Preliminary Budget 2012-2013

The preliminary 2012-2013 budget was presented to the Board of Education on Tuesday evening at the regularly scheduled board meeting.  Total expenditures were almost a million dollars over last year’s budget.  No new programs were added, just supplies and expenditures to meet the APPR and Race to the Top obligations. All employee contractual obligations were included.  Positions and programs reduced include .5 Health Teacher, .5 Driver Education and .5 Elem/MS Counselor.   Revenues were projected based on the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal.  The maximum tax levy allowed by the cap is about 4.39% .  The business manager and I are still checking the formula for the calculation of the tax cap.  Information is still being shared at this late date.  The difference between estimated revenues and proposed expenditures is still approximately $429,000.  We have a long way to go!

Safety Inspection

Thank you to the St. Lawrence County Sheriff and Massena Police Department for  conducting a safety inspection this morning of the Jr.-Sr. High School Building and parking lots.  Staff and students remained in classrooms and offices while the inspection took place.  The inspection lasted about 1 hour.  All classes have resumed as regularly scheduled.  We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

2012-13 Planning

The Board of Education, administration and staff are planning programs and developing budgets for the 2012-2013 academic year.  Everyone’s input is valued and heard.  The Superintendent and Board of Education are committed to long range strategic planning as much as can be done during these unprecedented, financially volatile times.  Information will be shared via this Blog, the District Facebook page, newsletter and public meetings.

Counselor Appreciation Week

On behalf of the MWCS district I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the efforts and dedication of our Guidance counselors, Mrs. Katie Higgins and Mr. Matt Daley.  The two of them avail themselves to students and staff for assistance in academic scheduling, career planning or exploration as well as personal counseling.  We also extend our sincere appreciation to School Psychologist, Mrs. Jennifer Ragan for her work to help our students succeed.   

Thank you  for all you do!

Rural Schools and Small City Schools Forum

Students, parents, educators, school board members, and community members are encouraged to travel to Albany on Feb. 29, 2012 for a Forum on Rural and Small City Schools.  Attendees will hear personal stories and a Keynote Address by Dr. John Sipple of Cornell University regarding the impact of school aid cuts on small schools. This is an opportunity to meet with State legislators to advocate that the 2012 budget prioritize schools as the NY State Board of Regents has proposed.  We need to ensure that all NY State schools have the means to provide an equal sound basic education for all students.  Transportation via motorcoach, lunch and materials will be provided for all attendees  The day will run from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Empire State Plaza.  Contact Mike Zagrobelny for additional information.

A week in the life of a superintendent….

” Introduction to potential local assessments for students, review of staff evaluation software or templates, long term health insurance planning, Technology Grant updates and APPR training” These are just a few of the items that have filled my schedule this week.  In spite of the obvious  importance of all these items, the part of my day I like best is the time when I chat, visit and connect with students and staff.   It’s the people that make MWCS a success!

Feb. 1, 2012

MWCS is on a 1 hour delay.  There is no morning UPK.  Due to cold road temperatures, rain is freezing on upon contact.