The Jamestown school board approved the JTA Contract at its board meeting Thursday, and the JTA membership ratified the contract on Wednesday. The four-year agreement is effective immediately and runs through June 2018. The JTA has been without a new contract since June 2014.

JTA President Chris Reilly said the union feels the settlement is a fair one and members pleased with it. School board president Paul Abbott said the members of the board are pleased that the District and the JTA could come to a mutually-beneficial agreement, adding that the board knows how hard both teams have worked to come to a fair conclusion that will ultimately benefit our students and district.

According to the Post-Journal, the new contract isn’t all that different from the previous contract, other than adding an additional payment step to better reward teaching longevity. The old contract had 22 steps, and ended at $82,000. The new contract contains 23 steps and ends at $85,000. Only teachers  who have put in 30 years or more at the district would reach the highest step.  The contract also includes an attendance incentive, that rewards retirees based on unused sick days they have acquired.

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown School Board has approved a $77.6M budget that cuts 16 positions and includes a 1.5 percent tax increase.

The board voted on the spending plan Tuesday night after Superintendent Tim Mains presented some final budget adjustments, which include a $103,000 reduction in professional development to ensure that no staff members would be laid off for the 2015-16 school year. As a result, all position cuts will be made through attrition.

The Jamestown School Board voted 6-0 Tuesday, April 21 on a $77.6 million budget that increase taxes by 1.5 percent and cuts 16 positions.

The final vote was 6 to 0, with board member Tom Pope absent from the meeting.

Mains said that while he was not pleased that the district had to cut more positions during a time when the school is asking to do more for its students, he did say that he was pleased with the budget process and the final result.

“Not everyone is happy with every piece,” Mains said. “But I think collectively, people recognize that this is the package that will work and it has the key elements that are important to the board, based on the input they received from the community.”

Jamestown Teachers Association President Chris Reilly – who earlier the budget process urged the board to do its best to preserve as many positions as possible – said that he can also accept the budget, considering there will be no layoffs…

Yes, we’re happy that the four JTA members will be coming back,” Reilly told WRFA following the vote. “It is unfortunate that we’re losing 16 positions, because the loss of those positions has an impact on everybody that remains – class sizes become larger, services that we can offer become non existent – so it still has an impact. It’s not a perfect budget but I think, as many of the board members said, it’s the best that we could do in these times.”

Each board member also weighed in on the process prior to the vote, including Shelly Leathers, who is the chair of the board’s finance committee. Leathers said she’d like to see the budget process start sooner and following the meeting, she expanded on what she meant.

“I think we’re actually going to start crafting the budget in August,” Leathers said. “I think that’s when it begins. I think we meed to start looking at the things we were not satisfied for this year and start looking at how to improve them next year, and to really monitor or fiscal situation every month, so that it’s not a surprise come April.”

The budget does call for a 1.5 percent tax increase, which is the first increase proposed by the district in five years. It will bring in an additional $220,000 – which school officials say will help to pay for four positions.

Board president Joe DiMaio said he understands taxpayers never want to see an increase, no matter how small, but he also that he’s hoping property owners understand why the increase put in place…

“We need your help,” DiMaio said when asked what he will tell taxpayers in regard to the increase. “We need to do this because included in [a budget without an increase] would be some things we don’t want to happen. The only thing that the state has done to try and get (taxpayers) on board is any tax increase – because we have kept it way below the cap – they will get a check for that amount of money that their taxes will go up, so they will get it back.”

According to school officials, the increase means the tax payment on a $100,000 home in the city will go up by $28.50. For a $50,000 home, it would be $14.25.

The school will hold a public hearing for the budget on May 12 at 7 p.m. at Percell Middle School. The public will then vote on the spending plan – along with two board seats – during the budget vote and board election on May 19.

WRFA Public Affairs Director Jason Sample provides a recap of the 2015-16 budget process for the Jamestown Public Schools District in Jamestown, NY.

School officials are considering a $77.6 million spending plan that includes a 1.5 percent property tax increase and 16 position cuts.

Members of the Jamestown board of education discuss the 2015-16 budget during the April 15 board work session. From left to right: Dan Johnson, Laurel Lucas, Shelly Leathers, Paul Abbott, and board president Joe DiMaio.

Jamestown School Superintendent Tim Mains presents the tentative 2015-16 budget during the April 7, 2015 school board meeting at Lincoln School.

JAMESTOWN, NY – The Jamestown School Board got its first look at the tentative 2015-16 budget, which includes the elimination of 16 positions and also a 1.5 percent tax increase.

On Tuesday night Jamestown school superintendent Tim Mains presented the details of the $77.6 million spending plan. The budget contains a 2.42 percent increase in spending compared to the current year’s budget. However, the two biggest line items in the budget – salaries and benefits – both see reductions by about 1.3 and 2.9 percent respectively.

