UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT...

12
Tiger Trends U N I O N E N D I C O T T Budget Edition - June 2020 www.uek12.org 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972 Budget Increase $1,851,521 Total Tax Levy $42,825,363 Tax Levy Increase 1.88% Proposed budget for the 2020-21 school year Three Components 2019-20 2020-21 Change Program $61,019,192 $62,438,878 $1,419,685 Capital $14,280,975 $14,581,210 $300,235 General Support $10,138,284 $10,269,884 $131,601 TOTAL $85,438,451 $87,289,972 $1,851,521 Propositions 1 Shall the district appropriate the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures for the district which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes, exclusive of public moneys, and authorize the levy of taxes therefore? 2 Shall the following resolution be adopted to wit: resolved that the Board of Education of the Union-Endicott Central School District be authorized to issue district obligations in an amount not to exceed $460,000.00 for the purchase of three (3) 65 passenger diesel school buses and one (1) 35 passenger gas bus, authorizing the levy of a tax to be collected in annual installments, to make future debt payments? UE Program 71% Capital 17% General Support 12% Budget proposal meets state tax limit, maintains programs On May 11, the Union-Endicott Central School District Board of Education adopted an $87.2 million budget proposal for the 2020-21 school year that would maintain all current programs while staying within the state tax cap limit. This year’s tax levy limit has been calculated for Union-Endicott at 1.88%. For a home with a full value of $100,000, that increase equates to approximately $53 per year. The actual increase for each town and taxpayer will be impacted by changes in equalization rates and assessments. Since Union-Endicott is meeting the tax cap requirements, taxpayers will once again be eligible to receive a rebate check. These tax figures are subject to the varying equalization rates set for each town. Since Union- Endicott is meeting the tax cap requirement, taxpayers will once again be eligible to receive a rebate from the state. Due to the economic climate, there were not opportunities to enhance existing programs. However, we were able to keep current programming that benefits students due to attrition. Residents will vote on the proposed budget via mail in ballot by June 9, 2020. Since the district is within the state tax cap, a simple majority will be sufficient to pass the budget. If you have questions regarding this year’s budget, please contact the office of the assistant superintendent at 757-2114. Thank you for supporting the Union-Endicott Central School District. UE BUDGET VOTE Tuesday, June 9 Absentee Ballot

Transcript of UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT...

Page 1: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

Tiger TrendsU N I O N E N D I C O T T

Budget Edition - June 2020www.uek12.org

2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOTTotal Budget $87,289,972

Budget Increase $1,851,521

Total Tax Levy $42,825,363

Tax Levy Increase 1.88%

Proposed budget for the 2020-21 school year

Three Components 2019-20 2020-21 ChangeProgram $61,019,192 $62,438,878 $1,419,685

Capital $14,280,975 $14,581,210 $300,235

General Support $10,138,284 $10,269,884 $131,601

TOTAL $85,438,451 $87,289,972 $1,851,521

Propositions

1Shall the district appropriate the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures for the district which will

be required for the ensuing year for school purposes, exclusive of public moneys, and authorize the levy of taxes therefore?

2 Shall the following resolution be adopted to wit: resolved that the Board of Education of the Union-Endicott

Central School District be authorized to issue district obligations in an amount not to exceed $460,000.00 for the purchase of three (3) 65 passenger diesel school buses and one (1) 35 passenger gas bus, authorizing the levy of a tax to be collected in annual installments, to make future debt payments? UE

Program 71%

Capital 17%

General Support

12%

Budget proposal meets state tax limit, maintains programs On May 11, the Union-Endicott Central School District Board of Education adopted an $87.2 million budget proposal for the 2020-21 school year that would maintain all current programs while staying within the state tax cap limit.

This year’s tax levy limit has been calculated for Union-Endicott at 1.88%. For a home with a full value of $100,000, that increase equates to approximately $53 per year. The actual increase for each town and taxpayer will be impacted by changes in equalization rates and assessments. Since Union-Endicott is meeting the tax cap requirements, taxpayers will once again be eligible to receive a rebate check. These tax figures are subject to the varying equalization rates set for each town. Since Union-Endicott is meeting the tax cap requirement, taxpayers will once again be eligible to receive a rebate from the state.

Due to the economic climate, there were not opportunities to enhance existing programs. However, we were able to keep current programming that benefits students due to attrition.

