WEST IRONDEQUOIT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

321 List Ave. Rochester, NY 14617

To: All media

From: Carol A. Crumlish

Director of Public Information, 336-3067

Date: August 14, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Irondequoit sets tax rate and lunch prices, nominates BOCES School Board member and adjusts calendar

At a business meeting on August 10, the West Irondequoit Board of Education set a tax rate of $28.70, a 3.27% increase over last year’s rate. “We closed the 2005-06 books in good financial shape and were able to set the tax rate for the upcoming year at the amount we projected in May,” said William Domm, Assistant Superintendent for Business. “There have been years when we have been able to reduce the rate from the projected amount. In 2005-06 we were able maintain the previous year’s rate and in 2004-05, due to the town re-evaluation, we actually reduced the rate by 6.37%. This year, we have reserved funds as a hedge against the possibility that school districts will lose sales tax revenue if the Monroe County Medicaid Intercept Program is put into effect without a corresponding rise in the sales tax rate.”

The board also voted to set lunch prices at $2.00, a 10 cent increase from last year. The price of milk will remain at 45 cents. “The high cost of fuel has impacted the prices we pay for food,” explained Mr. Domm.

In other action, the board nominated Mr. Robert Dickson as the West Irondequoit representative to the Board of Cooperative Services (BOCES) School Board. Mr. Dickson, a 38 year resident of the district, is a former English teacher at Dake Junior High and Rogers Middle Schools. He is currently an adjunct professor in the Education Department at St. John Fisher College. He replaces David Brookins who resigned his position upon his recent move from the district. The BOCES Board of Education is made up of representatives from each of its ten member districts. It functions as a school board; setting policy, overseeing financial matters and hiring the BOCES superintendent. Mr. Dickson’s term of office is for three years.

The board also amended the 2006-07 School Calendar. Wednesday, November 22 will be a holiday for students and faculty, increasing the Thanksgiving break by one day.

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For further information contact Mary Kay Herman, District Clerk at @ 336-2983.