West Babylon Facilities Study...

West Babylon Facilities Study Group

Report to the Board of EducationJanuary 7, 2014

The West Babylon Facilities Study Group was created bythe Board of Education to study the effective use ofpresent school facilities in light of declining enrollmentand budgetary concerns. We thank the Board membersfor involving us as stakeholders in this important workand commend them for taking this step.

Recognizing the crucial nature of our task, weapproached it with seriousness, openness and greatenergy. The West Babylon administrators were veryhelpful in providing information and data and wereextremely responsive to all of our requests.

Henry BiancoTransportation Supervisor

Mike KeanyFacilitator

Stephanie RussellParent/Community Member

Jennifer BuscemiExecutive Director for Finance & Operations

James LauritsenAttendance Officer

JoAnn ScottPrincipal, South Bay School

Anthony CacciolaSuperintendent of Schools

Thomas LeonbrunoJHS Special Education Chairperson

Roger SmithDistrict Architect

Kristen CatapanoParent/Community Member

Donna MucariaTeacher, High School

Nancy SmolenskiParent/Community Member

William DoranJHS Music/Art Chairperson

Donna PomillaSpeech Pathologist,

Tooker Avenue School

Yvonne SzpilkaTeacher, Santapogue School

William ElefterionParent/Community Member

Julie PowersTeacher, Junior High School

Christine TonaExecutive Director for

Curriculum & Instruction

Yiendhy FarrellyAssistant Superintendent

Robert PulverParent/Community Member

Joan TownleyWestern Suffolk BOCES

Ray GrazianoPlant Facilities Administrator

Theresa RaimondiNurse, Forest Avenue School

Kevin WalshBBS Architects

Study Team Members

Charge to the Study Team

The West Babylon Facilities Study Group is tostudy options involving facilities which wouldenhance West Babylon’s budgetary situationwhile maintaining West Babylon’s educationalexcellence.

Why This Study Needed to Occur

Over the past 8 years, the District has experienced declining enrollment.

The Property Tax Levy Cap poses additional challenges to our District.

The District is experiencing declining fund balance.

Meeting Schedule

April 8, 2013

April 24, 2013

May 15, 2013

June 26, 2013

July 10, 2013

July 31, 2013

August 21, 2013

September 18, 2013

October 9, 2013

October 30, 2013

November 6, 2013

December 11, 2013

Guiding Principles

We seek to do what is best for all of the children of WestBabylon.

We plan for the future of our schools and for the future in whichour young people will live and work.

We are conscious of the need to plan with an eye towardflexibility to adapt to possible unforeseen future factorsimpacting enrollment.

We explore options that are consistent with our District’s values.

We seek to explore changes with the awareness of the emotionand anxiety we know comes about with change.

Guiding PrinciplesWe recognize the need to seek alternative uses of buildings thatmay no longer be used as schools.

We value diversity, keeping it in mind in any options we study.

We recognize that our goal is to investigate all plausible optionswhile seeking to maintain the quality of our educational offeringsin a fiscally sound manner. We understand our role to be study andinvestigation, not recommendation. We see our role as a resourceto the Board of Education.

We recognize the strengths and limitations of demographicplanning and enrollment predictions. Specifically, we understandthat five-year predictions can be made with reasonable accuracybut more long term predictions are prone to greater error.

Recognizing the decrease of enrollment at each level, we areguided by the need to look at the population as a whole rather thanthe present population of any given elementary school.

Resources

The Study Team utilized many resources during its deliberations

District AdministrationAttorney for the DistrictDistrict Facilities AdministratorArchitect for the DistrictSCOPE Administration and StaffWestern Suffolk BOCES Demographic Service

Methodology

The Study Group studied all available data on enrollment,building utilization, budgetary costs associated with Districtowned facilities and related information.

The Group studied reports from Dr. Joan Townley, WesternSuffolk BOCES demographer, about projected enrollments.

The Group met frequently with the District’s architects toexplore building usage presently, and possible usage in thefuture based on projections.

With this information, much discussion ensued and three finalplausible options for investigation resulted.

Three Options

Increasing Efficiencies, Increasing Revenue

Establish a Pre-K Program

Rethinking the Use of District Schools

Increasing Efficiencies&

Increasing Revenue

Utility Costs Compared to Surrounding Districts

2012-13School Year

West Babylon

District 2 District 3

Sq. Ft. 732,225 776,560 1,052,238

Electric 461,817 852,665 840,717

Gas 251,930 224,082 145,840

Fuel Oil 0 509,045 1,150,598

Total $713,747 $1,585,790 $2,137,155

Cost per Sq. Ft. $1.03 $2.04 $2.03

Enhance RevenuesThe following revenue enhancement and cost saving measures have been on-going and partially implemented by the District prior to the commencement of the Long Range Planning study group:

Maximize state aid:The District has been able to generate and recoup an additional $307,461 in General and Special Aid Fund State Aid.

Maximized Medicaid Revenue:The District is in the process of implementing procedures which will enable a claim of approximately $50,000 of Medicaid Reimbursements.

Investigating the use of a commercial credit card to pay some of the District’s bills:

The District would receive a percentage back as a cash reward for using the credit card for payment.