Residents will vote on the proposed budget via mail in ballot by June 9, 2020. Since the district is within the state tax cap, a simple majority will be sufficient to pass the budget. If you have questions regarding this year’s budget, please contact the office of the assistant superintendent at 757-2114.

Thank you for supporting the Union-Endicott Central School District. UE

BUDGET VOTE Tuesday, June 9Absentee Ballot

Page 2: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

2

A message from Nicole Wolfe

CapitalFunction/Account Description 2019-20 2020-21 Change

Plant OperationsSalaries for facilities director, custodians, cleaners, secretarial support, utilities, environmental programs, furniture replacement and trash removal

$3,490,681 $3,482,330 ($8,351)

Plant MaintenanceSalaries for building mechanics, grounds keeping, heating/ventilating mechanic, electrician, painter and secretary. Expenses for materials, equipment and contracted resources to maintain all buildings and grounds

$1,486,063 $1,405,317 ($80,746)

Security Contract for SRO officer - $30,000 $30,000

Employee Benefits Retirement, social security, workers’ compensation, insurance, etc., for employees in this component $1,666,180 $1,728,774 $62,594

Debt Service Pension, bus purchases and bond balances for previous capital projects $7,538,050 $7,834,789 $296,738

Interfund Transfer Transfer to support the Small Capital Project $100,000 $100,000 -

Capital Component Total $14,280,975 $14,581,210 $300,235

See page 6 for details on the yearly capital outlay project.

Dear Union-Endicott community,This has truly been an interesting first year as superintendent, having encountered many unexpected situations, including the closing of the Boys & Girls Club, the high school power outage, and now the unprecedented pandemic.In facing these challenges, I am proud to say our faculty and staff have remained true to our mission of “creating a culture of collaboration and community.” We recognize that our school district is the cultural center of the community, and we embrace the fact that it is our moral responsibility to support our families and district residents. We are dedicated to ensuring strong lines of communication between school and home, guidance and assistance with resources residents and students need, and excellent educational opportunities for your children.This pandemic has brought with it a dismal budget outlook for the future, with no increases in state aid and the added concern that periodic “recalculations” by the state could result in funds being taken away from our district during the course of the fiscal year.While we remain optimistic, we realize it is necessary to present a budget that maintains programs for students, prevents layoffs, and is respectful to the community. Our proposed 1.88% tax rate increase represents the state-mandated property tax limit for our district this year, a calculation that is tied to the consumer price index (CPI), payments in lieu of taxes, various growth factors, and the capital tax levy. By staying within the tax cap, we are still able to maintain our current programs despite the staffing cuts made through attrition, which produce savings due to retirements and the reallocation of staff. This year, the budget vote and board election will be conducted by way of a mail-in ballot process. These ballots, which will include prepaid postage, will be sent to the district’s registered and eligible voters. Ballots must be returned to the district office by June 9. You will receive a postcard explaining the process, but, as always, feel free to contact the district office if you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the children of Union-Endicott. UE

Page 3: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

3

Function/Account Description 2019-20 2020-21 Change

Instruction

Program funding for teachers, aides, monitors, counselors, nurses, psychologists, libraries, special education, athletics, summer school, supplies, equipment, books and BOCES fees for supplemental services

$40,195,900

$40,677,561

$481,661

Legal Fees associated with student services $40,238 $40,238 -

Transportation The cost of transporting over 4,000 students daily $1,865,560 $2,009,272 $143,721

Employee Benefits Retirement, social security, workers’ compensation, insurance, etc. for employees in this component $18,832,494 $19,626,806 $794,312

Interfund Transfers The cost of summer special education and certain cafeteria costs $85,000 $85,000 -

Program Component Total $61,019,192 $62,438,878 $1,419,685

Program

General supportFunction/Account Description 2019-20 2020-21 ChangeBoard of Education Salary for the district clerk, supplies for elections,

memberships and conferences $87,416 $87,229 ($187)

Superintendent’s Office

Salaries for the superintendent, secretarial staff, supplies, memberships and conferences $268,610 $284,841 $16,231

BusinessSalaries for assistant superintendent for business/elementary instruction, administrative costs, and central business office (oversees accounting, accounts payable, payroll, purchasing, etc.)

