April 19, 2006

Dear Students, Staff and Families:

It is spring break and we have just finished the Budget Newsletter that will be mailed to you prior to the May 16 budget vote. I have just learned that three incumbent board members - Jim Breitenstein, Bridget Holmes and Ray Hawes will run unopposed. The three board members represent the community well. Each is very concerned about educational quality and financial accountability. 

As I sit at my desk thinking about the budget I wonder how can I describe this budget in a sentence or two? This budget advances instruction with an increase just above the cost of living in the Northeast. The Board and administration work cooperatively to establish a tax rate increase or "cap" for local taxpayers. In the last four years the tax rate increase has been no higher or as much as 1.5% lower than the rate indicated in the newsletter. School districts estimate tax rates knowing that state revenues and local property valuations are not clear. When we estimate rates we do so as a worse case scenario (for the Town of Duanesburg which is 95% of our valuation). It is likely that the tax rate will be less than the 4.89% projected, but it will not be any higher than that number.

Someone asked me the other day what is our policy in dealing with students who are caught with illegal drugs in schools? The school code of conduct (that every student receives at the start of the school year) is very clear. Illegal drugs of any kind will result in an immediate 5-day suspension, law enforcement notification and a superintendent's hearing to determine the need for suspension beyond 5 days. We also provide support to each family by offering counseling assistance to determine the need for help outside of the school setting. I believe that our students understand the seriousness of this policy and rarely (2 times in 5 years) have we discovered drugs in school. 

The district will be conducting a survey this year to assist us in evaluating the success of our substance abuse prevention education efforts at the secondary level. The building principal, Mr. LeForestier, will be sending information to parents on this survey.

Two weeks ago the first Phil Amelio Baseball Tournament was held in Pine Plains (Phil's home school). While it was a bitterly cold and windy day it was very important that we honored the memory of a great young teacher and baseball enthusiast. Coach Wyanski's baseball team played very well and I thank the team for participating in this event. 

Sincerely,
Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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