Marion Board approves project revisions
By Beth Hoad

After school district voters rejected the proposed $12.6 million renovation and addition project in December 2004, Marion Board of Education members revised the proposal cutting $1.1 million in costs. Their recommendations will be put before voters on March 16.

Several non-state aid items such as lighting and stadium seating for the soccer field, sprinkler system on the baseball and softball fields and four new soccer fields were cut. Plans for a concession building and restrooms, bleachers, track, digital scoreboards, expanded parking area and four new science classrooms were left in tact.

'Our financial consultant figures these cuts would reduce the increase in taxes for a $100,000 residence from the original $82 to $46,' said Superintendent Dr. J. Richard Boyes.

A new 4-stage air conditioning system to replace the one that failed last year is also included in the proposal. To avoid going through a second summer without cooling should the capital project not pass, school officials contacted the State Education Department in Albany regarding possible action. According to the SED Project Manager, the air conditioning system can be separated from the proposal with its newly designed plans and specs. If approved, that portion can immediately go to bid and be installed for summer use.

'If voters do not approve the new proposal, it cannot be done,' said Boyes.

Because the air conditioning is needed, an alternative plan could be put into effect. However, it would mean the district would have to pay the full amount instead of receiving state aid in the amount of 90 cents on the dollar. 'Having to purchase and install the system separate from the capital project will have a definite impact on the tax rate,' he said.

The March 16 vote will be from 1 to 9 p.m. in the Elementary School auditorium. Absentee ballots are available at the District Office in the High School for voters who are unable to attend during those hours. Absentee applications and ballots can be picked up in person or by mail. Office hours are 6:30 to 3:30 on school days.

Board members also discussed an inquiry regarding leasing the undeveloped land containing the old apple orchard on the hill west of the school. An unnamed party is interested in leasing the 25 acres to raise Christmas trees. The orchard land was leased for several years until about 10 years ago when the trees ceased being productive.

'It was only $400 or so revenue back then, but I'd like to see it leased just to get it cleaned up and make it more attractive,' said board president Kevin Adriaansen. Members will develop a list of considerations such as possible revenue, liability, use of the land for cross-country track training and limiting use of machinery when students are using the land.

Under the bus replacement schedule, no new buses were purchased this year. In order to maintain the cost efficient replacement system, eight small buses will be proposed to voters in May 2005. Boyes explained the small 20-passenger vehicles log more mileage than the larger ones because they get more out-of-district use. The cost of the proposed replacement would be $250,000 compared to the $234,000 price tag of the present buses purchased five years ago. There would be two unavoidable differences in the new ones including the capacity for 22 passengers and the rear axle would have dual wheels instead of single wheels.

Boyes also reported that in an effort to detect fraudulent practices such as those experienced on Long Island in the amount of $7.8 million, the State Comptroller is planning to audit school districts on an ongoing basis with the intent of auditing every school district at least once every five years. The reviews would take from six to twelve weeks and would cover independent auditors as well as those in-house. It is recommended that each school hire an internal independent auditor to check transactions. Depending on the size of the school districts, it is possible that two or more districts could share the services of one auditor.

The State Council of School Superintendents reported that to date, auditors have found no wrongdoing by school districts. Final audit reports have advised on good business practices and noted where for example, policies did not exist. The Comptroller is legally authorized to conduct such audits.

Boyes briefly discussed Gov. George Pataki's state budget address regarding education. Like last year the budget includes a less than $150 million increase over a year ago. 'My big concern is that this doesn't even begin to address the court orders for additional money going into New York City and others. Ive condensed the concerns and features from 20 pages down to 5 pages, and they are listed on our Web site,' he said.

The next board meeting is Monday, February 7, at 7 p.m. in the High School Library.

top of page

 Copyright © 2005
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513 - 315-331-1000
All Rights Reserved