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January 2019November 2018June 2018June 2018 Re-Vote Budget Newsletter
This six-page document describes the school board’s proposed $6,296,938 budget plan slated for voter consideration June 19th, quantifies the reduced teacher staffing associated with this re-vote budget proposal, identifies what would happen if the school board does not obtain voter approval for is re-vote budget proposal, provides a single-sheet forecasted revenues report, and offers New York State’s updated single-sheet property tax report card for Westport CSD.
June 2018 Re-Vote Budget Detail Booklet
This document features preliminary draft district goals for 2018-19, a capsule description of the school board’s responsibility to prepare a budget plan for voter consideration, a five-page annotated edition of the school board’s proposed budget plan, a copy of the June 2018 re-vote budget newsletter slated to be mailed to district residents, along with the State-mandated inclusion of Albany-generated reports such a as a 43-page New York State School Report Card on Westport CSD and a State Fiscal Accountability Supplement focused on Westport CSD.
June 2018 Annotated Re-Vote Budget Narrative
This five-page budget narrative features a brief description for each major category of the school board’s proposed 2018-19 re-vote budget at Westport CSD.Singular Administrator to be Appointed
Westport CSD Principal Josh Meyer is slated for appointment as the combined Principal-Interim Superintendent for the 2018-19 school year, at the June 4th special school board meeting that also features a public hearing on the school board’s proposed 2018-19 re-vote budget.Revised and Updated Merger Study Timetable
This timeline outlines the most recently revised and updated forecast of key steps associated with the remaining months of the merger study process, including an October 2018 advisory referendum in each school district and a forecasted December 2018 final referendum in each school district.May 2018School Board Adopts a Re-Vote Budget Proposal at Property Tax Cap Threshold
This bulletin outlines the school board’s proposed re-vote budget of $6,296,938 slated for voter consideration June 19, 2018 featuring a property tax increase that adheres to the state’s 2018-19 property tax cap threshold for Westport CSD.This public report offers facts and figures regarding the school board’s May 15, 2018 voluntary voter perceptions survey associated with the annual vote and election.
Bulletin - Results of the Annual Vote and Election
This bulletin provides facts and figures regarding the results of the May 15, 2018 annual vote and election.
Bulletin Regarding Property Tax Estimates
This bulletin provides additional, updated information regarding estimated property tax increases associated with the school board’s May 2018 budget proposal for 2018-19.
May 2018 Forecasted Revenues for the 2018-19 Fiscal Year
A detailed report from the school business office identifying forecasted 2018-19 fiscal year resources for Westport CSD. This detailed listing identifies forecasted property taxes, basic state aid, excess cost aid associate with certain special education services, BOCES aid, textbook aid and transportation aid among more than twenty categories of forecasted 2018-19 fiscal year revenues associated with the school board’s May 2018 proposed expenditures plan. That proposed expenditures plan is slated for voter consideration at the May 15 2018 annual vote and election.
May 2018 Business Office Worksheet on Estimated Tax Rate Calculation for 2018-19
Provides the detailed tax rate calculation figures used by the school business office to establish the estimated $102.19 amount of 2018-19 fiscal year tax increase on real property carrying a $100,000 assessment, associated with the school board's May 2018 proposed expenditures plan, with that estimate including STAR exemption. Page two of the worksheet displays the $102.19 figure within the detailed tax rate calculation worksheet. The most recent tax roll (the calendar year 2017 tax roll) was used for the the calculations.Highlights of Board Action May 8, 2018
Provides capsulized highlights of school board action at the May 8, 2018 regular monthly meeting that included a public hearing on the school board's proposed $6,562,000 proposed expenditures plan for the 2018-19 fiscal year.Spring Update - Progress Toward District Goals
Provides capsulized scope of accomplishment and progress toward this school year's set of district goals. Includes notable achievements associated with students, instructional programs, support operations and fiscal accountability.
NYS Spring 2018 Fiscal Accountability Report Card
An info-graphic summarizing New York State's spring 2018 three-page fiscal accountability report card on Westport CSD expenditures, compared with statewide spending and compared with spending of all school districts viewed by Albany as similar to Westport (average wealth communities).
