. Year 2: In the second year, the jurisdiction must comply with the tax cap and also develop and implement a Government Effi ciency Plan to reduce costs by consolidating services. Credit amounts: As a general rule, the freeze credit will fully reimburse eligible homeowners for increases to their taxes imposed by all jurisdictions that comply with the eligibility requirements. The freeze credit will be the greater of: The actual increase in the homeowner s tax bill, or, the previous year s tax bill multiplied by an infl ation factor (the lesser of 2% or infl ation). For 2014 the infl ation factor for school districts is 1.46%. How to get the credit Eligible homeowners do not need to do anything to receive the credit. The Tax Department will review eligibility data and calculate the credit for all qualifying taxing jurisdictions. In the Fall of each of the program s three years (2014, 2015, 2016), the department will mail eligible taxpayers a single check that will be the total of the credits for each jurisdiction that is in compliance. For more information: ny.gov/pdf/publications/orpts/ rp5301fs_prop_tax_facts.pdf 2 Commack Courier Special Budget Edition

3 BUDGET PROPOSITIONS PROPOSITION #1 (BUDGET PROPOSITION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the said annual election and vote, to be held on May 19, 2015, the following proposition will be submitted for the purpose of voting thereon by voting machine between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Commack Union Free School District is hereby authorized to expend during the school year the sum set forth in the Budget Estimate for the school year, heretofore filed pursuant to law, and that the Board of Education be authorized to levy the necessary tax therefor. The Commack School District Honor Roll Ranked #1 in NYS (2014) for average scores on English Regents and CC Algebra Regents.* Intel Semifinalist & Finalist Na onal Merit Finalists Na onal Merit Commended Students United States Presiden al Scholars Program Semifinalist Interna onal Baccalaureate (IB) World High School & Middle Years Program NY State School of Dis nc on (every varsity athle c team had scholas c averages of 90 and above) NYS Class AA Soccer Champions Suffolk County Fencing Team Champions Long Island Class AA Girls Basketball Champions Finest Teaching Staff including Nine New York State Master Teachers Many, Extracurricular Honor Socie es, Clubs, and Service Groups *In school districts in New York State with more than 7000 enrolled students The Commack School District Proudly Presents: The Festival of the Arts May 19, 2015 Visual Arts Display available for viewing from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Commack Middle School & Commack High School Musical Performances at both locations from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Commack Courier Special Budget Edition 3

4 Moving an Already High-Performing District to Higher Levels of Achievement While Increasing Access and Opportunity; Preparing EVERY Child for Success and College/Careers Commack Graduates: College Attendance (Two-Year Averages) Schools that Students Reported they would Attend Less Competitive Very Competitive Highly Competitive Most Competitive Competitive 131 AVG 2009 & 2010 AVG 2013 & 2014 Data Source: CHS Counseling Center Statistical Analysis Report Most Competitive Cornell, Colgate, Boston College, NYU, Yale, UPenn, etc Highly Competitive Boston University, Skidmore, Binghamton, Geneseo, etc Very Competitive Fordham, Loyola, Northeastern, Rutgers, Stony Brook, etc Number of Students Attending Most Competitive Number of Students Attending Highly Competitive Number of Students Attending Very Competitive Number of Students Attending Competitive Number of Students Attending Less Competitive Note: This data is self-reported by students and their families LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXEMPTION IMPACT REPORTS for the Towns of Huntington & Smithtown Please visit the Commack Website: Our aim in Commack is to prepare every student for whatever they want to achieve when they leave our schools. Dr. Donald James, Superintendent of Schools District-Wide Elementary Average Class-Size Projections Grade Level Actual Average Class Size Projected Average Class Size Kindergarten First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade Commack Courier Special Budget Edition

5 Commack School District Proposed Budget SPENDING PLAN Budget Proposed $ Change % Change General Support $18,390,637 $18,997,751 $607, % Instruction 98,389, ,066,238 3,677, % Transportation 12,118,483 12,520, , % Employee Benefits 41,681,641 40,188,521 (1,493,120) (3.58%) Debt Service 12,092,763 10,538,106 (1,554,657) (12.86%) Interfund Transfers 561, , , % Total Budget $183,234,238 $185,123,747 $1,889, % FINANCING PLAN Budget Proposed $ Change State Aid $37,103,929 $38,454,915 $1,350,986 Other 3,590,522 4,628,568 1,038,046 Tax Levy 130,689, ,931,340 1,241,553 Reserves 2,850,000 1,200,000 (1,650,000) Fund Balance 9,000,000 8,908,924 (91,076) Total $183,234,238 $185,123,747 $1,889,509 Total Equity (Fund Balance + Reserves) Used to Offset Tax Levy Budget Proposed $11,850,000 $10,108,924 Tax Levy Increase: No higher than 0.95% (This is below our allowable tax levy cap of 1.28%) Commack Courier Special Budget Edition 5

