Assistant Superintendent Steven Ayers discusses this year's budget challenges - on VIDEO

How does the Hilton School District tax rate compare with other districts in Monroe County?  The challenge to public school systems is to maintain a quality of education for all students while recognizing the limited resources available within the community. While enrollment remains stable, the District has worked hard to reduce spending, aware that in years to come, there will be increasing pressure to control costs with limited resources. The 2011-12 Budget Proposal reflects a 0.91% increase, due primarily to increases in transportation, benefit costs and debt service. Fund balance transfers amounting to $1,960,000 are included to reduce the impact on taxpayers. The tax rate will increase an estimated 1.20% in all towns in the District. The tax rate is the sixth lowest rate in taxes paid in the 2010-11 year in the county.

How has the Governor’s proposed State Budget impacted us?  As a school system that receives a significant amount of aid, the loss of funds posed a real threat to opportunities for children and the organization as a whole.

What reductions and potential cuts are in the budget?  The Budget Proposal maintains core educational services while controlling cost by making reductions in technology purchases, eliminating the Alternative Education Summer School; reducing placements to BOCES Summer School; eliminating the K-6 swimming shuttle; reducing some secondary extracurricular activities while restoring Beginner Band and Chorus, Ice Hockey, Boys Modified and JV Volleyball and lending support for the diving program. An administrative and support staff furlough day was approved by the respective Associations in order to retain staff and programs.

How much is spent per pupil in the Hilton District and how does that compare to other districts? We measure cost per pupil by dividing the total district budget by the total student enrollment. The Hilton Central School District has the lowest per-pupil cost in Monroe County, and lower than 90% of all school districts in New York State. See CHART at right.

Budget Calendar and Public Presentations  Public participation on Budget Development committees, public hearings and public discussions at the regular Board of Education meetings constitute community involvement in the budget development. Once adopted by the Board of Education, public presentations are arranged for civic groups:schedule of public presentations. A Budget Update was mailed in early April and the Budget Insight will be mailed May 5 to all district residents.

Budget Development Calendar:

November 2010 - establishment of official enrollment projections and per pupil allocations for budget committees

December 2010 - distribution of budget packets to budget committee leaders

January 2011 - convening of budget committees, present rollover budget to Board of Education

February 2011 - analysis of Governor's state aid proposals and revenue projections, review staffing proposals

March 8 2011  Board of Education meeting - First Draft Budget 2011-12 presented

Mar. 22, 2011  Board of Education meeting - Second Draft Budget to be presented; continued discussion

April 4, 2011   Budget Update - mailed to all Hilton CSD residents

April 5, 2011   Board of Education meeting - Third Budget Proposal presentation

April 12, 2011  Board of Education meeting - adoption of Budget Proposal 2011-12

April 18, 2011  Board Candidate Petitions due - petitions may be picked up in advance from the District Clerk; due by 5 pm April 18

April 22, 2011  Two candidates for two open positions  l   Budget Presentation to Community Groups  l  Schedule of Presentations

May 17, 2011  Budget Vote & Board Election - public vote on Budget Proposal and Board Candidates [two open positions]

What are the estimated tax rates for 2011-12?  

How are school taxes determined?    School tax is computed using the school tax levy, property assessment and equalization rates in accordance with the New York State Office of Real Property Services.

How is the contingency budget determined?   In the event the voters do not approve the proposed budget, the Board of Education may go before the voters for one or more votes on the same or different budget or they may implement a Contingent Budget which is capped by State law at an increase of 120% of Consumer Price Index [CPI] plus or minus various exceptions. The formula cap for 2011-12 is 1.91%. Since the budget increase of 0.91% is lower than the cap, a new contingency budget must reduce these items: equipment purchases, free public use of buildings and other programming to be determined.

Voting Information/Absentee Ballots   You must be a registered voter to vote in Hilton School District Annual Budget Vote and Board Election.  Voter registration is required. Residents wishing to vote in the Hilton School District Budget Vote and Board Election are required to be registered voters with the Monroe County Board of Elections [having voted in any general election within the past four years at your current address] or registered with the District. To register with the district please call the District Clerk at 585-392-1000 ext. 7099.  No proof of residency is required at the time of the vote.   Absentee ballots are available for registered voters who are unable to appear at the Budget Vote due to vacation outside the county, hospitalization, illness or other qualifying circumstances. Qualified voters may request an application for an absentee ballot at the District Clerk's Office at the West Avenue Building, 225 West Ave., Hilton Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter. Completed applications are examined and reviewed by the District Clerk. Residents whose application forms are approved will receive an absentee ballot. Returns of completed ballots in person must be at the District Clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the vote.  For absentee ballot or district voter registration, please call District Clerk Patricia Unterborn at 585-392-1000 ext. 7099.  Polling locations:  There are two polling locations open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.  All residents of the town of Greece vote at the Northwood Elementary School, 433 No. Greece Rd. only.  All Parma, Hamlin and Clarkson residents vote at Hilton High School, 400 East Ave. Hilton. No proof of residency is required. You must be a registered voter with Monroe County Board of Elections or registered with the District.  VOTING REQUIREMENTS.  For further information, call 585-392-1000 ext. 7099.