Dear Lansing Community and District Residents,

www.lansingschools.org

B U D G E T PROPOSAL

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YOUR VOTE COUNTS.

Dear Lansing Community and District Residents,

We cannot thank you enough for your patience, support and perseverance these past months. We are extremely grateful to live in such a supportive and loving community. We have developed a budget planning for a full return of all students in the fall of 2021. We expect to be kicking off the 2021-2022 school year in typical fashion with a great deal of Bobcat pride.

We are being very thoughtful about the long-term potential impact of COVID on our school and larger community. The budget presented projects a tax rate decrease of .37%. Please take the time to review our budget bulletin. If you would like further details including the line by line budget detail, please go to our district website at www.lansingschools.org. You are also welcome to contact our business administrator at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

We are eager to resume our Bobcat events and activities. We have missed you and are so fortunate that we are able to see more of you in and around town and on campus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 607-533-3020 X4000 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Chris Pettograsso Superintendent of Schools

“It’s a great day to be a Bobcat.”

District Highlights ......................................2 Voter Information ......................................3 Propositions & Budget Summary ........... 4/5Q&A, STAR and Budget Summary........... 6/7 Q&A and Contingency Budget ....................8District Highlights ......................................9 BOE Candidates .................................. 10/11District Highlights ................... 12/13/14/15 Mission Statement ...................................16

MAY 18, 2021MAY 18, 2021

2 Lansing Central School District

DISTRIC T HIGHLIGHTS 2020-2021

MS CROWDSOURCED POEMS BASED ON “I DREAM A WORLD” BY LANGSTON HUGHES

I dream a world where there is equality,With no racismWhere people will have food for their families,AndNo people are homeless.I dream a world where ALL schools give a good education,AndALL schools are safe.I dream a world where anyone can love who they want, whether it’s a girl, boy orOther gender,And there's no sport that you can and can't play according to your gender.I dream of a kinder worldWhereEveryone could feel each other's feelingsI dream that masks are only for surgeries.Where we can overcome Corona,A world where everybody is healthy.Where there is no fighting or arguing, and the world is more peaceful.The world should be more unified,There are too many wars for land,I dream a world whereSea creatures can race the waves,Without getting stuck in plastic.I dream a world where there are 50 trees planted for every one cut down,WhereWe do what we need for the earth.I dream a worldWhere no man nor womenFaces troubles and problems alone.February 2021Crowdsourced from ELA6, Pod 4: Connor, Leah, Eva, Violet, Destined, Esme, Jojo, Ian, Daniel, Brennan, Christian, Dakota, Noah, Aaden, Emily, Kiri

I dream of a world where we aren't wearing masksto protect ourselves from this terrible virus,WhereEveryone will put in a lotOf effort to stop this crisis Covid,I dream a world, where every animal gets a great life,Where we don't have a mass of trash the size of Texas floating in our waters,Where there is no pollutionI dream a world where there is no poverty,Where there are no house firesWhere people won't judge based on skin colorAnd hate will be washed away,Where stereotypes can be thrown out a window, and the shutters closed forever,On brothers and sisters, I dream a worldI dream a world where all countries unite,I dream of a world where there can be peaceful agreements, not agreements that takelives away,No wars will strike the land and ocean,A world, a place where peace overflows our streets,I dream a world where women won't get uncomfortable,if they're out and alone,Where love can be seen, see the worldLike you are in a hot air balloon and seeThe trees,Every person will be loved and appreciated no matter who they are,I dream of a world that does not have bad drugs or alcoholAnd for peopleTo be happy.I know these things are hard to change,But it would make the world a better place.February 2021Crowdsourced from ELA6 Pod 3: Harrison, Jenna, Ellsyn, Thomas, Lydia, Wendy, Dustin, Hudson, Logan, Tyler, Farren, Henry, Kacey, Mckenna, Jackson T, Violet, Izzy, Jackson W , Zayden, Zania

www.lansingschools.org 3

VOTER INFORMATION

VOTER QUALIFICATIONS:

VOTER REGISTRATION:

1. Citizen of the US2. 18 years old3. Lived in District 30 days preceding the vote4. Must be registered voter

1. Contact Tompkins County Board of Elections – 607-274-55212. Contact Lansing Schools District Clerk Debbie Todd:

607-533-3020 X4000 OR email [email protected]

**Any voter registering within 5 days prior to the vote, including the day of the vote will be ineligible to vote in the 2021 annual budget vote.**

Please feel free to contact Debbie Todd 607-533-3020 X4000 or email [email protected] with any

questions you may have.

