Lancaster school district facts only.

[Greg Sojka]

Lancaster school district rankings are dropping. The Lancaster school district is asking for a tax raise in 2017 . The NYS division of local government and school accountability audit said that the NYS Real Property Tax Law requires that a schools district unrestricted fund balance CANNOT exceed 4 percent but in 2012-2013 it was 6% 2013-2014 8% and 2014-2015 6% . 5 funds have been overfunded by over 18 million. *****The Lancaster districts budgeting practices are NOT transparent to the residents . The Lancaster district has levied and collected more taxes than were necessary to fund district operations. I am amazed how some people give this a free pass . The average Lancaster family income is 68,000 a year. We can not afford these tax raises and should of had a tax cut years ago. The Lancaster district loved to flaunt their awards in the past but the times are a changing.

[Greg Sojka]

While attended the Lancaster school board meeting tonite I was very surprised to be told by several current board members during the meeting that the Lancaster central school district Financial Condition report of examination by the comptroller 2012-2015 is just an opinion and does not mean anything , is not fact , and who are you going to believe ? NY? Or Lancaster? . I ask Who is running this asylum? Let the common Lancaster resident tell the IRS their audit is just an opinion ? How will that work out? The school board is crying the sky is falling and worried about what if's . What if home assessments go up ? Won't that mean taxes go up again?

[GEN3535]

Yes, an audit finding is in fact an "opinion". That language is both appropriate and commonly accepted in the accounting field. A quick visit to the NYS Comptrollers webpage also refers to an external audit as an "opinion". The "opinion" that an auditor presents is not a legal directive to a school district. The "opinion" is frequently structured to offer both commentary and suggestions. Your analogy about the Lancaster resident and the IRS audit is not applicable to this situation. In fact, an IRS audit is a completely different animal.

As a taxpayer in this district, I am always wary about spending down the reserve. Spending down the reserve to satisfy an audit "opinion" is short-sighted. There are several other school districts in Western New York who have done this and are now facing difficult decisions with respect to larger classes, eliminating programs and staff. Additionally, I think it would be irresponsible for the district not to consider the "what if's". However, if after careful consideration the district feels that it is necessary to utilize some of the reserve to pay for unfunded mandates or the like, I would be agreeable to that. The prudent management of the reserve is in the best interest of our community and district.

[Lee Chowaniec]

Yes, an audit finding is in fact an "opinion". That language is both appropriate and commonly accepted in the accounting field. A quick visit to the NYS Comptrollers webpage also refers to an external audit as an "opinion". The "opinion" that an auditor presents is not a legal directive to a school district. The "opinion" is frequently structured to offer both commentary and suggestions. Your analogy about the Lancaster resident and the IRS audit is not applicable to this situation. In fact, an IRS audit is a completely different animal.

As a taxpayer in this district, I am always wary about spending down the reserve. Spending down the reserve to satisfy an audit "opinion" is short-sighted. There are several other school districts in Western New York who have done this and are now facing difficult decisions with respect to larger classes, eliminating programs and staff. Additionally, I think it would be irresponsible for the district not to consider the "what if's". However, if after careful consideration the district feels that it is necessary to utilize some of the reserve to pay for unfunded mandates or the like, I would be agreeable to that. The prudent management of the reserve is in the best interest of our community and district.

Bravo!

Very well explained, however, the same has been explained in like terms at Monday night’s school board meeting when asked by a BOE member and to the same two BOE members at a recent budget work session - and where only three residents attended; and Sojka wasn’t one of them.
The three anti-administration candidates are hanging their hats on two major agenda items – the reserves and advocating for the opt out movement supporters.

The reserves issue has been addressed but not to their liking. The opt out move, to each his own.

[abc123]

When did Greg become such a cheerleader for Andrew Cuomo's state government and start siding with them over our own local elected officials? That is quite a turn about in governmental philosophy!

I can only assume this new, enlightened, state-first point of view applies to other areas, like common core standards as well?

Right?

[Lancastermom]

Bravo!

Very well explained, however, the same has been explained in like terms at Monday night’s school board meeting when asked by a BOE member and to the same two BOE members at a recent budget work session - and where only three residents attended; and Sojka wasn’t one of them.
The three anti-administration candidates are hanging their hats on two major agenda items – the reserves and advocating for the opt out movement supporters.

The reserves issue has been addressed but not to their liking. The opt out move, to each his own.

Lee, for someone who has told us you're not on Facebook but get sent screenshots, have you bothered to read the platforms and bio's of the candidates you term "anti administration" Everything I've read states the opposite. Holding people in town government and school administration accountable is something we should all do. I'd be happy to email you their bios and even copy and paste them for you and everyone else who terms a lady who has never run before or been involved in any "Redskins name" or "anti administration " as yourself and so many term them. To label such is short sighted, rude and going to the roundtable next week and sit down with all three women and get an honest face to face answer. Then come back and claim "anti administration"

[lord Geof]

Ok, not directed at anyone in particular, but I will pose a general question to anyone who will adhere to "just the facts"

So, the report has been public knowledge for a couple of years. The district has issued a rebuttal to the auditors which has resulted in "crickets", implying acceptance from the state.

