RFH 2010, HCS News

Colgate Contributes $300,000 More to HCS

Wed, Apr 13, 2011

HCS is able to restore the equivalent of 3.5 teaching positions scheduled to be cut from the 2011-2012 budget thanks to a $300,000 contribution from Colgate.

Colgate's donation, which will be followed by a similar one next year, was announced at the HCS Board of Education budget presentation Tuesday night. Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers said Colgate is willing to make two more similar donations in the future depending on need and the outcome of a potential merger with Morrisville-Eaton Central School.

"This is unprecedented," said Bowers. "This is Colgate being a great neighbor in difficult times."

Colgate's generosity comes on the heels of a restoration of $94,000 in aid included in the recently approved state budget. Combined,  the $394,000 makes up much of the revenue shortfall that had been staring HCS in the face this budget season.

At Tuesday's meeting Bowers said the 2011-2012 spending plan is tentatively set at $11,744,627, a 3.61 percent increase over the current budget. The budget would include a 3.31 percent increase in the tax levy.

Bowers said that the total could change slightly depending on the final prices of fuel costs. A final budget figure will be set yet this month. District residents will vote on it in May.

The budget still includes the elimination of one administrative position and a teaching position split between the fourth and sixth grades.