MAY 18, 2021 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER CENTER 7 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

REFLECTIONS OF COVID-19 PROJECTS BY LANSING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

See more on page 11!


PROPOSITION #1 – BUDGET

PROPOSITION #2 – STUDENT TRANSPORT VEHICLESThat the Board of Education of the Lansing Central School District is hereby authorized to purchase and finance student transport vehicles, including necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto, and expend a total sum not to exceed $350,000, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $350,000, shall be issued.

SPENDING SUMMARY (BUDGET TO BUDGET)

REVENUE SUMMARY (ACTUAL TO BUDGET)

That the Board of Education of Lansing Central School District be, and hereby is, authorized to expend the sums set forth of $32,408,881 and to levy the necessary tax therefore.

2021-2022 Revenue Summary

2021-2022 Spending Summary

2020-2021 % 2021-2022 %

Administration $2,677,525 8.49% $2,746,038 8.47%

Program $24,444,744 77.47% $24,928,436 76.92%

Capital $4,431,841 14.05% $4,734,407 14.61%

$31,554,110 $32,408,881

2020-2021 % 2021-2022 %

State Aid $9,389,501 29.76% $9,926,984 30.63%

Federal Aid $210,000 0.67% $30,000 0.09%

Miscellaneous $680,500 2.16% $625,500 1.93%

Reserves/Fund Balance $625,000 1.98% $250,000 0.77%

Total Tax Levy $20,649,109 65.44% $21,576,397 66.58%

TOTAL $31,554,110 $32,408,881

Program 77%

Total Tax Levy 66%

State Aid 30.63%

Miscellaneous 1.93%

Federal Aid 0.09%

Reserves/ Fund Balance

0.77%

Admin 8%

Capital 15%


ADMINISTRATIVE C O M P O N E N T

P R O G R A M COMPONENT

C A P I T A L COMPONENT

The Administrative Component provides for overall general support and management

activities. Costs for legal and auditing services are included here as well as the

administration and supervision of each school.

The Program Component includes salaries of all teaching staff, instructional

programs, and pupil transportation. Programs geared toward the whole

student (athletics, clubs, health services) are also included here.

The Capital Component of the budget deals with all equipment, supplies, materials, and

personnel for the operation and maintenance of district facilities. It also includes any judgments and claims, refunds of real

property taxes, and all payments on principal and interest on short and long-term debt.

2020-2021 Adopted 2021-2022 Proposed

Board of Education $23,650 $24,500

Central Administration $249,392 $257,112

Finance $440,981 $494,707

Staff $283,404 $233,627

Central Services $118,723 $144,533

BOCES Admin, Insurance $548,854 $478,358

Supervision $697,565 $751,305

Employee Benefits $314,956 $361,896

TOTALS $2,677,525 $2,746,038

2020-2021 Adopted 2021-2022 ProposedProfessional Development $149,581 $184,587Teaching $8,102,783 $8,193,117Special Services $4,014,848 $4,430,469Library & Technology Instruction $1,265,453 $1,279,932Attendance & Guidance $320,291 $325,645Health & Mental Health Services $514,927 $554,242Athletics & Co-Curricular Activities $613,530 $515,236Pupil Transportation $1,201,630 $1,206,122

Employee Benefits $8,239,701 $8,217,086

Other Transfers $22,000 $22,000

TOTALS $24,444,744 $24,928,436

2020-2021 Adopted2021-2022 Proposed

CENTRAL SERVICES $1,700,120 $1,667,535

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS $177,287 $201,730

DEBT SERVICE $2,454,434 $2,765,142

$100K CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECT $100,000 $100,000

TOTALS $4,431,841 $4,734,407


Example of a tax billIf my property has an assessed value of $100,000, and the estimated tax rate is $21.037 per $1,000 of assessed value my tax bill will be approximately $2,103.70 not including exemptions. Our estimated tax rate is $21.037.Formula: (Tax rate/thousand) x assessed value | ($21.037/$1,000) x $100,000 = $2,103.70

