May 8, 2008 - North Colonie Central School District’s proposed 2008-09 budget incorporates a major change from past years—the expenses needed to operate Maplewood Elementary School. But taxpayers will have helping footing the bill for those expenses, thanks to an accompanying increase in North Colonie’s state aid.

In fact, as a result of the annexation of the Maplewood-Colonie Common School District, the district will receive approximately $30 million in reorganization incentive aid over the next 14 years. Additionally, the district will benefit from an increase in state building aid, from 48 to 68 percent, for approved building projects.

“This extra state aid will help offset the cost of incorporating Maplewood, as well as assist in the transition process for years to come,” said Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg.

Reorganization incentive aid supports transition
Currently, Maplewood supports about 200 students enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade with a total budget of about $2.6 million. After the official annexation of Maplewood on July 1, 2008, North Colonie will receive $2.8 million in reorganization incentive aid for the 2008-09 school year to help the district absorb the new expenses and create a smooth transition process.

“The reorganization incentive aid accounts for a nearly 20 percent increase in our current level of state funding,” said treasurer/purchasing agent Steve Zautner. “Without the annexation of Maplewood or EXCEL funding, we would have received an 11.7 percent aid increase.”

Although this is a significant increase, the extra state funding will be used to cover the costs associated with incorporating Maplewood as the district's seventh elementary school. For example, additional school buses must be purchased and bus drivers will need to be hired to provide some transportation for former Maplewood students. It also includes costs associated with utilities, natural gas, insurance, equipment, textbooks and supplies.

In addition to covering the transition process, North Colonie’s proposed budget seeks to use a portion of the incentive aid to offset expenses that would benefit all students and their families' districtwide. For example, increasing the district's technology budget to begin a four-year computer replacement plan and offering a new computerized parent notification system to contact the school community about emergency notifications. 

This additional state funding will allow the district to make these additions and improvements, as well as maintain and expand instructional programs for students districtwide—all while projecting the lowest estimated tax rate increase in a decade.

EXCEL aid to help fund building improvements
The district has also received an increase in state funding through EXCEL aid, which will be used to make $7 million in infrastructure repairs and improvements throughout the district. Voters approved the referendum in March 2008.

In addition, as part of the capital project, the district plans to use approximately $887,000 in district reserves, which are the result of past years’ interest earnings, to pay for non-aided expenses related to the capital project. By doing so, the district was able to avoid a tax rate increase associated with the capital project.

Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to vote on the proposed budget and elect three candidates to the Board of Education. Polls are open at all area elementary schools. Maplewood residents vote at Goodrich School.

For more information about the proposed budget, visit the budget development section of the district Web site.