The largest contributing costs to the budget are an increase in BOCES fees, debt service, and contract services.

• POWERPOINT BUDGET PRESENTATION

CUTTING POSITIONS NECESSARY TO CLOSE SPENDING GAP

Jamestown Teachers Association President Chris Reilly addresses the school board during the April 7, 2015 meeting.

During his presentation, Mains said he was forced to deliver a budget that calls for a significant reduction in staffing as well as a slight tax increase because the amount of state aid the district will receive is not nearly enough to close a $2.1 million budget gap.

As for the position cuts, the majority will be through attrition by way of early retirements, although there is also the possibility for up to four layoffs. However, Mains said that two of those individuals may be able to stay on by filling two new positions that might have to be created – although the district won’t know for certain until the start of the new school year in September.

Mains said says the other two layoffs could stay in the district by way of long term substations (LTS).

“I have long term sub positions that I’m going to be able to offer them,” Mains explained to reporters following the meeting. “I know that two of them absolutely I’m going to be able to provide something to. But an LTS position isn’t the same [as a permanent position]. It’s a little bit tenuous.”

Prior to the budget presentation, several individuals addressed the school board during the public comment, including Jamestown Teachers Association president Chris Reilly. He requested the board not pursue any layoffs, saying the number of insdtructors in the district has already seen a significant decrease in recent years.

“We as a district can not achieve the level of success we all aspire to with class sizes of 30 students or, for that matter, 25 or even 22,” Reilly said. “When I became the JTA president eight years ago, we had 530 members. Our membership records as of today show that we have 483 members. That’s an 8.9 percent reduction mostly occurring in the past four or five years.”

The union president also reminded the board that the JTA had already done its part, with nearly two dozen members taking an early retirement in order to reduce costs and prevent any possible layoffs.

TAX INCREASE WELL BELOW TAX CAP

As for the 1.5 percent property tax increase, Mains said he feels it’s justifiable considering it’s the first increase in five years.

“We had already gotten some [information] telegraphed during board discussions that it sounded as though folks might be willing to consider something in that neighborhood,” Mains said. “So we listened to the board and put that out there. I do believe it’s extremely reasonable. A 1.5 percent increase could be justified in just one year alone and when you say it’s the first increase in five years, it makes it even more justifiable.”

An increase of 1.5 percent would result in $220,000 in new revenue, which would help to protect four positions from being cut. Under the state’s tax cap guidelines, the district had the option of increasing taxes by as much as 3.25 percent.

BUDGET PROCESS TO CONTINUE APRIL 15

After learning about the budget, some school board members offered their initial thoughts. Board member Tom Pope said he’s not comfortable with any tax increase and he’s also concerned about using $1,000,000 from the district’s fund balance, which would all but deplete the money from the “rainy day” account unless the district was to realize unanticipated savings during the current year.

Board members Paul Abbott and Patrick Slagle also had questions regarding the allocation of more than $300,000 toward professional development,while at the same time the district was looking at cutting 16 positions.

In addition to Reilly’s comments, six others also spoke during the meeting regarding the budget, with several representatives from the Jamestown YWCA requesting the district not cut the TEAM program, which provides services to students who are mothers or who are expecting. Mains noted during his budget presentation that both TEAM – as well as Chautauqua Striders – will not see any cuts in funding.

The board will continue to discuss the budget and consider adjustments during a work session next Wednesday, April 15 – beginning at 5:30 p.m. However, its not expected to act on a final budget until the following week.

The school board has until April 26 to approve a spending plan and put it before the public for a vote.

Jamestown School Superintendent Tim Mains discusses the 2015-16 budget numbers with the school board during the March 12 meeting.  A budget work session, based on his budget presentation, will take place Wednesday March 18.

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown School Board will be meeting Wednesday to work on the 2015-16 budget.

Last week the school board learned from Superintendent Tim Mains that the district is currently facing a $4.9 million budget gap. That spending gap does not take into account an increase in state aid the district will likely receive from Albany and state officials have not given any details on how much Jamestown will likely receive. So until state lawmakers settle on a budget, the district is forced to work with this year’s state aid totals.

• JPS MARCH 12 BUDGET POWER POINT

The lack of information from Albany this year has frustrated school officials, including School board president Joe DiMaio. He says today’s meeting won’t deal with identifying specific cuts, but will focus on prioritizing general areas within the budget.

“The meeting is taking place just to basically get our priorities set to determine what would happen depending on how much money we get [from the state], because there are places we could grow, but realistically we’re just going to talking about what our priorities are once we do get an indication of what our state aid will be,” DiMaio told WRFA following the board’s March 12 meeting.