How can I find out more?To be eligible for this tax break, homeowners must apply through New York State. For more information on the STAR program, visit https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/eligibility.htm

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REVENUE ADOPTED BUDGET2020-2021

PROPOSED BUDGET 2020-2021

DOLLAR CHANGE

LOCALReal Property Taxes $20,368,192 $21,247,374 $879,182PILOTs $280,917 $329,023 $48,106Appropriated Fund Balance $325,000 $175,000 -$150,000Use of Reserves $300,000 $0 -$300,000Interfund Transfers $75,000 $75,000 $0Miscellaneous $605,500 $625,500 $20,000TOTAL LOCAL REVENUE $21,954,609 $22,451,897 $497,288

STATEBasic Aid $7,411,123 $8,056,578 $645,455Other State Aid $290,000 $290,000 $0BOCES $1,688,378 $1,580,406 -$107,972TOTAL STATE REVENUE $9,389,501 $9,926,984 $537,483

FEDERALMedicaid Assist. Reimbursements $30,000 $30,000 $0CARES ACT $180,000 $0 -$180,000TOTAL FEDERAL REVENUE $210,000 $30,000 -$180,000REVENUE TOTAL $31,554,110 $32,408,881 $854,771

Assessed Property ValueEstimated Tax Bill

without STAR ($21.037/thousand)

Basic Star Savings Estimated Tax Bill

$100,000 $2,103.70 $626 $1,477.70

Factor Basic STAR Enhanced STAR

Residency You must own your home and it must be your primary residence.*

Age No age restriction65 or older For jointly owned property, only one spouse or sibling must be at least 65 by December 31 of the year when the benefit will begin.

Income**

$500,000 or less for the STAR credit ($250,000 or less for the STAR exemption)

The income limit applies to the combined incomes of only the owners and owners’ spouses who reside at the property.

For 2021 benefits, $90,550 or less.

The income limit applies to all owners (residents and non-residents), and any owner’s spouse who resides at the property.

Assessed Property ValueEstimated Tax Bill

without STAR ($21.037/thousand)

Enhanced Star Savings Estimated Tax Bill

$100,000 $2,103.70 $1,303 $800.70


What is a tax levy?The tax levy is the total amount of taxes a school district raises to help fund its budget, after accounting for all other revenue sources. The tax levy is the basis for determining the tax rates for each municipality with a school district. Tax rates can also be affected by changes in town assessments.

Tax levy limit requires supermajority approvalThe state’s tax levy cap places restrictions on how school districts may increase their tax levies. It requires each district to calculate its own tax levy limit, which determines the maximum allowable tax levy (including permissible exclusions) that a school district can propose and needs the approval of only a simple majority of voters (50 percent plus 1). A district may, however, present voters with a budget proposal that carries a tax levy that exceeds its tax levy limit (plus exclusions). In such a case, budget passage requires approval by a supermajority of voters (60 percent or more). If a district fails to obtain a supermajority for a proposal that exceeds the tax levy limit, the same rules for a budget defeat, described above, apply.

**Tuition, Sales, Refund of Prior Years Expense, Interest, etc.

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GENERAL SUPPORT ADOPTED BUDGET2020-2021

PROPOSED BUDGET

2020-2021

DOLLAR CHANGE

Board of Education $23,650 $24,500 $850Central Administration $249,392 $257,112 $7,720Finance $440,981 $494,707 $53,726Staff $283,404 $292,377 $8,973Central Services $1,818,843 $1,763,429 -$55,414Special Items $548,854 $582,396 $33,542GENERAL SUPPORT Subtotal $3,365,124 $3,414,521 $49,397

INSTRUCTIONAdministration and Improvement $847,146 $935,892 $88,746Teaching $12,117,631 $12,580,336 $462,705Instructional Media $1,265,453 $1,279,932 $14,479Pupil Services $1,448,748 $1,395,123 -$53,625INSTRUCTION Subtotal $15,678,978 $16,191,283 $512,305

TRANSPORTATIONDistrict Transportation Services $1,185,130 $1,186,622 $1,492Garage Building $16,500 $19,500 $3,000TRANSPORTATION Subtotal $1,201,630 $1,206,122 $4,492

