WEST IRONDEQUOIT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

321 List Ave. Rochester, NY 14617

To: Democrat and Chronicle, Irondequoit Post

From: Carol A. Crumlish, Director of Public Information, 336-3067

Date: August 17, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Irondequoit Schools Tax Rate Remains Flat

The Board of Education of the West Irondequoit Central School District set the tax rate for the 2007-08 school year at its meeting on August 16. There will be no rate increase; the tax rate will remain at $28.70 per $1,000 assessed valuation. The community approved a budget of 59.4 million dollars in May, with an anticipated tax rate increase of 0.84 %.

The board sets the actual tax rate each August, when it receives final assessment figures from the Town of Irondequoit. These figures, along with an increase in state aid, and prudent fiscal management by the district have resulted in the zero percent increase.

In the last three of four years, the board has been able to set a lower tax rate than that originally projected and approved in May. In 2004-05 the increase was projected at 3.79%, the actual rate was a decrease of 6.4%. This was due in large part to a town-wide reassessment that year. In 2005-06 the anticipated increase was 2.52%, the final rate was 0%. In 2006-07, the board approved a 3.27% increase, the same figure projected in May, largely due to concerns about the effect of the proposed Medicaid sales tax intercept plan. Setting of the tax rate is a policy decision that the board makes each year, based on the specific factors present that year.

“This reflects the commitment of our board to be sensitive to the financial pressures that many residents face. Our actions, however, in developing this budget give us the resources to continue to grow our educational program, add additional staff where needed, and provide resources that focus on the learning and achievement of our children. Our decision is contingent on the aid that we receive from New York State and other sources, and a year by year assessment of our needs.” said School Board President Chuck Perreaud.

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For further information contact Carol Crumlish, WICSD Director of Public Information @ 336-3067 or 703-6460.