Spring 2008
Spring is upon us along with the culmination of so many school activities. This is the time of year for District residents to enjoy the fruits of the labor of our students during a busy school year. I encourage all of our parents and friends of the District to attend as many school activities as possible to share in the accomplishments of our students. Click on the calendar icon above for more details.
Congratulations to senior Jacob Smith who has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Jacob is the first MHS student to receive this prestigious honor in almost two decades. All of us in the Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD congratulate Jacob and wish him much success in his future endeavors.
The budget season is now in full swing. As in previous years, the biggest challenge for schools is “funding”, not “expenses.” Increases in so many spending areas, out of the control of the administration and Board of Education, make formulating a responsible budget that addresses the goals of the District a daunting challenge. State aid to our District is a paltry 7.2% this year with nearly 90% raised through local school taxes. Please refer to the above "2008-2009 InitialBudget Presentation" to the Board and community on March 6, 2008. This overview will be the basis of discussion this spring. Please stay informed of the budget process by attending a school, PTA / PTSA,or local community meeting prior to the May budget vote. Be an informed voter.
To help the District in reducing future energy costs, your Board of Education did approve an energy performance contract this year. This is a win-win for the District and taxpayers! Savings from the energy efficiencies in all buildings will pay the cost of the loan over a span of 15 years without any cost to the taxpayers.
In the near future the Board will also approve a capital reserve fund that can be used to save money over a period of years for large capital improvement projects such as repairing the HS tennis courts, repairs at the CW administration building, and building a storage facility at MHS for custodial equipment now stored in rented trailers. A capital reserve fund is like a savings account and will minimize large expenditures being included in the annual budget that has an immediate impact on taxpayers.
Be assured that every efforts is being made by the Board of Education and your administrators to be careful guardians of the precious dollars that the voters have approved.
I hope to see you often this spring at school events as you cheer on our sport teams, enjoy a concert or play, or enjoy a PTA / PTSA sponsored event. Enjoy the change of seasons as the warm weather returns.
Sincerely,
James F. McKenna Superintendent of Schools
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