OTHER EXPENDITURESEmployee Benefits $8,731,944 $8,709,813 -$22,131Debt Service $2,454,434 $2,765,142 $310,708Interfund Transfers $122,000 $122,000 $0OTHER EXPENDITURES Subtotal $11,308,378 $11,596,955 $288,577

Total GENERAL FUND $31,554,110 $32,408,881 $854,771

DESCRIPTION AMOUNT

Proposed Budget $32,408,881

Budget Growth 2.71%

Projected Combined Tax Levy Increase Set in the summer of 2021; PILOTS and Property Tax Levy 4.38%

Property Tax CAP Increase Defined by law 3.60%

Projected Property Tax Levy Increase Set in the summer of 2021 4.31%

Projected Combined Tax Rate IncreaseCalculated in the summer of 2021 by the Tax Collector; Does not include the Public Library levy collection amount

-0.37%


WHAT IS A CONTINGENT BUDGET?

RESTRICTS SPENDING ANY MONEY IN CERTAIN AREAS:

OTHER ORDINARY EXPENSES MAY ALSO BE REDUCED AS NEEDED TO COMPLY:

CONTINGENT BUDGET PREVIEW

• Community use of school facilities without full cost reimbursement

• New equipment• Non-essential maintenance

• Field trips• Student supplies• Capital expenditures - except in emergencies

• Athletics• Extra-curricular activities• Certain non-mandated transportation

• Other non-mandated programs/activities/purchases

2021-22 Contingent Budget Amount of: $31,518,351 (assumes all other revenue remains the same)

A decrease from 2020-2021 of: $35,759

Would require cuts or increased appropriations (or a combination) of: $890,530

A contingent budget requires a 0% tax levy increaseContingency BudgetSince New York’s tax levy cap law went into effect, public schools have been facing a new reality when it comes to contingent budgets. No longer is there a spending cap on contingent budgets. Instead, there is now a zero percent cap on the tax levy increase. In other words, a district that adopts a contingent budget would have to levy the same amount of taxes as in the current year or less—without any adjustments for state pension rate increases, contractual obligations or any other costs, mandated or not. However, other aspects of the contingent budget rules have stayed the same. If voters defeat their school district budget on June 9, a district has two options: resubmit the same proposal or a revised one for a revote, or adopt a contingent budget. If residents vote down the budget a second time, the district MUST adopt a contingent budget.


GET CONNECTED! Have a story for us? We’d love to hear it! Email us at [email protected].


LANSING ELEMENTARY SHOWCASES EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT WORK

In Superkids, students read a story about the character Cass called “In a Pickle!” In the story, Cass gets her hand stuck in a pickle bottle. The class thought about times when they were “in a pickle” and wrote about how they solved the problem!

Students made their own artwork collage using Christian Robinson’s techniques.


NAME: Aaron ThompsonEDUCATION: I graduated from Lansing in 1992 and attended Tompkins Cortland Community College from 1992-1995 earning an Associates in Criminal Justice. I then transferred to SUNY Brockport 1995-1997, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.EMPLOYER: I attended Monroe Police Academy from 1998-1999. I was employed by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office from 1998-1999 until hired by Dryden Police Department. In 2020, I retired from Tompkins County Sheriff’s office after working there since 2002. I am now a Cornell University patrol officer. I previously served on the Lansing School Board from 2016 – 2019.CHILDREN: Erin, tenth grade; Ryan, seventh grade.STRENGTH(S) OF THE DISTRICT AS YOU SEE THEM: The Lansing School District has many strengths and there are two that I will speak to. The first is the district offers a variety of activities for students to participate in, which include a large variety of sports and performing arts programs. Second, the Lansing Recreation Department, the Lansing Highway Department and the Lansing School have a good working relationship that help with planning events and projects, which helps the community receive the most from their tax dollars.DISTRICT ISSUES WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDRESSED: I feel one of the districts’ bigger issues is recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19. As everybody is aware, the virus caused financial hardship for countless Lansing residents as well as created new ways to be able to provide an adequate environment for remote learning. The impact also greatly affected the school district with the increase of PPE spending. Also, the mental toll COVID-19 will be felt by the community for years to come. STRENGTH(S) YOU HAVE WHICH WOULD MAKE YOU A GOOD BOARD MEMBER: My personal strengths that would contribute to a board member position are my past roles within the community and district. First, I am a long-term resident of