6 CANDIDATES for the SCHOOL BOARD This year, residents will elect one candidate for one position on the Board of Education, for a three (3) year term. Jarrett Behar and William Marchesi are running for one seat, which is currently occupied by Deborah Guber, who is not seeking re-election. Jarrett Behar 8 Rosalie Place, Commack, NY ************* Q. How long have you been a resident of the Commack area? A. 9 years Q. Do you have now, or have you ever had, any children attend the District public schools? A. My son Jeffrey is a 2nd grader at Rolling Hills Primary School Q. What is your educational background and current occupation? A. BA, Political Science, University of Florida 97, JD, NYU School of Law, 00. Partner, Sinnreich Kosakoff & Messina LLP, Central Islip NY. Q. Of what school-related and/or community organizations are you, or have you been, a member? A. Rolling Hills PTA Budget Representative, , , Rolling Hills PTA Treasurer , PTA Counsel Budget Committee Co- Chair, Commack South Little League Manager 2012 to 2015 Dix Hills Basketball Assistant Coach, 2015 Q. Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education and what talents (strengths) do you have that would contribute to the Board? A. I want to be a member of the Board of Education because I want to continue being an advocate for our children and our community. I will ensure that the children of this District continue to get the high level of education that our District provides, and that the young children entering the District get as good or better of an opportunity. I will use my position on the Board to advocate against the current assault on public education coming out of Albany, including the invasive and overreaching use of high stakes standardized testing that limits creativity in the classroom and threatens our ability to control our own children s education. I will work to continue the current trend of historically low tax levy increases that have been coupled with program enhancements, restoration of extracurricular activities and reduced class sizes, while also attempting to keep the District out of fiscal stress. My ability as lawyer to advocate, negotiate and to analyze information and effectively problem solve will contribute to the Board s work in keeping our District great. Q. How many Board of Education meetings have you attended during the last three years? A. I have attended almost every board meeting in person for the last three years. I have watched the few meetings that I missed on the internet. Q. What do you see as the role of a Board of Education member as part of our district governance team? A. As a member of the Board of Education, a person is charged with a great responsibility: the education of our children. A Board member must take this seriously and ensure that every action that he or she takes keeps the children in mind -- they must come first. In addition, a Board member must treat everyone -- their fellow Board members, the administration and staff, and the community -- with respect. A Board member should be a role model for our children -- we should act exactly as we would want our children to act, with dignity and respect. Finally, a Board member should understand the long term effects of his or her actions so that the District can provide outstanding opportunities not just for our current children, but also for the children to come. Q. If you are reelected or elected to serve on the Commack Board of Education, what would be your three priority areas for board/administration study and potential improvement for the district? A. a. Advocating Against High Stakes Testing: In my opinion, this is the major issue that the District will be dealing with over the next several years, and I will use my position on the Board to advocate against the current attempt to handcuff our teachers and burden our students with ineffective standardized testing. I believe that the policies behind these tests are based on flawed premises and improper motives, and although the Board is sworn to follow State law, it can still strongly advocate. As a Board member, I will continue to lobby our representatives in Albany to get these invasive and burdensome tests out of our schools. b. Continuing to Lobby for More State Funding: As Co-Chair of the PTA Counsel Budget Committee, working with the Board, the Administration and teachers, we successfully advocated for a reduction in the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) and received an addition $1.2 million in State funding this year, roughly the equivalent of a 1.0% tax levy increase. There is still $3 million in GEA cuts to be recovered and continuing to advocate for the full elimination of the GEA will reduce the burden on our community and allow the District to continue its current trend of program enhancements, extracurricular activity restoration and class size reductions. I will continue to advocate for both the elimination of the GEA and other increases in State funding so that the District can continue to improve while also reducing the burden on the community. c. Putting Our Children First: No matter what issue that the Board discusses, I want 6 Commack Courier Special Budget Edition

