Berlin School Dist.

by David Flint

The Berlin School Board in four of the five past years has voted in August to reduce the tax levy approved by the voters in May, finding some money from the fund balance to reduce the proposed tax increase. This year there are no give-backs. On Tuesday the Board  formally approved the tax levy of $8,317,221 that the voters OK’d in May, an increase of 4.85% over last year. Based on assessed valuation and equalization rates, the levy results in the following tax rates per thousand and percentage changes in the individual towns. Only one town, Poestenkill, will see a decrease this year.

Berlin $57.60 5.4%

Grafton             $175.62 3.1%

Petersburgh        $25.49 3.5%

Poestenkill         $61.29 -1.7%

Stephentown      $48.00 3.1%

Interim Business Manager Scott Hunter noted that the true value tax rate for the District as a whole is now $14.40 per thousand of assessed value. There has been a steady decline in that figure since 2002-03 when it was $19.92 per thousand, the decline was accounted for by a combination of smaller tax levy increases and a substantial increase in assessed valuation. The rate is still about $3 more than the State average. 

Superintendent’s Report

Interim Schools Superintendent Charlotte Gregory said she had attended a Stephentown Town Board meeting at which the production company for the movie “Taking Woodstock” presented its plans for filming in the Stephentown area. Gregory was concerned that school buses might be delayed on September 15 and 16. She said the Town Supervisor subsequently contacted her, and she will go with staff this week to see what the situation is. The production company has offered compensation for any individuals or organizations that are inconvenienced. Gregory suggested that instead of monetary aid the company might provide someone with professional expertise to come and speak with students about film making. They will discuss this at a later date. 

Gregory said the staff has done an excellent job with summer school. Instruction and transportation schedules for the opening of school are progressing well. Training sessions have been held during the summer focusing on school safety, and there will be more in September. With the resignation of the High School Guidance Counselor, the school has received 200 applications for his replacement. Gregory said ten of these have been selected for further screening. 

Healthy Schools

Board Member Elizabeth Miller reported on her attendance, at a Healthy Schools Leadership workshop held in August in Syracuse. Three other members of the District Health Council also attended, participating in discussions of diets, health education, physical education, AIDS and more. Miller said she was impressed with the work of the Healthy Schools Leadership Institute. She also noted that Berlin looks pretty good with respect to other schools. She learned that most schools, including Berlin, are out of compliance with State requirements on elementary physical education. However, it was pointed out at the workshop that schools can use certified outside activities such as participation in dance lessons or community soccer to make up some of the requirements. 

Miller said the District Health Council is in the process of planning for the future and refining their goals. They plan to increase their membership and they will be seeking grant opportunities and looking into alternatives for food service. 

The Board will have a goals workshop on August 25. They also set a Capital Project workshop meeting for Wednesday, September 3, at 6:30 pm at Berlin Elementary School and their next regular meeting for Tuesday, September 16, at 7 pm at the High School.