Lansing. My roots extend from my grandmother Ruth Tvaroha who graduated from Lansing in 1925 and later taught first grade at Lansing for 40 years. My mother, myself and two brothers graduated from Lansing as well. My mother was a teacher for 35 years instilling a strong respect for education. I also have a daughter, Erin, in 10th grade and a son, Ryan, in 7th grade. These connections to the school make me want to promote what is best for both the school and community. Second, I chose a career in law enforcement to protect and serve the community that raised me. As an officer, I must make tough decisions, often under pressure, always keeping the public’s best interest in mind.ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD: As a resident, I am also aware of how higher taxes can impact the average working family. My hope as a board member is that we can find the perfect balance to continue to have a high ranking school district while still allowing average income families to afford to live in the community. I would be honored to be elected to the school board, to continue to serve the community and district in which I was raised and where I choose to live and raise a family.

MEET THE BOARD OF ED CANDIDATES

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

are generally held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the

Teacher Center, located near the District Office.

To learn more about each candidate please visit www.lansingschools.org.


MEET THE BOARD OF ED CANDIDATES

NAME: Aziza BensonCHILDREN: Zora and Andra class of 2022; Asher and Zane eighth grade; Abram and Zaylee fifth grade.STRENGTH(S) OF THE DISTRICT AS YOU SEE THEM: Quality administration, teachers and support staff; Good sense of community; Engaged parents; The district and BOE have focused on maintaining buildings and improving the quality of education at Lansing. This has allowed us to be on the right track for a safe atmosphere during this pandemic. We were ready for this challenge and ahead of the game for providing in-person schooling.DISTRICT ISSUES WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDRESSED: Multiculturalism/diversity; Fiscal responsibility.STRENGTH(S) YOU HAVE WHICH WOULD MAKE YOU A GOOD BOARD MEMBER: I believe in the future of Lansing; Different perspective from growing up in large urban school district; Unafraid to voice my opinion.ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD: As an owner of a third generation farm in Lansing with six kids and several nieces and nephews, I am very rooted here and invested in what the district is presently doing and how it is preparing for the future. Through my years on the board, I have demonstrated that the only agenda I have is to do what is best and right for the future of the Lansing Central School District. I want to ensure that Lansing can continue to provide a whole child education to all students, but it needs to be done efficiently. We need to improve the opportunities afforded to socially and economically challenged students. We should ensure that children without involved parents are receiving a whole child education.


REFLECTIONS OF COVID-19 PROJECTS BY LANSING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS



HAND DRAWN COMIC STRIPS BY LANSING MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Jocelyn Hsu, 8th GradeScholastic Art Award WinnerDisplayed at the Arnot Art MuseumCategory: Civic Expression: Political or Social Issues



HIGH SCHOOL ARTWORK ON DISPLAY

Ryan Hsu, Grade 12Scholastic Art Award Winner“What does it mean to be human?”

Adam Gossen, 8th GradeScholastic Art Award WinnerDisplayed at the Arnot Art MuseumCategory: Single Panel Comic



LANSING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPLETE GREAT GATSBY PROJECTS



HIGH SCHOOL ARTWORK ON DISPLAY

Charlotte Wolf, Grade 9Scholastic Art Award WinnerEmpathy Portrait

Lansing Central School District284 Ridge RoadLansing, NY 14882

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDIthaca, NY 14850Permit #415

LANSING MISSION STATEMENTWe will inspire our students to be knowledgeable, responsible, healthy and compassionate citizens.

1. Students are our priority.2. High expectations inspire high achievement.3. Our school community is passionate about learning.4. Creative and proactive fiscal planning is essential for success.5. Respect, competence, empathy, and integrity are

fundamental to building trust.

6. Taking risks and learning from our mistakes are the building blocks of personal and academic growth.

7. Students have the right to high quality instruction in a physically and emotionally safe environment that celebrates diversity.

LANSING BELIEF STATEMENTS

Dear Lansing Community and District Residents,

Documents

Transcript of Dear Lansing Community and District Residents,