Regardless of acceptance of the observations, here is my question:


Knowing that the report has existed for a couple of years,

DID YOU VOTE TO APPROVE THE BUDGET THE LAST TWO YEARS, KNOWING WHAT WAS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE???

JUST THE FACTS!!!

[Neubs24]

Lee, for someone who has told us you're not on Facebook but get sent screenshots, have you bothered to read the platforms and bio's of the candidates you term "anti administration" Everything I've read states the opposite. Holding people in town government and school administration accountable is something we should all do. I'd be happy to email you their bios and even copy and paste them for you and everyone else who terms a lady who has never run before or been involved in any "Redskins name" or "anti administration " as yourself and so many term them. To label such is short sighted, rude and going to the roundtable next week and sit down with all three women and get an honest face to face answer. Then come back and claim "anti administration"

They may not be anti-administration, but one of their support groups would appear to be:

[Lee Chowaniec]

Fewer Students Choosing to "Opt Out"

http://www.twcnews.com/nys/capital-r...el-042017.html

Hey Sojka, you and your candidates are opt-out advocates, what is Lancaster missing as the ELA opt out rate was as high as last year (50+ %)?

[gorja]

Annual budget report-
http://www.lancasterschools.org/2017..._budget_report

[gorja]

What is the Return on Your $103.8 Million Investment?
2017-18 The Lancaster Central School District board of education and administration put a keen emphasis on budgeting wisely, making prudent use of reserve funds, economizing and sharing services where available, and forming other partnerships that have enabled us to continue to offer one of the most robust and challenging academic programs in Western New York. We are the only school district to offer six (soon to be seven) career academies at the same time as providing highly-regarded special education programs and services for those in need. In the face of fiscal challenges at the state and federal level, we have not only maintained, but enhanced programming at all levels. Here’s a look at how we measure up.

Business First Honor Roll status for 12 consecutive years Business First Top Ten for the last four years–first time in district history

Community and Educational Leaders
5,655 of Lancaster’s children attend our schools.

920 full and part time professional and classified staff support the local economy.

492 community education courses are offered for adult and youth enrichment.

100% of Lancaster teachers have been trained in Kagan Cooperative Learning strategies, while William Street School is participating in a national study featuring Kagan methods. Lancaster is seen as a model site for Kagan instruction in Western New York. ...

Plus numerous vital partnerships with the Town of Lancaster, Lancaster Police, Lancaster Youth Bureau, Lancaster Family Support Center, Lancaster YMCA, and other local agencies that protect and serve our youth and families.

Lancaster High School is ranked in the top 10 percent of public high schools for New York State and earned a silver medal.
Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college. U.S. News and World Report National Best High Schools Ranking

College, Career, and Life Ready
393 second graders are taught the basics of financial literacy by students enrolled in our nationally-recognized Academy of Finance.

5,655 students are encouraged to develop leadership traits from as early as kindergarten, culminating in the opportunity to participate in the nation’s first-ever public high school Leadership Academy.

7 college and career academies will be offered in 2017-18, with the newest addition being a Trades Academy, emphasizing careers in skilled trades and manufacturing including electrical and plumbing–residential and commercial.

100s of flipped classrooms and inspired spaces bring innovation, creativity, and energy to students and teachers throughout the district.

$900,000 - part of a 3-year grant, shared with Clarence schools, intended to provide students who might otherwise be struggling with new opportunities to develop real-world workplace skills while earning a CDOS (Career Development and Occupational Studies) credential in addition to their high school diploma.

Class of 2016 and Beyond:


98% of our students graduate with a Regent’s Diploma, with 55% receiving Advanced Designation.

89% of our graduates go on to post-secondary institutions.

$8.3 million in scholarships and awards were presented to the Class of ‘16.

376 students have taken 843 AP exams with 80 percent achieving scores of 3 or higher (compared with a NYS rate of 65 percent).

57 students achieved AP Scholar status.

7 students named National AP Scholars, receiving an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on 8 or more exams.

18 AP courses offered, including the addition of Computer Science A and Environmental Science in 2016-17, potentially saving families thousands of dollars in tuition!

0% Drop out rate after five years.

Lancaster High School is a New York State Reward School for High Achievement!

Lancaster centraL schooL district
$14,976
per pupil expenditure

vs

New York state average
$22,556

Based on the latest NYS data

MUSIC

Named by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as one of the Best Communities in America for Music Education, Lancaster continues to offer a K-12 music program, with:19 music teachers2,789 ensemble musicians1 National Class marching band1 of a kind Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra, which was the first local school ensemble ever to be invited on the stage to perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra!