$1,295,148 $1,334,762 $39,614

PersonnelSalaries for assistant superintendent for personnel/secondary instruction, personnel office staff, legal services, supplies, equipment, contractual and BOCES services

$423,944 $446,471 $22,527

Communications/ Records

Management

Contractual expenses for BOCES communications & development services, production/mailing of district newsletters, records access services, maintenance of district records system

$116,121 $121,970 $5,849

Central Services Data processing and computer services, BOCES data processing, central receiving, printing and mailing $2,300,893 $2,386,433 $85,541

Contractual ItemsBOCES administrative costs, insurance, judgements and claims, sports and program fees $952,917 $965,479 $12,562

Curriculum Development/

InstructionCompensation for instructional coordinators and directors, in-service training, graduate work $595,551 $533,283 ($62,267)

Supervision-Regular School

Compensation for building principals, assistant principals, secretarial support and supplies $1,746,936 $1,718,105 ($28,831)

Employee Benefits Retirement, social security, workers’ compensation, insurance, etc., for employees in this component $2,350,749 $2,391,312 $40,563

Support Component Total $10,138,284 $10,269,884 $131,601

Page 4: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

4

Account 2019-20 2020-21 ChangeTax Levy $42,034,686 $42,825,363 $790,677

Building Aid $6,727,810 $6,989,656 $261,846

All Other State Aid $32,882,571 $33,165,177 $282,606

Payment-in-lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) $82,042 $87,668 $5,626

Interest & Penalties $70,000 $70,000 -

Admissions $29,000 $29,000 -

Day School Tuition - $15,000 $15,000

Other Student Fees/Charges $100 $100 -

Day School Tuition - Other Districts $40,000 $30,000 ($10,000)

Health Services/Districts $28,000 $28,000 -

Transportation/Districts $10,000 $10,000 -

Interest & Earnings $100,000 - ($100,000)

Property Rental $40,000 - ($40,000)

Property Rental/Athletic Fields $5,000 $5,000 -

Property Rental/BOCES $175,693 $185,163 $9,470

Equipment Rental $13,000 $10,000 (3,000)

Instructional Supply Sales $5,700 $5,700 -

Refund Prior Year Expenses $988,000 $895,000 ($93,000)

Interfund Transfer from Debt Service $6,566 $6,145 ($421)

Medicaid $200,000 $200,000 -

Unclassified Revenues $95,000 $300,000 $205,000

Appropriated Reserves $405,283 $933,000 $527,717

Appropriated Fund Balance $1,500,000 $1,500,000 -

Revenue Total $85,438,451 $87,289,972 $1,851,521

Revenues

Fund Balance 2%Reserves 1%

Other Revenues 2% STARAs of 2016-17, if you are a new homeowner in New York, or if you move to a new home, you will receive a rebate check in the fall. Taxpayers earning more than $250,000 will now receive a rebate check instead of a reduction of taxes. More information is available at: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/default.htm

State Aid 46%Tax Levy 49%

Page 5: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

5

Pesticide use notificationAll schools are required to provide annual written notification to all persons in parental relation and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides throughout the school year. As a reminder, the Union-Endicott School District is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications. The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:

uA school remains unoccupied continuously for 72 hours following an application;

uAnti-microbial products;

uNonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

uNonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper-resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

uSilica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children;

uBoric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;

uThe application of EPA-designated biopesticides;

uThe application of EPA-designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25;

uThe use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets.

In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. If you would like to receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications in your school, or if you would like more information about the products being used, please e-mail [email protected] or call 607-757-2196. UE

Immunization informationOver the past year, there have been a number of changes regarding school immunization requirements.

For kindergarten and grades first through twelfth the following are required:

uFour doses of polio vaccine, unless third dose received at four years of age or older.

uTwo doses of varicella vaccine, except twelfth grade, which is only required to have one.

uAll students entering sixth through twelfth grade are required to have the Tdap vaccination.

u Additionally, there are Polio, Dtap, Hepatitis B, and MMR vaccine intervals for grades pre-k through twelve.

Students entering seventh and twelfth grade are also required to be immunized against meningitis. If a child

is new to New York state and entering eighth, ninth, or tenth grade without one dose, then he/she must be immunized.

Please note: all vaccinations must be given at appropriate intervals per CDC recommendations. In all cases, we advise that you work with your child’s provider to determine if your child has already met the vaccination requirement.

Any student who does not meet NYS immunization requirements for school attendance and does not have a medical exemption, will not be allowed to enter school at Union-Endicott. The student and their family must provide proof from a physician or clinic showing compliance with the NYS immunization requirements for school attendance.

