Rotateller Rotary Club of Owego, NY
Tuesday, May 06, 2008 Gary Williams, Editor

The fragrance always remains on the hand that gives the rose. Gandhi

VISITORS AND GUESTS:

• Bill Davidson, City Club
• Spence and Judy Gridley, Sidney
• Mati
• Joao
• Carmina Georgesen, OFA Interact

Welcome back to Dick Kelly

MUSIC:

Matt and Carolyn led us in, “R-O-T-A-R-Y”

FINES:

Richard fined those:

• Who did not attend the District Conference
• Those who did, since they saved on gas due to the short trip
• Orv was particularly happy for the Bill Davidsons and Spence and Judy Gridleys of the world.

Matt shared that the District Conference was a great success. The best part is meeting the people. The Club is very proud of Mati and Joao. Joao’s singing had Matt and Laura in tears. Matt also thanked them for participating in the Memorial Service.

Spence had a special thanks to Laura.

Judy shared a poem about Friendship.

Mati enjoyed the weekend, especially Laura making faces.

Joao thanked us and is happy that he is going to the prom.

Carmina said that the Interact Club is pleased that the Heart Walk went well.

PROGRAM:

Bill Russell spoke about the school budget which comes to a vote on May 20. He wants to make sure that all voters understand what they are voting on. They are still looking to fill a seat on the Board of Education. There are two incumbents running and, so far, there are three people who are running as write-in candidates; Linda Frisbie, Teri Coyne-Horton, and John Loftus.

His goal is to enhance programs and facilities for the students. He is also seeking long-term stability in expenditures and taxes. Over the last 12 years the budget changes have varied from -2% to +10%. They have a new budget management team and have adopted tighter management controls over the budget. We have significant reserves and the plan is to gradually reduce them over the next 10 years. Another goal is to keep the increase in expenditures under 5% and the increase in taxes under 4%. This budget increases expenditures 3.5% and taxes 2.68%.

We have received minimal state aid for the last couple of years. Based on the formulas, we understand that it is properties such as Lockheed-Martin which keep the state aid low even though 18% of our students have free or reduced lunches. We will be held at this low level for at least 3 more years. Our current tax rate is also one of the lowest, however, 5th from the bottom.

Senator Libous obtained $237,000. In combination with money obtained from selling the Apalachin building, we will be able to pay off a large bond for purchasing school buses.

The budget has 967 lines and is over $40,000,000. 2/3 of the items are reduced or held stable for the coming year. 75% to 80% of the budget is related to wages, salaries, and benefits. Health benefits cost the district $7,500,000. We purchase 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year for the buses. Two new special education teachers were hired and a new librarian. Due to students with significant emotional and mental health issues, a clinical social worker has been hired who will be employed by the County, but partially funded by the school district. There is also a new technology literacy program.

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