Without any cuts or additions to next year’s budget, it would total just over $78.5 million. That’s a $2.77 million increase over the current year’s budget and is largely due to built-in cost increases – including BOCES, teachers and administration raises, and other contractual increases.

The budget gap could have been much higher, had it not been for 20 teachers having agreed to take an early retirement. Jamestown Teacher Association President Chris Reilly says that is one example of how members of the teachers union are working to help the district dig out of the budget hole. And Reilly says there may be other things JTA can also do to help the district out.

“I really can’t share [details] because they’re topics for negotiations which we keep confidential,” Reilly said. “I can say, in general, no option is off the table. We’ve discussed a variety of things. Certainly we’re willing to be reasonable during these times. But we need to be reasonable – we’re not going to give things away, so that’s really where we stand right now.”

Reilly says the JTA is also partnering with the southwestern Teachers Association in hosting a community forum and education rally focusing on challenges local districts are facing, primarily due to increased mandates from the state without a corresponding increase in aid. It will be held Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Southwestern High School auditorium.

“We’re going to have multiple speakers, including Superintendent Mains and one of my members,” Reilly said. “That’s kind of our culminating event – to really rally the troops. Obviously we have a short time to do it but we’re hoping the community members come out and that everybody gets to hear the message and everybody gets behind the effort.”

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s Jamestown School board work session will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the School Board Room, located inside the Administration building on Martin Road. The meeting is open to the public.

JTA President Christopher Reilly addresses the state education commissioner as the audience listens during the public forum on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

JAMESTOWN – A lot of Western New Yorkers are concerned about the current state of public education in New York.

That was the message last night as hundreds of people filled the Jamestown High School auditorium to meet with New York State Education Commissioner John King Jr. to share their thoughts and asks questions about the controversial 21^st Century Learning Standards – more commonly known as “Common Core.”

More than 30 people had an opportunity to speak directly to the commissioner, including Jamestown Teachers Association President Christopher Reilly. Reilly said the teachers in Jamestown are dedicated to improving student achievement, but the new teaching standards imposed by the state has not made it easy.

Jamestown Teachers Association President Christopher Reilly addresses the State Education Commissioner and other education officials on Wednesday Night.

“The expectations of the common core are often times unclear,” Reilly explained. “The modules designed to assist teachers in implementing the Common Core are laced with errors. Teachers should not have to check ‘Engage New York’ to be alerted to errors found in modules. It’s unsettling when good veteran teachers consistently question the modules and their focus and appropriateness.”

Fredonia Middle School principal Andrew Ludwig also spoke out against the Common Core. He said that he’s not only opposed to it as an educator, but also as a parent.

“I can not possibly share with you all of my concerns in the time I am allotted, but you have heard many of these concerns over and over again in different times and different places,” Ludwig said. “You nod your heads, sometimes you smile, but I’m not sure you’re really listening. Unless major changes are made in the 3 through 8 testing program, I believe that many, many parents across the state will refuse your test.”

A few current students also spoke during the public comment, including one who said that the current education model and testing has created anxiety for him. He said he’s also seen his performance slip since the new standards have been implemented.

“Last year I received a [score of] 4 on the New York State test. This year I received a 3. How do you think that made me feel?” he said, adding, “Because of all the anxiety I’ve experienced, I’ve opted out from testing for this coming year. I know I am smart and I don’t need your tests.”

The vast majority of those who spoke expressed various concerns to the education model, ranging from poorly planned implementation models to over-testing and even corporate interests behind the creation of Common Core. However, there were some in attendance who were school administrators from throughout the region who spoke in favor of the standards.

New York State Education Commissioner John King, Jr. speaks with reporters prior to a public forum on public education at Jamestown High School on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013.

Commissioner King responded to many of the concerns that were brought forward by the parents, students and teachers who spoke, with some of response aimed at refuting the claims made by those who spoke. His overlying message what that the standards are still new and will take time to adjust to. He added that the state is allowing for the performance evaluations to be slowly phased in over a seven-year period.

Prior to the public forum, WRFA specifically asked him about the amount of stress that the new teaching standards and assessments have created for students, parents and teachers. The commissioner’s response was that stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“There’s a balance you have to strike. There is some productive stress,” King said. “Most things in life that are worth doing require hard work. They require practice. They require preparation. So I think its important that we not say stress is inherently bad. But of course we worry about students feeling stress about the assessments or the educators feeling stress about the assessments. The assessments have to be treated as moment in time that gives us good information about student progress towards the goal, but not become the curriculum.”

The commissioner will hold one more public forum on the common core – most likely in Buffalo – prior to bringing his findings to the State Education Department and the Board of Regents.

