Board of Education Resolution
December 14, 2015

Motioned by Ms. Hall, seconded by Mr. Conlin and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution regarding the Board of Education’s 2015-2016 advocacy priorities:

 RESOLUTION DATED DECEMBER 14, 2015

GREENWICH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGARDING ADVOCACY PRIORITIES FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR

WHEREAS, the Greenwich Central School District Board of Education has significantly reduced critical components of the annual school budget in response to rising costs that have outpaced revenue; and

WHEREAS, Greenwich Central School District has reduced more than 20 staff positions 10 percent of staff) since the 2009-10 school year, leading to larger class sizes, reductions in programs and services for students, and fewer, longer bus runs, less insurance coverage, less curriculum development and

WHEREAS, Greenwich Central School District has also reduced its reserves and fund balance; and

WHEREAS, these reductions were made in response to the need to fulfill state mandates and contractual obligations while creating a balanced budget, despite the imbalance in expenses and revenue; and

WHEREAS, Greenwich Central School District has lost $5,991,595 in promised state aid to the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) over the last five years, and

WHEREAS, property tax levy legislation at the state level hinders school districts’ ability to compensate for state aid losses and funding inequity by raising local revenue; and

WHEREAS, public schools are being asked to do more for students than ever before, so they can succeed in college and 21st-century careers; and

WHEREAS, each child in Greenwich Central School District only has one chance to go through the full elementary and secondary educational experience;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Greenwich Central School District Board of Education calls on the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo to act upon the following priorities:

                    1.      Eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA).  The Greenwich School District is still
                             due $291,195 in GEA Restoration.

                    2.      Permanently adjust the Building Aid Formula to eliminate the impact of the change in
                             the Assumed Amortization Rate.

                                        a.      Lower the Income Wealth Index.
                                        b.      Provide a greater weighting to the Free and Reduced Lunch Factor (FRPL).

                                        a.      Eliminate the link to the 2003-2004 school year from the statute.
                                        b.      Allow for a gradual increase to the new cap (98% of the Commissioner’s
                                                 current salary.

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Greenwich Central School District Launches Mobile App
to Keep Community Informed and Involved

Greenwich Central School District today launched an official mobile app designed to enable parents, staff, students and the broader community to stay informed and up-to-date on important issues, information and activities underway within the school community. The free app, which proudly displays the school’s logo, colors and content, can be downloaded for Apple iOS and Android via their respective app stores.

Developed in partnership with SchoolMessenger, the leading provider of communication solutions for education, the new app will provide families with 24/7/365 access to calendars, lunch menus, directories, events, sports schedules and more. New information feeds will continue to be made available in the app over the coming school year.

“Our new, official mobile app empowers everyone in the community to stay connected and up-to-date on the information that they want and need directly from their mobile device,” said Greenwich Central School District Superintendent Mark Fish. “It’s another great example of our commitment to communication, as we know that in order for families to get involved in school activities and functions they must first be informed of them. We are excited about how our new app will help us communicate more effectively, and hope it leads to a stronger, more connected school community overall.”

Highly secure and flexible, the school’s new app is built on a communication platform that permits the district to manage and share content easily. Key features include:

——————————Lunch menus and payments
——————————Sports schedules
——————————Staff Directory
——————————District Calendar and Upcoming Events
——————————SchoolTool Parent Portal
——————————Superintendent’s Blog

Just go to your phone’s app store and search for Greenwich CSD.

With budget limitations a reality for schools throughout the nation, SchoolMessenger was able to partner with the district to deliver this affordable new communication channel. In addition, the company will manage hosting and technical updates and provide 24/7 support.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Greenwich Central School District to help reach its goals for effective and accessible communications throughout the entire school community,” said Nate Brogan, vice president of Marketing, SchoolMessenger. “Parents today are busier than ever and rely on their mobile devices to connect them to the information that matters most. SchoolMessenger allows schools and community members to stay connected through a robust mobile platform that will continue to evolve based on their needs.”

About SchoolMessenger

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SchoolMessenger is the leading provider of communication solutions for education. Thousands of school districts, public schools, colleges, universities, private schools and other educational facilities in all 50 states depend on the company’s innovative solutions, including the SchoolMessenger notification service and Talk About It anonymous communication service. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. For information, visit http://www.schoolmessenger.com or call 888.527.5225.

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