7 to make sure that the effect on our children is at the forefront of the discussion. I believe that the Board generally does a good job with this already, and I want to continue and enhance that effort. This includes items such as making sure that every team has good uniforms that fit, that school courtyards are kept in a clean and safe condition, and that our teams play in gyms with working scoreboards. Q. What is your definition of a Comprehensive Commack Education? Does Commack currently offer this kind of an education, K-12? A. A Comprehensive Commack Education is one that provides every single child in the Commack community the opportunity to attain the future that they want for themselves. It should promote a well-rounded education, including music, the arts, foreign languages, health, athletics and physical fitness. It should teach our children a sense of responsibility to themselves, to others and to our community. I believe that our District strives to provide this type of education, which is why I moved to Commack even before I had children of my own. I also believe that we can continue to not only maintain, but improve, this District for the benefit of children and our community. ******************** William Marchesi 18 Verbena Drive, Commack, NY ************* Q. How long have you been a resident of the Commack area? A. 56 years Q. Do you have now, or have you ever had, any children attend the District public schools? A. I have one son who attended the District public schools. Q. What is your educational background and current occupation? A. I attended Commack schools from the third grade through high school. I am currently a safety supervisor. Q. Of what school-related and/or community organizations are you, or have you been, a member? A. Smithtown Committee Member, Commack Republican Club (R Warren Republican Club) Q. Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education and what talents (strengths) do you have that would contribute to the Board? A. I would want to bring the Board of Education and the community closer together. Because of my experience as a business agent and now a safety supervisor, I have the leadership skills which would be needed as a member of the school board. Q. How many Board of Education meetings have you attended during the last three years? A. 25 Q. What do you see as the role of a Board of Education member as part of our District governance team? A. To work as a team member for the betterment of the school and the students, and to bring transparency of the budget process to the community Q. If you are reelected or elected to serve on the Commack Board of Education, what would be your three priority areas for board/administration study and potential improvement for the District? A. Looking out for all students, not just the exceptional student Transparency to the community Encouraging more of the Commack Community to attend school board meetings Q. What is your definition of a Comprehensive Commack Education? Does Commack currently offer this kind of an education, K-12? A. I think a Comprehensive Education is one which offers the student many subjects and extra curricular programs to take advantage of. I do believe that Commack schools have a great education system and sports program. Proposed Spending Plan Transporta on 7% Debt Svc/Xfer Other 6% Instruc on 77% General Support 10% Budget and Financial Facts Commack has been under the tax cap every year; Commack s fi nancials are audited by an outside, independent auditing fi rm every year; Commack submits its audited fi nancials to the State Education Department and NYS Comptroller s Office every year; Commack is in compliance with all NY State laws, guidelines, and regulations related to its fi nances and reserves. Financing Plan Fund Balance & Reserves 5.5% Other 2.5% State Aid 21% Property Taxes 71% Commack Courier Special Budget Edition 7

8 POSTAL PATRON Commack Union Free School District Commack, New York, NON-PROFIT CARRIER ROUTE PRE-SORT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 8 Commack, NY ELIGIBILITY Citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age and have been residents of the Commack School District for 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and who registered on the voter rolls of either the Commack School District or Suffolk County Board of Elections, may vote at the Annual School District Election on Tuesday, May 19, REGISTRATION New residents of the school district who have lived in the District at least 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and those residents who have not voted in a regular or special school district election, or in general election covered by the Suffolk County Board of Elections in the past four years, will be required to register in order to be eligible to vote in the annual school district election. Registration will be held at Commack High School and Commack Middle School on Thursday, May 7, 2015, and Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. VOTING Voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member to the Board of Education for a three year term will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Commack High School and Commack Middle School. VOTER INFORMATION ABSENTEE BALLOTS Registered voters may apply for an absentee ballot if they will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, An absentee ballot will be furnished upon receipt of a completed Application for Absentee Ballot submitted by a registered voter. Residents who will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, may cast absentee ballots for voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member for the Board of Education. These absentee ballots can be obtained from the District Clerk in the Hubbs Administration Center, 480 Clay Pitts Road, East Northport, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., no later than May 18, if applying in person, or by May 12, if applying by mail. For mail application, write: District Clerk, P.O. Box 150, Commack, New York POLLING PLACES Residents who live north of Jericho Turnpike will vote at Commack High School located at the corner of Townline Road and Scholar Lane. Residents who live south of Jericho Turnpike will cast their ballots at Commack Middle School located on Vanderbilt Parkway. BUDGET VOTE & TRUSTEE ELECTION Tuesday, May 19, a.m. to 9 p.m.

