Dear Editor,
On Tuesday, May 17, the Owego-Apalachin School budget vote is scheduled. Here are some things I wish you would keep in mind.
The 2012-13 school budget was $40,639,767.00. The current 2016-17 budget being proposed is $45,022,608.00. That is an increase of $4,382,841.00 for the five year period.
State aid for 2012-13 school year was $16,586,745.00. The 2016-17 State aid will be $21,465,043.00. That is an increase of $4,878,298.00 for the five year period.
The District has said they have a decrease in Health Insurance expenditures, totaling $317,745.00. They have said there has been a decrease in the Teachers Retirement, totaling $147,566.00. They have also said there has been a decrease in the Employee Retirement, totaling $151,949.00.
Current school population is, and has been for five years, approximately 2,100. Classroom size is about 13 pupils.
Average teacher’s salary for the Owego-Apalachin district is $63,262.00. That would make the hourly rate approximately $42.00 if you assume the teachers are working 190 days; 180 days in the classroom and 10 days for prep work that is done before the school year starts, after the school year ends, and during the year.
In the budget the District wants to hire the following. Add four more teachers. Add one Guidance counselor. Add a Painter. Change the part-time librarian position at the New School (OES) to a full-time position. Add another Custodian for the New School (OES).
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 17, 2016, and please come out and vote.
Sincerely,
Candy Sweppenheiser
Owego, N.Y.
