Long Beach BOE Recognizes Star Students, Gives Financial Plan Update

Photos: Dr. Kenneth Graham honored Joshua Kapilian for his participation in the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented; Director Dr. Dale Johansen introduced and honored the five 2014 New York All-State Festival participants. Pictured, L-R: Victoria Epstein, Max Tunney, Alexandra Kapilian, and Jonathan Kapilian (Not pictured: Maegan Miciotta).

Submitted by Long Beach School District

At the Sept. 23 work session of the Long Beach School District Board of Education, several students were recognized for their recent achievements and an update on the district’s financial plan was presented to members of the Board and community.

Additionally, the Board approved a new contract with the Long Beach Schools Employees Association (LBSEA) that will be effective until June 30, 2015 and is retroactive through July 1, 2010.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kenneth Graham introduced Long Beach Middle School student Joshua Kapilian, who is participating in the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented, and acknowledged high school student Morgan Harrington for her poetry accomplishment with the Talented Writers program.

Music Department Director Dr. Dale Johansen congratulated the 2014 New York All-State Festival participants: Victoria Epstein, Maegan Miciotta, Alexandra Kapilian, Jonathan Kapilian and Max Tunney. She explained that the success of these students is a point of pride to be shared across the district, as music education begins at the elementary level.

This year’s All-State musicians represent all four elementary schools. Chief Operating Officer Michael DeVito provided a presentation titled, “Multi-Year Financial Planning: Creating a Context”. He clarified misunderstandings related to the district’s financial position now as well as in the future. DeVito described the different elements of fund balance and discussed the impact of FEMA reimbursements on fund balance, among other topics. He reviewed the four different funds: General Fund, School Lunch Fund, Debt Service Fund, and Capital Projects Fund, breaking down the components of each in a spreadsheet (the presentation is available on the district’s website here). DeVito emphasized the point that the total fund balance calculation is not an accurate indicator of the district’s financial status, as it includes bond monies. He also explained that overall fund balance is decreasing and has been during the last few years.

In 2013-14, the district received more revenue than originally projected for building aid, tuition from other districts, homeless aid and special assembly grants. This means that the district was able to preserve some of the reserve funds that were designated for the current budget and can apply those funds toward the gap that is predicted for 2016-17.

State aid for 2014-15 is likely to be similar to that in the 2012-13 school year. Expenditures for the 2013-14 school year were slightly higher than those projected due to carrying over expenditures from the prior year, larger-than-expected worker’s compensation costs and general fund use for post-storm supplies. Additionally, satisfying the Food Services deficit required the district to increase expenditures in the general fund.

The financial plan will be further discussed at future meetings. The next work session will be held on Oct. 28.

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