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HCS Approves Budget

Thu, Apr 21, 2011

The proposed 2011-2012 HCS spending plan of $11.7 million approved today is just 3.42 percent over the current budget and the tax levy is held under 3 percent.

After about 30 drafts, a 2011-2012 budget of $11,723,312 for the Hamilton Central Schools District was unanimously approved this afternoon by the Board of Education.

The budget, which will be voted upon May 17 by district residents, increases spending over this year's spending plan by 3.42 percent and includes a tax levy of just 2.95 percent. Included in the budget -- but which will be voted on separately -- is $160,000 for the purchase of two buses.

Keeping spending in check while facing a continued reduction in state aid meant eliminating on administrative position and a teaching position split between the fifth and sixth grades. The spending plan also trimmed spending for supplies, equipment and field trips.

After the vote, board President Robert Pils said, "The key thing is that given the economic pressures we face, keeping the tax levy increase below 3 percent is important. This is especially true for our retirees and others on fixed incomes.

"This budget and the work that went into it clearly shops we looked at everything," said board Member Molly Johnson. 

Afterwards, Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers outlined what it took to make this budget a reality:

  • Colgate continues to partner with HCS to help support a vibrant program and a strong pedagogical environment in which our students learn and prosper. Their donation was the impetus that helped the district return teaching jobs to the budget for next school year.
  • There was a very clear and positive stance that our community took to create the best case scenario for our children despite the difficult financial situation throughout the state.
  • The administrators have agreed to salary concessions for the second time in three years to do what's in the best interest of children and learning. 
  • The Board of Education worked closely with the school and the community to balance the needs of all constituent groups.

She added:

"Thank you to all of the fine people that made this all work for the children of HCS. It truly takes a Village and this is indicative of the many selfless people that are making the best out of a worst case scenario. Thank you to all of them."

Last week, Bowers announced that Colgate had committed $300,000 this year and aso to next year's budget. It is possible there could be a second, two-year gift of $300,000 per year depending on the financial situation of the time. Colgate explained its contribution:

"After a series of meetings with Hamilton Central Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers and Business Manager Matt Crumb Colgate has committed to contributing an additional $300,000 (per) year for the next two years to Hamilton Central Schools. (FYs 2012, 2013).

"The $300,000/year contribution is potentially renewable for one additional two-year period. (FYs 2014, 2015).

"The $300,000/year Colgate contribution is intended to augment HCS’s operating budget. Over the next four years, HCS has annual debt service expense of approximately the same amount for one of its past bond issues. This bond will be fully retired at the conclusion of FY 2015 and as a result, it is envisoned that when Colgate’s additional support ends, the HCS budget will not be left with a $300,000 gap. By easing HCS’s present financial burden, the contribution should give the district time to figure out a successful financial model for the longer-term.

"Having a strong and vibrant school district is of significant strategic importance to the university as Colgate expects that substantial hiring of new faculty members will occur over the coming decade. Having those faculty members and their families choosing to settle in Hamilton will add to the vitality and economic development of the community and will benefit the university’s core academic mission."

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