Starpoint budget cuts tax rate

by Larry Austin
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, April 26, 2007

Starpoint adopted a $40,327,189 budget for 2007-08 at its board meeting Monday that would drop the tax rate by 2.6 percent.

The board’s budget for next year grows by 3.99 percent over the current operating budget and increases the tax levy by .43 percent. Because of increased state aid, the district will reduce tax rates by an average of 55 cents per thousand of assessed valuation. Starpoint covers five townships, including part of the town of Wheatfield.

The budget passed by a vote of 7-2, with board members Mary Brown and Janice Covell voting no.

The board also added a proposition to the ballot for a capital project of $15.4 million.

Brown voted no “because I don’t feel that we are utilizing the additional state aid that the governor has allotted to us.” She said the intent of the governor’s state aid plan was to decrease class sizes in schools, “and I don’t think we are using those funds completely in that way.”

Board member Janice Covell said the board was circumventing the governor’s intent in his state aid. Board member Gary Braun responded that the board should not imply the district will not receive aid next year because the aid was not used properly this year.

“I am implying that,” Covell said.

“To make an implication that we’re shortchanging the kids is wrong,” Braun said. Later, he said the board removed budget items that some would consider “fluff.”

Mark Montazzoli said he supported the budget with a 3.99 percent increase, “but I don’t support how we got there.”

He also said the board had a tendency to add staff, without a similar improvement in student results. He called it “a process error, there’s something broken” when staff is added and student achievement does not show a corresponding increase.

Board President Sam Geraci said it takes time to see results after a teacher is added.

Geraci noted the district is increasing by 1 percent its discretionary spending, with the rest of the 2.9 percent increase coming from mandated costs.

Geraci said a budget hearing on May 7 will spell out the capital projects, with a budget vote and election to follow on May 15.

Regarding the capital project, part of which will go toward roof repair, Board member Mark Ewart said it was a prudent way to take care of the buildings with little impact on the public.

In other Starpoint news:

•Athletic Director Tom Sarkovics introduced Starpoint’s latest scholar-athlete team, the boys varsity swim team, to the board. The is the sixth Starpoint team this year to earn the state’s Scholar-Athlete Award, Sarkovics said. He presented a pin to each athlete.

“We’re very proud of them and proud of all our athletes,” Sarkovics said. The team had a record of 12-2 without a senior on the team, Sarkovics noted.

•Superintendent Dr. Douglas Whelan announced the receipt of a $9,995 grant for Fricano Primary School to teach children safety skills.