May 2018 status report on this school year's timetable of thirty reports presented in public session at regular monthly board meetings.
May 2018 Policy Updates Proposal
Eight Westport CSD policies and four associated administrative regulations are recommended for May 2018
school board approval, as part of the school board's ongoing efforts to maintain an up-to-date policy manul that reflects revisions and updates to state laws, education laws, Commissioner's Regulations and guidelines from the State Education Department.This document features preliminary draft district goals for 2018-19, a capsule description of the school board’s responsibility to prepare a budget plan for voter consideration, a multi-page annotated edition of the school board’s proposed budget plan, a copy of the annual budget newsletter mailed to district residents, along with the State-mandated inclusion of Albany-generated reports such a as a 43-page New York State School Report Card on Westport CSD and a three-page Fiscal Accountability Supplement.
May 2018 Budget NewsletterThis eight-page document describes the school board’s proposed $6,562,000 budget plan slated for voter consideration May 15th, addresses the estimated property tax impact of that proposal, explains why the annual budgeting process is a challenge for Westport CSD, offers details regarding the May 15th voter proposition that would authorize use of existing reserve funds to purchase a replacement mower and a replacement plow truck with a plow and sander, identifies why the school board’s proposal requires a supermajority of voters, includes a single-sheet proposed 2018-19 summary budget and features the state-mandated three-page property tax report card.
April 2018April 20, 2018 School Board Adopts Proposed Budget
The school board adopted a $6,562,000 proposed budget plan for voter consideration at the May 15, 2018 annual vote and election. This document offers pertinent facts and figures regarding the school board's proposed budget plan, along with questions and responses associated with the school board's proposed budget plan.
April 12, 2018 Interim Superintendent’s Update
This two-page public report offers an update on the school board’s budget development process, to date. This public report also features the Interim Superintendent’s recommendation to compact Westport CSD administrative staffing for next school year, starting July 1st: Consolidate the two required administrative positions (Superintendent and Principal) into a singular Superintendent-Principal position.
March 2018March 22, 2018 Interim Superintendent’s Update
This three-page edition outlines why it is that additional elements of budgeting will become clearer in the days and weeks ahead. This update also outlines why Westport CSD is at an extraordinary moment in time. A spring 2018 conflict between state control of public school districts vs. local control of public school districts is offered, along with an update on statewide budget deliberations in Albany.
Our school community faces an important choice: Maintaining Westport CSD as a school district or merging with Elizabethtown-Lewis CSD. This report features a side-by-side comparison of Westport CSD and a merged district across the near term future.
Top Priority Equipment Replacement
Outlines the two priorities for major equipment slated for voter consideration in a May 2018 proposition to authorize purchase of such equipment via the school district’s existing reserve fund for such expenditures.
March 2018 Interim Superintendent’s Update
This edition of the Superintendent’s monthly update features details regarding the merger study process, statewide budget development regarding public education, budget development at Westport CSD regarding next school year and other topical matters.
Preliminary Draft Voluntary Voter Exit Survey
This preliminary draft May 2018 voluntary voter exit survey is slated for school board consideration March 2018. The survey is intended to assist the school board and school district with gathering voter perceptions regarding several key topics associated with school district programs, services and budgeting.
Weighing the Budget Factors – March 2018 Edition
This March 2018 infographic capsulizes several key factors associated with winter-spring 2018 budget development at Westport CSD.
District Bulletin of March 2, 2018
This document offers concise start-of-the month updates on topical matters such as the merger study process, budget development and a proposed formal resolution on school safety and security slated for school board consideration March 2018.
February 2018Interim Superintendent’s Update of February 8, 2018
This document highlights the winter 2018 merger study process newsletter slated for February 2018 mail delivery to district residents, and an update on budget development for Westport CSD.
Early Forecast of Revenues & Expenditures – February 8, 2018 Edition
This document highlights an early forecast of estimated revenues and anticipated expenditures for next school year, based on the Governor’s January 2018 Executive Budget Proposal, and based on the school district’s estimates of 2018-19 costs for contractual, employment, facilities, program and support operations next school year. At this moment in time, there is a “gap” of roughly $250,000 between forecast revenues and forecasted expenditures. This early forecast is slated for continued examination and revising at the school board’s March 8, 2018 budget development workshop #2.
