school budget 2008

May 20, 2008	YES	NO
Proposition #1 Budget	290	174
Proposition #2 Bus Proposition	308	138
Proposition #3 Capital Reserve	282	162
Board Member Election: (Two Vacancies)	-	-
John Bickford	381	-
Jackie Jones	316	-

Bickford & Jones run uncontested for School Board seats

There are two school board seats open in the Caledonia-Mumford Central School District and two candidates to fill those seats. Board Vice-President Barbara Burns has served several terms on the school board but will not seek reelection. Incumbent John Bickford, who has served a total of 15 years on the board over two separate tenures, will return. Jackie Jones is seeking a first term on the school board and will replace Burns. Both seats are three-year terms.

In July 2008, Bickford will be sworn in to his 16th year on the Cal-Mum School Board, combining both stints. He’s also been a board representative on the Middle School Compact Committee. Bickford says he originally ran for a school board seat because he, like many other first time school board members, thought a school district could be run with much less money than was being spent.

"I was wrong as most new board members find out. I cannot emphasize enough, the importance of surrounding yourself with topnotch people, especially in administration. Cal-Mum is also blessed with awesome, enthusiastic teachers that go above and beyond for our students. Cal-Mum is far from the average school district and I’m proud to say I’ve been part of the development of a SUPER school now known as Cal-Mum," Bickford remarked.

Bickford wants to continue on the board to see the district through the upcoming administration changes at the elementary, middle and high schools. He says it’s important to select good leaders as administrators.

"Everything else falls in to place when you have good people in administration," says Bickford.

If he did have any reservations about continuing on the school board, they fell by the wayside when the board recognized Senior Nathan Schiedel, state wrestling champion, at a recent school board meeting.

"I looked at the faces of his parents, the board, administrators and community members as we gave him a standing ovation. I was never so proud to be a board member as I was that night."

Bickford is a graduate of both Cal-Mum High School and SUNY Geneseo.

He and his wife Lori have three grown children, two who have graduated from CMCS and their youngest, who will be graduating in June. He is employed by Crane Hogan.

Jackie Jones seeks a first term on the CM School Board. She’s been an interested and involved community member in school issues and is an active volunteer with the Cal-Mum Soccer Club. Jones wants to be a school board member for the students.

"I want to contribute to ensuring the best education for each and every student," she commented.

She believes there is always room for improvement when it comes to providing a quality education.

"We can improve on the involvement of everyone involved in the educational system," Jones said.

She and her husband have two grown children, one in college and the other a CM Senior this year. She is employed at Accounting for Small Business.

School Budget Brings Tax Relief to Property Owners

   The Caledonia-Mumford Board of Education unanimously adopted a 2008-2009 budget for voter approval on May 20, 2008 that brings much needed tax relief to residents already dealing with the impact of rising fuel costs and a precarious economy.

   The $16,090,500 2008-09 budget is a modest 3.68 percent increase over the 2007-08 school budget. That coupled with an increase in Foundation Aid allocated to Caledonia-Mumford CS in Governor Paterson's New York State budget, taxpayers will see a 3.69 percent decrease in their school tax bills.

   That's good news for taxpayers, says Cal-Mum Business Manager Patrick Donegan.
"An almost four percent decrease in the tax levy is what people need right now, with our difficult economy impacting us on every level," he commented.

   There are no additions or decreases in programs or positions included in the $16 million proposed budget. Superintendent of Schools David V. Dinolfo says the 2008-09 budget accomplishes the district's educational goals and, at the same time, provides the necessary tax relief that property owners need right now. The budget reinstates the full amount in Monroe County sales tax, which Donegan believes will be reallocated to CMCS after the recent court decision overturned Monroe County 's F.A.I.R. Plan.

   "This sales tax share impacts our residents who live in the towns of Wheatland, Riga and Chili, who will now also realize the 3.69 percent tax levy decrease," Donegan explained.

School Bus Purchase and Establish a Capital Reserve Fund

   Voters will also be asked to approve the purchase of two 66-passenger school buses at a total cost of $186,000; 80 percent of which is funded by state aid. A new capital reserve fund will be established with voter approval to be used for future projects. The current capital reserve fund was applied to the last two capital projects and is now expired.

School Board Seats

   There are two school board seats open in this election, the expiring terms of incumbents Barbara Burns and John Bickford. Interested candidates may obtain a petition from the District Office, located on Freeman Drive , and return it with the signatures of 25 qualified voters from the CM School district by 5 p.m., April 21, 2008 to be included on the ballot in the May 20, 2008 election.

Important Dates to Remember - Watch for more details

May 13 – Annual meeting and forum to introduce candidates
running for school board. 7 p.m.

May 20 – 2008-09 school budget vote.