Additional info and updates can be found at www.health.ny.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your school’s health office. UE

Fire inspection completedNotice is hereby given that the annual inspection for 2020 of the school buildings of Union Endicott Central School District for fire hazards which

might endanger the lives of students, teachers, employees therein, has been completed and the report thereof is available at the facilities office located

at 1100 E. Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760, for inspection by all interested persons. UE

Page 6: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

6

UE continues to strive for safe and sound facilities that enhance learning for our students. By completing yearly capital outlay projects, the District can get capital construction work completed and receive the state aid back on the project the following year. The district has been progressing with interior light replacement at the high school as part of past capital projects. The new lights that have been installed are energy efficient LED’s and have less maintenance than a fluorescent fixture saving the District operational money.

The 2020 capital outlay project will focus on replacing many of the light fixtures at AGM. UE

Many light fixtures at AGM will be replaced.

$100,000 capital outlay projectAsbestos management plansThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, AHERA) requires Asbestos Management Plans to be on file in each building containing asbestos, as well as in the District Office. The Union-Endicott School District has performed the required six month periodic inspection and surveillance in the Fall of 2019 and the triennial re-inspection has been scheduled for Spring 2020.

An accredited Asbestos Inspector / Management Planner performs all inspections, plans for response and the updates to the Management Plan. In the recent past, window caulk and window glazing has been removed from the windows in the high school. Also floor tile, floor tile mastic and corridor smoke doors have been removed from various locations in the high school, including the 2nd floor cafeteria flooring. Lastly, the high school 3rd and 4th floor small gym’s roof parapet caulk was removed.

The inspection and re-inspection data, the response actions and post-response action activities are all on file in the Asbestos Management Plans. The District Office has a copy of each Asbestos Management Plan available for review. To schedule an appointment, please call the Facilities Office at 607-757-2196. UE

UEHS juniors provide suppliesSince school closures back in March, the district has provided food to our U-E families. In addition, two students took it a step further and helped to provide feminine hygiene supplies.

Madison and Alessia Stead, co-presidents of Girl Up Club at UEHS, have been continuing the club’s objective of providing feminine hygiene products to U-E families during the pandemic. Girl Up focuses on reproductive health and supplies all the middle and high school bathrooms with feminine hygiene products, which were received through various community donations coordinated by the club’s adviser, Kelli Krieger. In addition, the club distributed personal take-home bags to girls in need when school was in session.

Recently, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of the girls supported through Girl Up were not receiving these vital resources. But with help from “I Support the Girls,” Madison, and Alessia received a generous donation of 200 tampons, 310 pads and 1,480 pantiliners to distribute to the community with help from Endicott Rotary.

UEHS Girl Up Club is grateful to continue to support young women during this time of uncertainty, as has been its mission from the beginning of the school year. Supplies will be provided through the remainder of the school year.UE

L to r: Alessia and Madison Stead sort supplies that will be given to families in need.

Page 7: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

7

School community comes together to make masksAs schools remained closed for weeks and then for the rest of the year, there were many who, from the beginning, put to use the skills they teach and learn to help our community in this difficult time.

UEHS Tech and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) teachers Corey Munn and Michael Wichowski have been using 3D printers to create plastic shields for first responders. Donated materials were picked up or shipped to Munn’s home where more than 200 shields have been made.

In addition, the Winans family has been busy making shields and masks. UEHS junior Abby and her father, Bob, a TigerTroncis mentor, have created dozens of Tiger orange shields using their 3D printer. Abby’s mother, Amy, has been busy sewing masks as well, completing hundreds since mid-March. She is among a large group of people, including U-E staffers Sue Fetherolf and Martha Weber, who are sharing ideas and materials. These will be donated to first responders and medical personnel.

Our generous volunteers say they will continue to make more each week as long as there is a need.

“We are by no means a high productivity operation, but while keeping up with our jobs, and school work, we are doing what we can and trying to support those we can. Every bit helps,” Amy Winans said. UE

Photos, l to r: Junior Abby Winans, and teachers Corey Munn and Michael Wichowski with the 3D masks they are making.

Student honored as Akshar All-StarCongratulations to sophomore Kristofer Hodge on being selected as an Akshar All-Star!

Kris was nominated by principal Mary Mullock for his hard work and dedication to learning at Tiger Ventures.