WRFA will also have more from Wednesday Night’s public forum during Community Matters, which airs at 6 p.m. Thursday on WRFA.

The collaboration, initiated by Manager of Airport and Parks Sam Arcadipane and JPS Business Chairperson David Munella, not only gave students real-life work experience but also provided an opportunity to find out more about employment opportunities in Chautauqua County.

The three JHS students worked on the website as a project during Chris Reilly’s Website Design Class. The students met with airport representatives and kept in constant contact by sending email updates on their design progress and any questions.

Many individuals were involved in the project including: JHS Business teacher Chris Reilly, Dave Himelein and Vince Horrigan from the Chautauqua County Airport Commission; George Spanos, Director Department of Public Facilities; Jon DeAngelo,
Chautauqua County Director of Information Services; and Karen Baglia from Time Warner Cable.

Tim Mains, newly appointed superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools.

JAMESTOWN – Members of the Jamestown School Board have finalized and approved their selection for the district’s next school superintendent.

Newly appointed Jamestown School Superintendent Tim Mains, addressed the Jamestown school board and others in attendance during a special meeting on Monday night, following his appointment by the board.

“I’ve heard people talk about, some of our professors at Columbia talk about the challenge of being a superintendent. I’ve heard it described as a burden and a task. But I think Deke (Kathman)  would agree with me that it is also an opportunity. And I see my coming here an opportunity for me and an opportunity for us. This is a Journey that I am glad to begin and I am glad to begin it with all of you. Thank you. [applause]”

Mains, who’s most recent position is the Director of Internal School Operations for the Rochester City School District, will take over for current Superintendent Daniel “Deke” Kathman, who announced in January he was retiring at the end of this school year.

LISTEN TO MAINS ADDRESS

School board president Joe DiMaio said there were several reasons why Mains was selected from a field of nearly 20 applicants for the position. He said the main reason was the passion he showed for education.

“He’s been in the public a little bit and he’s worked in the private sector a little bit and he has a wealth of experience and I think he’s going to bring that to this district,” DiMaio explained. “And his passion. To see the passion that Tim brought to the table, I’m sure that’s something that down the road others will see when they talk to him.”

In addition to his current position in Rochester, Mains has also served in the past as history teacher, school counselor, teacher center director, staff development director, K-12 social studies director and elementary School Principal. He currently holds three masters degrees in education and is working on his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Columbia University.

The school board was not the only group to be part of the selection process. Several committees were organized to help vet final candidates. Some members of those committees were on hand last night to comment on the appointment, including Jamestown Teachers Association President Chris Reilly.

“Following the three days of interviews, all 12 members of the faculty committee were in agreement that Tim Mains was the right choice to lead Jamestown Public Schools into the future. He responded to our questions with specific examples and well though-out answers,” Reilly said, adding, “What impressed us most, however, was the fact superintendent Mains really did his homework when it came to understanding not just the Jamestown Public Schools, but the community as a whole.”

In addition to his work at Rochester Public Schools, Mains is a member of many professional organizations and boards, including serving on the Rochester City Council from 1986 to 2005.

Following his appointment, Mains said he first applied to be a school superintendent six years ago, although he’s only applied for the position a limited number of times.

“I’ve been a superintendent candidate since 2007. I was a finalist to be the superintendent in Rochester. And that’s what got me thinking to be a superintendent. Of course Columbia thinks they’ve been training me to do that for years. But I really began in earnest of looking at where I can do that and I have been very selective about where I would apply. I want a school district that both has challenges and has assets and this district as both.”

Mains also said that he’s ready to help pull Jamestown up in terms of it’s statewide ranking, saying he’s already had experience with bringing a district into compliance with state and federal standards.

“Part of my current job is to help schools adapt to and adopt the new reform measures that the state has put out and to help them wrestle with what they need to do personally to do that. So I’ve got a leg up in terms of helping schools to do that. I bring that to this position. I hope that when I’m done – right now where a focus district – my goal is not to return us to what New York State calls a district in good standing, I want us to be a district that is outstanding.”

In addition to asking faculty staff, students and community members to assist in selecting a superintendent, the School board also tapped Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Superintendent David O’Rourke to assist with the search. DiMaio said that with all those who helped in the selection process, nearly everyone involved felt Mains was the best choice.

“It was a little scary to be honest, the fact that everybody was on the same page,” DiMaio said. “We felt we had three great candidates but when it came down to it in the end, Mr. Mains just seemed to rise above.”

The school board voted 5 to 0 in favor of appointing Mains to Superintendent. Both board members Tom Pope and Tim Thomas were absent from the meeting. The contract for Mains is for a three-year period, with a first year salary of $165,000 and which can be adjusted based on an annual performance review by the school board. Mains official first day on the job will be August 1, 2013.