Tuition vs. Per Pupil Cost at Westport CSD
This chart portrays the current tuition rate at Westport CSD for non-resident students as being equal to roughly 9.6% of per-pupil costs at Westport CSD, based on the New York State Education Department’s spring 2017 fiscal accountability report card on Westport CSD.
School Bus Fleet Report – February 8, 2018 Edition
This infographic summarizes the status of the school district’s fleet of school buses, and outlines the anticipated May 2018 proposition for voters to consider authorizing replacement of the school district’s thirteen year old plow truck for upkeep of the school district’s school bus thoroughfares, main entrance and parking areas; and purchase of a commercial-sized mower to replace the twenty-five year old commercial-sized mower for upkeep of the school district’s athletic fields and playground areas.
This infographic outlines key factors associated with budget development at Westport CSD that will likely be of focus during the final weeks of winter 2018 and the beginning of spring 2018.
January 2018District Bulletin – January 22, 2018
This bulletin focuses on the Winter/Spring 2018 Budget Development Process.
State of the District Report – January 2018
The State of the District report offers a snapshot at the school district’s financial planning for next fiscal year, along with brief status reports regarding instructional programs, curriculum and instruction, student performance, communications outreach, facilities, support operations and district finances. A status report on the merger study process underway with Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School District is featured, at well.
Benchmark Report on Staffing at Westport CSD
This infographic summarizes regular appointment employment at Westport CSD, for instructional programs and support operations. This report incorporates statewide student-teacher staffing ratios statewide, and at Westport CSD.
Budget Suggestions – January 2018 Summary of Employee Suggestions
This infographic capsulizes the results of December 2017 employee suggestions regarding prospective “top priority” expenditures for the next three school years at Westport CSD. Seventy-one specific suggestions were received, from the twenty faculty, support staff and other district employees who participated in the December 2017 survey process. Establishing a multi-year approach to forecasted “top priority” expenditures and estimated revenues is part of winter 2018’s governing team work ahead.
Preliminary Forecast – Significant Budget Factors for the Fiscal Year Ahead
This infographic highlights forecasted significant budget factors that will influence construction of a proposed 2018-19 expenditures plan during winter 2018 that will be subject to voter consideration at the Westport CSD’s May 2018 annual vote and election. This infographic is the byproduct of examining and analyzing dozens of budget-related documents, fiscal reports, briefing papers, bulletins and news stories focused on school district finances that were published during recent months.
Revised Draft Policy 3232 – Complaints Regarding School Personnel
This revised and updated edition proposed policy 3232 – Complaints Regarding School Personnel – is intended to reflect December 2017’s first reading and comment received. This revised and updated draft edition also reflects advice of the school district’s law firm, as additional follow-up to the December 2017 first reading of the policy. The revised draft edition is slated for a second reading and adoption at the January 2018 regular monthly meeting of the school board.
December 2017Interim Superintendent’s Update - December 2017 Edition
Provides brief updates regarding various topical matters at Westport CSD, including progress toward district goals, student enrollment, the merger study advisory committee, launch of budget development statewide and locally, NYSED review of Westport CSD’s school meals program and an update on the health insurance consortium.
Report on a Recent School Boards Workshop
A concise public report on a November 2017 workshop provided by the New York State School Boards Association for members of school boards throughout our BOCES region.
Prospective Winter 2018 Governing Team Retreat
A concise public report on a prospective morning-long winter 2018 governing team retreat by the Board of Education and Interim Superintendent, that would be in keeping with the Westport CSD policy regarding an annual self-evaluation by the governing team.
Report on Early Progress Toward 2017-18 District Goals
Highlights of evidence-based progress since August 2017 toward the seven district goals established by the school board for the 2017-18 school year, focused on bolstering student achievement, instructional programs and support operations at Westport CSD.
Preliminary 1st Draft Policy 3232 – Complaints Regarding School Personnel
A preliminary first draft edition of prospective new policy 3232 – Complaints Regarding School Personnel. This policy would provide a clear pathway for a constituent who has a complaint regarding a particular district employee.