Kris is a great example of how Tiger Ventures works, giving students an opportunity to find their talent and passion in and out of the classroom. For Kris, it is woodworking. For TV’s first Seasonal Pop-up Sale, items were made from repurposed materials, including wooden pallets, which Kris used to make Christmas trees, corner shelves and holiday signs. In addition, Kris donated part of the proceeds from the sale to CHOW.

Nick Greco, Tiger Ventures teacher, said, “Kris exemplifies what Tiger Ventures is all about. He’s found a place where he feels comfortable learning in a way that best suits him.”

State Senator Fred Akshar, via ZOOM, along with Mullock, Greco and district leaders, recognized Kris for receiving the award. UE

Using the online meeting platform ZOOM, Senator Akshar, bottom row, center, recognized Kris (sitting with his mom, top right) for his achievements in Tiger Ventures. Also pictured, top, l-r: Principal Mary Mullock and 6-12 curriculum director Sarah Miller. Bottom, l-r: Superintendent Nicole Wolfe, Akshar and teacher Nick Greco.

Page 8: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

8

Students and staff transition to online learningRegional Information Center (RIC) staff kicked into high gear to keep

the continuity of learning going. This was no easy feat, but it was one that was met with our students’ needs in mind, prioritizing relationships, connections and well-being of students, staff and families.

The district’s technology and information department, headed by director Shannon Gillette, worked with RIC staff to begin the process of moving to online learning. Grades six through 12 already had district-issued Chromebooks. Within a week, more than 2,000 Chromebooks were issued to all K-5 students, including delivery directly to students who were unable to pick them up at their elementary school.

RIC staff, district/building leaders and teachers began learning about new technology platforms and apps to develop comprehensive grade-level plans.

Teachers K-12 worked in collaborative teams that included general educators, special educators and academic intervention specialists to establish two-week blocks of comprehensive plans focusing on essential learning using Google Classroom, Google Meets, websites and other online resources.

Since remote learning cannot replicate the classroom experience, the objective is to enable students to maintain skills that demonstrate the main objectives of each course or class. Teachers use online resources and activities to support students in showing mastery of the course essentials. Google Sites, Schoology, YouTube, educational sites and email are just some of the many resources available. Teachers also use optional ZOOM meetings to provide additional assistance.

At all grade levels, a grading plan was established and teachers will continue to provide materials, assignments and online learning through the remainder of the school year.

District-wide students, families, teachers and building and district leaders connect, teach, reinforce and provide support via ZOOM, Google Meets, email and phone calls. Nearly every day, building principals send emails to staff, parents and/or students, updating them on the newest developments, answering questions and helping in any way they can.

Gillette and the building tech integrators created a “Tech Hub” for staff and parents, hosted live learning sessions and purchased several platforms to assist with the online transition, including registration and records management. The RIC opened a help line to provide

students, parents, teachers and staff with technical support.

U-E recognizes the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the current situation and will continue using the power of our professional learning community to collaborate on an instructional plan that evolves as necessary to meet the needs of all our students and families. UE

All K-5 students received Chromebooks.

Andre Mathis registers a student online.

Senior Josh Mollo learning online.

Elementary students connect with teachers and staff regularly.

Page 9: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

9

‘Grab-n-Go’ sites, deliveries, donations ease stress during closureFrom the first full week of school closure, our Tiger community has stepped up to help families cope with sudden changes in routines, learning, working and all the other issues that have occurred in recent weeks.

Foremost has been providing meals and food for our students and their families. Without missing a beat, Broome-Tioga BOCES Food Services and Rock-on Cafe set up sites throughout the region for students and families to pick up ready-made breakfasts, lunches, fruit, juice and milk. U-E and BOCES staff and many volunteers worked the five Endicott sites, distributing the pre-packaged meals. Families can take food to feed their children and can go to any site that is convenient. Now entering nine weeks, the sites will remain open through the remainder of the school year. So far, on average, more than 12,000 meals per week have been distributed at U-E.

Not only are meals available, but so are boxes of food that are delivered every Friday to U-E families in need through Rotary Food Program. In response to the need, every week Endicott Rotary donates boxes and boxes of non-perishable food items.

In addition, Binghamton University students and New Life Ministries donated bags and boxes of food. In fact,

dozens of individuals and other organizations such as OPA, ETA, U-E Girls Tennis and too many more to list in this newsletter, have donated money and food items to the program.

Through the direction of Superintendent Nicole Wolfe, volunteers, and staff from the U-E transportation and the buildings and grounds departments, have helped secure, sort and put the food items into boxes. The boxes are loaded on buses for our drivers and monitors to deliver them to families.