9 NON-PROFIT CARRIER ROUTE PRE-SORT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 17 Smithtown, NY ELIGIBILITY Citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age and have been residents of the Commack School District for 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and who registered on the voter rolls of either the Commack School District or Suffolk County Board of Elections, may vote at the Annual School District Election on Tuesday, May 19, REGISTRATION New residents of the school district who have lived in the District at least 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and those residents who have not voted in a regular or special school district election, or in general election covered by the Suffolk County Board of Elections in the past four years, will be required to register in order to be eligible to vote in the annual school district election. Registration will be held at Commack High School and Commack Middle School on Thursday, May 7, 2015, and Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. VOTING Voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member to the Board of Education for a three year term will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Commack High School and Commack Middle School. VOTER INFORMATION ABSENTEE BALLOTS Registered voters may apply for an absentee ballot if they will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, An absentee ballot will be furnished upon receipt of a completed Application for Absentee Ballot submitted by a registered voter. Residents who will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, may cast absentee ballots for voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member for the Board of Education. These absentee ballots can be obtained from the District Clerk in the Hubbs Administration Center, 480 Clay Pitts Road, East Northport, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., no later than May 18, if applying in person, or by May 12, if applying by mail. For mail application, write: District Clerk, P.O. Box 150, Commack, New York POLLING PLACES Residents who live north of Jericho Turnpike will vote at Commack High School located at the corner of Townline Road and Scholar Lane. Residents who live south of Jericho Turnpike will cast their ballots at Commack Middle School located on Vanderbilt Parkway. BUDGET VOTE & TRUSTEE ELECTION Tuesday, May 19, a.m. to 9 p.m.

10 NON-PROFIT CARRIER ROUTE PRE-SORT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 91 Huntington Sta., NY ELIGIBILITY Citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age and have been residents of the Commack School District for 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and who registered on the voter rolls of either the Commack School District or Suffolk County Board of Elections, may vote at the Annual School District Election on Tuesday, May 19, REGISTRATION New residents of the school district who have lived in the District at least 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and those residents who have not voted in a regular or special school district election, or in general election covered by the Suffolk County Board of Elections in the past four years, will be required to register in order to be eligible to vote in the annual school district election. Registration will be held at Commack High School and Commack Middle School on Thursday, May 7, 2015, and Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. VOTING Voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member to the Board of Education for a three year term will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Commack High School and Commack Middle School. VOTER INFORMATION ABSENTEE BALLOTS Registered voters may apply for an absentee ballot if they will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, An absentee ballot will be furnished upon receipt of a completed Application for Absentee Ballot submitted by a registered voter. Residents who will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, may cast absentee ballots for voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member for the Board of Education. These absentee ballots can be obtained from the District Clerk in the Hubbs Administration Center, 480 Clay Pitts Road, East Northport, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., no later than May 18, if applying in person, or by May 12, if applying by mail. For mail application, write: District Clerk, P.O. Box 150, Commack, New York POLLING PLACES Residents who live north of Jericho Turnpike will vote at Commack High School located at the corner of Townline Road and Scholar Lane. Residents who live south of Jericho Turnpike will cast their ballots at Commack Middle School located on Vanderbilt Parkway. BUDGET VOTE & TRUSTEE ELECTION Tuesday, May 19, a.m. to 9 p.m.

11 NON-PROFIT CARRIER ROUTE PRE-SORT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1 East Northport, NY ELIGIBILITY Citizens of the United States who are 18 years of age and have been residents of the Commack School District for 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and who registered on the voter rolls of either the Commack School District or Suffolk County Board of Elections, may vote at the Annual School District Election on Tuesday, May 19, REGISTRATION New residents of the school district who have lived in the District at least 30 days prior to the date of the voting, and those residents who have not voted in a regular or special school district election, or in general election covered by the Suffolk County Board of Elections in the past four years, will be required to register in order to be eligible to vote in the annual school district election. Registration will be held at Commack High School and Commack Middle School on Thursday, May 7, 2015, and Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. VOTING Voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member to the Board of Education for a three year term will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Commack High School and Commack Middle School. VOTER INFORMATION ABSENTEE BALLOTS Registered voters may apply for an absentee ballot if they will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, An absentee ballot will be furnished upon receipt of a completed Application for Absentee Ballot submitted by a registered voter. Residents who will be unable to vote in person on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, may cast absentee ballots for voting on Proposition 1 (School Budget), and the election of one Member for the Board of Education. These absentee ballots can be obtained from the District Clerk in the Hubbs Administration Center, 480 Clay Pitts Road, East Northport, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., no later than May 18, if applying in person, or by May 12, if applying by mail. For mail application, write: District Clerk, P.O. Box 150, Commack, New York POLLING PLACES Residents who live north of Jericho Turnpike will vote at Commack High School located at the corner of Townline Road and Scholar Lane. Residents who live south of Jericho Turnpike will cast their ballots at Commack Middle School located on Vanderbilt Parkway. BUDGET VOTE & TRUSTEE ELECTION Tuesday, May 19, a.m. to 9 p.m.