ATHLETICS
12 Fall varsity teams named Scholar Athlete Teams
11 Winter varsity teams named Scholar Athletes Teams
10 Athletic scholarships awarded
1 Newly-formed Unified Basketball team in partnership with Special Olympics

[lord Geof]

What is the Return on Your $103.8 Million Investment?
2017-18 The Lancaster Central School District board of education and administration put a keen emphasis on budgeting wisely, making prudent use of reserve funds, economizing and sharing services where available, and forming other partnerships that have enabled us to continue to offer one of the most robust and challenging academic programs in Western New York. We are the only school district to offer six (soon to be seven) career academies at the same time as providing highly-regarded special education programs and services for those in need. In the face of fiscal challenges at the state and federal level, we have not only maintained, but enhanced programming at all levels. Here’s a look at how we measure up.

Business First Honor Roll status for 12 consecutive years Business First Top Ten for the last four years–first time in district history

Community and Educational Leaders
5,655 of Lancaster’s children attend our schools.

920 full and part time professional and classified staff support the local economy.

492 community education courses are offered for adult and youth enrichment.

100% of Lancaster teachers have been trained in Kagan Cooperative Learning strategies, while William Street School is participating in a national study featuring Kagan methods. Lancaster is seen as a model site for Kagan instruction in Western New York. ...

Plus numerous vital partnerships with the Town of Lancaster, Lancaster Police, Lancaster Youth Bureau, Lancaster Family Support Center, Lancaster YMCA, and other local agencies that protect and serve our youth and families.

Lancaster High School is ranked in the top 10 percent of public high schools for New York State and earned a silver medal.
Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college. U.S. News and World Report National Best High Schools Ranking

College, Career, and Life Ready
393 second graders are taught the basics of financial literacy by students enrolled in our nationally-recognized Academy of Finance.

5,655 students are encouraged to develop leadership traits from as early as kindergarten, culminating in the opportunity to participate in the nation’s first-ever public high school Leadership Academy.

7 college and career academies will be offered in 2017-18, with the newest addition being a Trades Academy, emphasizing careers in skilled trades and manufacturing including electrical and plumbing–residential and commercial.

100s of flipped classrooms and inspired spaces bring innovation, creativity, and energy to students and teachers throughout the district.

$900,000 - part of a 3-year grant, shared with Clarence schools, intended to provide students who might otherwise be struggling with new opportunities to develop real-world workplace skills while earning a CDOS (Career Development and Occupational Studies) credential in addition to their high school diploma.

Class of 2016 and Beyond:


98% of our students graduate with a Regent’s Diploma, with 55% receiving Advanced Designation.

89% of our graduates go on to post-secondary institutions.

$8.3 million in scholarships and awards were presented to the Class of ‘16.

376 students have taken 843 AP exams with 80 percent achieving scores of 3 or higher (compared with a NYS rate of 65 percent).

57 students achieved AP Scholar status.

7 students named National AP Scholars, receiving an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on 8 or more exams.

18 AP courses offered, including the addition of Computer Science A and Environmental Science in 2016-17, potentially saving families thousands of dollars in tuition!

0% Drop out rate after five years.

Lancaster High School is a New York State Reward School for High Achievement!

Lancaster centraL schooL district
$14,976
per pupil expenditure

vs

New York state average
$22,556

Based on the latest NYS data

MUSIC

Named by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as one of the Best Communities in America for Music Education, Lancaster continues to offer a K-12 music program, with:19 music teachers2,789 ensemble musicians1 National Class marching band1 of a kind Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra, which was the first local school ensemble ever to be invited on the stage to perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra!

ATHLETICS
12 Fall varsity teams named Scholar Athlete Teams
11 Winter varsity teams named Scholar Athletes Teams
10 Athletic scholarships awarded
1 Newly-formed Unified Basketball team in partnership with Special Olympics

Wow,what a wonderful synopsis of the accomplishments of the district.

The superintendent, the administration, the teachers and the students should be incredibly proud of what has been accomplished, not just academically, but also from an extracurricular standpoint.

To the nay-sayers, what other expectations do you have of the successes, and where do you think the district must improve to meet your expectations?

Doesn't appear to be a district that is slipping in its accomplishments.

And while accomplishing all of these marvelous recognitions, the superintendent, the administration and the staff continue to deliver the most cost effective education in WNY.

Go Legends!!!!!

[Neubs24]

From the district newsletter:

"We have utilized our reserve funds, or rainy day savings, at the maximum levels allowed by NYS law while maintaining a steady approach to utilizing the balances given the volatile and unpredictable nature of state and federal funding for public education."

Use of fund balance
Use of reserve funds: $5,215,786
Appropriated surplus: $3,243,450
Subtotal: $8,459,236

2016-17 tax rate impact: -.08
2017-18 tax rate impact: +.19 (proj.)