Final Recommended Revisions to 2017-18 School Calendar
Details three final recommendations for winter-spring 2018, regarding Westport CSD’s school calendar. These three calendar revisions would complete the process that’s been underway since summer 2017 to revise the 2017-18 school calendar to be in compliance with updated State guidelines for school boards to use when establishing a school year calendar.
November 2017Westport Central School District K‐12 technology teacher Ms. Tonya Lackey was recently given notice by the State University of New York that she has been designated as a “Master Teacher,” according to Westport CSD Interim Superintendent of Schools A. Paul Scott.
A capsule summary of what the school district discovered on November 13, 2017 in regard to the heating system of the transportation garage, along with what action steps are being taken to remediate the situation regarding the heating system of the transportation garage.
Highlights of school board action is a capsule summary of what the school board accomplished at its November 9, 2017 regular monthly meeting, along with a bulletin to district employees regarding the heating unit for the school district’s transportation garage.
This document features concise updates on the summer 2017 emergency boiler replacement project, merger study advisory committee, NYSED review of our school meals program, reorganizational meeting of the school district’s wellness committee, proposed agreement with the alumni association, and the Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington Schools Health Insurance Consortium.
District Bulletin of November 6, 2017:
This document offers thanks during the month of November to faculty, support staff and those we serve at Westport CSD; and identifies two areas of focus at Westport CSD that will be collectively addressed as follow-up this fall season to the most recent annual fall season underwriting inspection by the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal.
Smart Schools Bond Act – Investment Plan Final Edition:
Outlines in concise fashion the State-mandated plan for Westport CSD to gain access to this school district’s allocation of Smart Schools Bond Act monies to be used for enhancing key elements of the information technology infrastructure at Westport CSD. November 2017 school board approval of this most recent edition of that plan is part of obtaining State authorization to put the school district’s allocation to good use at Westport CSD.
October 2017Westport CSD policy 5570 Financial Accountability that was revised February 9, 2017 calls for the school district to post the annual independent external financial audit on the District’s Web site. A paper copy of that annual independent external financial audit is available at the district office, for those who prefer to view a paper copy of that document.
Highlights of School Board Action:Highlights of school board action is a capsule summary of what the school board accomplished at its October 12, 2017 regular monthly meeting.
Interim Superintendent's Update for October 12, 2017:
This is a copy of the monthly update from the Interim Superintendent to the school board, associated with public session matters on school board’s regular monthly meeting agenda for October 12, 2017.
September 2017Highlights of School Board Action:Highlights of school board action is a capsule summary of what the school board accomplished at its September 21, 2017 regular monthly meeting.
Five-Year Capital Facilities Plan:The five-year capital facilities plan identified forecasted top priorities for the capital assets of Westport CSD: The K-12 schoolhouse constructed in 1933, and the transportation garage constructed in 1958.
District Safety Plan:The district safety plan is a key document to be used by the Principal and particular designated others employed at Westport to “flesh out” a more detailed set of emergency response protocols, subject to annual and periodic revisions and updating, as circumstances warrant.
Interim Superintendent's Update for September 21, 2017:
This is a copy of the monthly update from the Interim Superintendent to the school board, associated with public session matters on school board’s regular monthly meeting agenda for September 21, 2017.
This single-sheet document summarizes the results from a mid-September 2017 survey of district employees, regarding prospective near-term future ‘top priorities’ for repair, renovation or modernization of our K-12 schoolhouse.
This document is the state-mandated public disclosure notice of New York State Education Department’s approval of a waiver associated with the employment of public service retiree A. Paul Scott, as Westport CSD Superintendent for the 2017-18 school year.August 2017Highlights of Board Action: This document offers a capsule summary of school board action on Thursday, August 17th.District Goals for 2017-18: This document offers the board-approved set of district goals for the new school year.
Calendar Revisions for 2017-18: The weekly shortened day of school on Mondays that had previously been planned to launch September 2017 has been cancelled. This document explains why that is so.
Public Reporting Calendar for 2017-18: This is a month-by-month calendar of public reports slated for school board examination and discussion at regular monthly board meetings throughout this new school year.