Pamela Portland-Riddleberger, assistant superintendent, said, “Working through this unprecedented time is a community effort. Helping our Tiger families in any way possible to ease the stress of the situation will remain a district priority.” UEEach week, boxes and boxes of nonperishable food items are received

from Endicott Rotary and dozens of other groups in the Endicott school community.

Grab and Go meal sites provide prepared breakfast and lunch for families.

Staff fill boxes, load them on buses and deliver them to our U-E families every Friday.

New Life Ministries is just one of many organizations that donated food items.

Page 10: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

10

Board of education candidateTwo candidates are running for one open seat. The seat is for a five-year term and is currently held by Joe Ozvold, who is seeking re-election. The information was provided by the candidates.

Joe OzvoldNumber of years of U-E residency: 40 Education: SUNY Broome-AA in engineering science. Syracuse University-BS in electrical engineering. Binghamton University-MS in computer science.

Career: 35 Years at IBM Endicott. 13 Years full and part time Adjunct Professor at SUNY-Broome.

Do you or did you have children in U-E schools? Yes. Daughter Debra; son-in-law Kevin and son Jeffrey.

District Involvement: UE School Board Member-17 years; Chair of the Audit Committee-14 years; Board Representative to the Health Care Consortium-3 years, and TJW PTA Member-5 years.

Community Involvement: 24 years as an instructor with AGM, JFS and St. James/St. John schools at Frost Valley. Scoutmaster Troop 234 in West Corners for 10 years.

How would you be responsive to the needs of all stakeholders; students, staff, parents, administration and community, given the economic challenges in the local, state and federal economy? I have always looked for ways to conserve finances and ensure that all monies spent go to improve student outcomes. My research led the district to close the LWW school during the previous financial crisis which resulted in a savings of 1 million dollars. We then rented LWW to Owego for 4 years, we received unplanned income of 1 million dollars over 4 years. I have seen what happens during times like this, both in my professional life and in our school district. The best outcome would be to maintain full employment. To this end I will do everything possible to ensure this happens.

What unique strengths, talents and interests would you bring to a policy-making board? Having been on the board for 17 years I know why things were done the way they were and use that knowledge to plan for the future. I know what works and what doesn’t work and why. I want to ensure that we don’t make the same mistakes we made in the past and that we learn from them. As an Adjunct at SUNY-Broome, I see firsthand the excellent students we graduate and watch them succeed in college and as they progress through their lives. I also give feedback to our STEM teachers so that they know what is expected of their students after graduation and they go to college or out into the world.

What are the greatest strengths of the district and how would you continue to capitalize on them in these challenging times? The greatest strengths are the staff and the families in the district. Our staff goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. Not just their educational needs but also their emotional needs. Through their encouragement we see students achieving great things. Our families also contribute to the success of their students by ensuring that they are loved and supported today and everyday into the future.

How do you define leadership from the Board of Education, from the administration and from the staff and students? The first and most important skill of leadership is communication. It is important to address all questions that are asked during board meetings and also in the supermarket. Our administration from the superintendent to the bus drivers are always communicating with students and families, the Superintendent with her weekly emails and our bus drivers with their friendly greetings in the mornings and on their rides home after school. I do go on bus rides every year to see what they are like. Noisy is a good way to describe them. Students give the board feedback, especially when they attend board meetings for their Participation in Government class. We ask questions and they give us some very frank answers. We learn from the students as much or more than they learn from us. UE

Meet the Candidates 6 p.m.

June 1 via ZOOM

Page 11: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

11

Kathy MarecekNumber of years of U-E residency: 34 Education: Essex Junction Educational Center, 1977 and received BS in physical therapy in 1981 from the University of Vermont.

Career: I began my career as a Physical Therapist in Burlington, Vermont and then transferred to Lexington, Kentucky. We moved to Endicott in 1986. I have worked for both UHS and Lourdes Hospital as well as in skilled nursing facilities; I was also the Director of Rehabilitation at Susquehanna Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. I am currently employed at Lourdes at Home as a Physical Therapist.

Do you or did you have children in U-E schools? My three children all attended and graduated from Union Endicott. Currently my daughter and son-in-law are teachers and coaches in U-E. My grandson attends CFJ and his sister will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

District Involvement: I was involved in the Frost Valley Program for many years and a past president of the Union Endicott Wrestling Booster Club. I was elected to the Union Endicott Board of Education in 2007 and was a member until 2016 when my husband and I were in Florida for 15 months. While on the Board of Education I was the alternate trustee to the Broome-Tioga Boces Health Consortium. I am currently a member of the Board Advisory Team for policy.

