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Education
While attendees and Lancaster’s Board of Education appeared pleased with the election of school board members for president and vice president for the coming 2009-10 school year, along with the appointment of an Assistant Superintendent, they were saddened by the resignation of a school member.
Marie MacKay and Joseph Maciejewski were unanimously elected as president and vice president of the Lancaster Central School District’s school board. After thanking the board members for voting for her, MacKay declared she looked forward to working with a group of individuals who may at times have shared differences of opinions, but were united in making decisions that were in the best interests of the children and taxpayers. Serving her eight year on the board, she declared she looked forward to working with Mr. Maciejewski who brought experience and knowledge to his elected office. “There’s going to be a lot of things on our plates, but we will work through them together.”
Mr. Allan Getter was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Business & Support Services at an annual salary of $117,000. Superintendent Ed Myszka thanked members of the audit committee (MacKay, Foley & Maciejewski) who reviewed candidates for the position and went along with his recommendation.
Mr. Maciejewski voiced that the Board of Education was lucky to have landed Mr. Getter. “He had an outstanding interview, his background for the school districts he has worked for is exceptional and I look forward to working with him.” Ms. MacKay added that he was unable to appear this evening, but will present at the meeting of the 24th. “He comes with a lot of experience and we belief he will add a lot to our school district,” said Mackay. “We think he will work out well at budget time.” Mr. Foley added he was also pleased with the selection and that Getter will bring a wealth of knowledge to the district.
Mr. Rick Foley tendered his board resignation at the close of the meeting. Foley had served on the board for 10 years, serving three terms as president. Several board members spoke on Foley’s contributions through the years and how his experience and knowledge will be sorely missed. Foley declared that his ten years on the board had been one of the most rewarding events in his life. He thanked the community for giving him the opportunity to serve. When he stated that he always acted for the best interest of the community when weighing cost against benefit, a balanced approach to every issue, everyone I knew would give a resounding, “Here, here!”
Contract Negotiations
Superintendent Edward Myszka presented an update on union contract negotiations. He stated that a tentative agreement had been reached with the Lancaster Association for Services Personnel. The contract was to be ratified within a few days and the contents were to be revealed at the August 24th meeting.
The Lancaster Teacher’s Association negotiation has reached impasse and a mediator has been appointed. The first session for mediation was set for September 1st. School Board member Ken Graber voiced that considering that the contract doesn’t expire until September 1st, before the mediation process takes place, he questioned whether the board was taking all available procedural means to negotiate with the teachers union. Mr. Maciejewski responded that the school board members sitting in on contract negotiations (Maciejewski, MacKay & Foley) were prepared to meet with union reps through the summer; even on Sundays. The Lancaster Central Teachers Association cancelled the summer meetings; prior to impasse. “Therefore, it makes it very hard for us to negotiate when we pull out our calendars and dates are set.” MacKay supported Maciejewski’s position and added that they were willing to meet with the Teacher’s Association at any time. “If they want to meet on a dime, like tomorrow, we’ll be there.”
Graber replied that he did not imply anything to the contrary, namely, that the board was not availing themselves to the Teacher’s Association, but that it behooved the school board to take such action.
Tax Rate
The 2009-10 tax rate for the Town of Lancaster will be set at 15.93 (dollars per $1,000 of assessed property value), a decrease of one cent from the original budget proposal. In Cheektowaga, the tax rate will be 23.63, a decrease of twenty-eight cents. In Elma it will be 303.76, a decrease of fifty-four cents. Motion for approval made, and approved.
Health Benefits
The Lancaster Central School District will self fund its health insurance program this year. According to Superintendent Myszka the move will be more cost increase avoidance than realized savings as insurance company rates are escalating at an alarming rate. “We are looking at a 27% increase if we went self-funding. If we did not, we would be looking at a 45% increase. That’s close to $2.1 million per year. Using the term savings indicates there is money to be used elsewhere. There are no savings here. We are decreasing our increase from where we were.”
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