Community Involvement: I am a current member of the Board of Directors of the Glen Park West Homeowners Association.

How would you be responsive to the needs of all stakeholders; students, staff, parents, administration and community, given the economic challenges in the local, state and federal economy? The mission and business of the UECSD is to educate and prepare our students; their best interests should always come first. It is important to be accessible to all stakeholders, to listen and acknowledge issues. Communication and collaboration are critical. Eliciting ideas and feedback allows parents, students, staff and community members to participate in the decision-making process. If stakeholders are engaged it benefits all.

What unique strengths, talents and interests would you bring to a policy-making board? When I was on the Board of Education previously, we went through some very challenging times with the NYS budget. The

pandemic of the COViD-19 virus is now impacting the district in ways that could never be imagined. Difficult decisions will most certainly need to be made in the future. I am qualified to make hard decisions. I work well with others and am a team player. The Board has to work together as a whole to the best interests of all stakeholders in the school community. I feel that I am a voice of reason. As a taxpayer, I can also advocate for our community. I enjoy attending events at U-E, especially sports as my children are involved as coaches.

What are the greatest strengths of the district and how would you continue to capitalize on them in these challenging times? There is much to be proud of at U-E and Tiger Pride permeates through the entire district. Our administrative leadership is top notch and they have done a tremendous job over the years in ensuring our financial stability. Our staff, both professional and non-professional, are the best in the area. Our facilities are second to none as evidenced by the multitude of activities and events held in the district locally, regionally and state-wide. We would not be able to provide the best education for our students without the unending support of our community. Time and time again the community has been there for our budget and capital project votes. The community is also extremely supportive of the students, many take time to volunteer and give back to community members in need.

How do you define leadership from the Board of Education, from the administration and from the staff and students? Being a Board of Education member means being a role model and help to set high standards for our students and staff. Working as a team and collaborating with all stakeholders is paramount. Every side of an issue needs to be addressed, decisions need to be made to provide the means for our students to succeed to the best of their ability. The board represents the school district at local, regional and state levels and advocates for our students. Board of Education members need to be present in our community and our schools. UE

Board of education candidate

Page 12: UNION ENDICOTT Tiger Trends Trends June 2020... · 2020-05-22 · Tiger Trends UNION ENDICOTT Budget Edition - June 2020 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET SNAPSHOT Total Budget $87,289,972

12

Eligibility To be eligible to vote, you must be:• A U.S. Citizen• At least 18 years of age• A district resident for at least 30 days

• Someone who has not been adjudged mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony in any state or federal district court

Registration The district maintains a permanent voter registration file. Residents who have voted in any election within the past four years need not register each year. Persons may register to vote at the County Office Building, Governmental Plaza, Binghamton, New York between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by completing a voter registration form and placing it in the drop box, or printing out the NYS Voter Registration Form (available at www.broomevotes.com) and either mailing or delivering the form to the Broome

County Board of Elections Office, County Office Building, Governmental Plaza, Binghamton, NY 13901 or Tioga County, 1062 State Route 38, Owego, New York 13827, Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. by completing a voter registration form or printing out the NYS Voter Registration Form (available at tiogacountyny.com) and mailing the form to Tioga County Board of Elections, 1062 State Route 38, P.O. Box 306, Owego, New York 13827. UE

Absentee ballots will be delivered to residents

May 25 through May 31.

If you do not receive an absentee ballot and would like to vote,

please contact the District Clerk at 757-2111 or

e-mail [email protected].

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDNorwich, NY

Permit No. 18

Union-Endicott Central School District1100 E. Main St.Endicott, NY 13760

Board of Education: Dick Testa - President Jim Truillo - Vice President Glenn McIver Dr. Thomas Martin Joe Ozvold Lowell Taylor Dr. Sharon Wells

Superintendent: Nicole Wolfe

ECRWSSPostal Patron

Current Resident or

Tiger Pride: Rich Traditions & Boundless Opportunities

By absentee ballotBallots must be received in the

District Office by 5 p.m.

June 9

BUDGET VOTE BOARD ELECTION

VOTING INFORMATION

June 1 via ZOOM6 p.m. - Meet the Candidates 6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing & Regular Meeting