Increase EfficienciesEnergy performance contract:

The District’s guaranteed savings over an 18 year period will be about $6,561,888.

Contract with Utility Check:

This company is in the process of conducting a complete review of District utility bills going back six years to determine if they can secure any savings, credits and/or refunds.

Re-negotiated XEROX contract:

The contract originally provided for a monthly allowance of copies. The District was charged excess copy fees for going over the allowance for several months. The contract was renegotiated to provide the District with an annual allowance.

Continually issuing Request for Proposals throughout the year for Professional Services

Continually trying to find savings in every area of insurance:

The District recently changed dental carriers for our teachers and administrators – this change saved the District about $50,000.

Future Revenue Enhancements and Cost Savings

Potential Sale of Property

100 feet from the back of Santapogue to create 5 plots; no variance needed but student limit would be changed from 500 students to 400 students according to SED guidelines

area at the high school field known as the “chute”

portion of land at bus garage, including possible “wetlands”

Santapogue Elementary School Proposed Sale of Property

❖ John A Robinson, Land Surveyor, has been contracted to do a survey of the entire Santapogue School property.

❖ The surveyor has also been asked to survey 5 separate 100’ x 100’ building plots on the extreme north end of the property between 11th Ave. and 12th

Ave.

❖ In informal discussions with The Town of Babylon Division of Planning, the District would need to file for a 5 plot subdivision prior to the sale.

❖ Contact with a local real estate indicated the property sale would generate approximately 150K - 160K per lot for a total of $750,000 - $800,000.

❖ The reduction in total property for the school, based on SED guide lines, would limit the number of students attending the school to 400. SED does offer a variance if that number is exceeded.

High SchoolProposed Sale of Property

The High School currently has a piece of property referred to as the“chute” located on the west end of the athletic fields.

❖This property already has its own property tax/lot map # ( 100. 213. 2.35. )

❖The property, if sold, would be zoned residential. It measuresapproximately 65’ X 200’ and would require a variance by the Town ofBabylon to be built upon. The realtor indicated if the variance isgranted, the property would have an approximate value of $130 – $150K.

Bus Garage Proposed Sale of Property

❖ The Bus garage has 2 parcels of property located in the back that also have individual tax/lot map numbers.

❖ Lot number 100. 220. 1. 1. measures 276’ X 476’. However we believe it is zoned “wet lands” and is not buildable.

❖ Lot number 100. 220. 1. 2. measures 276’ X 100’. ❖ The realtor indicated the area’s location may be less desirable but

with a possible subdivision into 2 plots the value could be $125K – $140K each. It is assumed a Town of Babylon variance would be required for the division.

Wet lands

Future Revenue Enhancements and Cost Savings: Readjustment of Transportation Mileage Limits

Grades District Mileage Limits

NYS AidableMileage Limits

NYS Legal Mileage Limits

K – 5 .5 - 15 1.5 - 15 2 - 15

6 - 12 .8 - 15 1.5 - 15 3 - 15

Grades Students Transported at

Current Mileage Limits

Students Transported at the

State AidableMileage Limits

Difference

K - 8 2,145 978 1,167

9 - 12 1,191 744 447

Total 3,336 1,722 1,614

The Difference is 50 Less Runs

Increase Transportation Limits

Cost SavingsSalary and Benefits 411,720Fuel 55,894Bus Insurance 7,800 * Total Cost Savings $475,414

*Does not include possible savings due to less maintenance costs, parts and oil.

Increase Transportation LimitsRevenue Enhancement

Currently the District only receives state aid on approximately 76% of transportation expenses. This is the percentage of “allowable miles” driven for children who live at least 1.5 miles from their school.

If the District’s mileage limits were equal to the State-Aidable limits, the District would receive State Aid on 100% of its expenditures.

Projected State Aid if Limits Were Increased $2,415,230Current State Aid $1,839,506Additional State Aid $575,724

* Does not include the possible sale of buses.

Potential Transportation Savings

Increase Transportation Limits

Total Cost Savings $475,414

Additional State Aid $575,724

Total Budget Impact per Year $1,051,138

Sale of Property & Increasing Transportation Mileage Limits

Both options will require voter approval

Could help us beginning with 2015-16 School Year when the District will have significantly less Fund Balance to appropriate.

Establishing a Pre-K Program

Mission

To give the children of West Babylon the foundation needed to be successful in a 21st century classroom.

Benefits

Addition of an in-District Pre-K program would be an enhancement to the District and be of interest to new residents

Curriculum aligned with Common Core Learning Standards

Little or no cost to the taxpayer and school District.

Available class space to implement in Fall, 2014.

Program Overview

Pre-K provided by SCOPE Educational Services

SCOPE is a not-for-profit organization.

SCOPE has been a Pre-K provider for over 20 years.

SCOPE is now providing Pre-K programs in 17 Districts, serving over 1,200 students.

Program HighlightsComplies with all NYS Regulations.

Curriculum approved by NYS and follows the Common Core Learning Standards.

Taught by NYS certified teachers and qualified teacher assistants.

Class meets according to school District calendar.

Class length of 2 ½ hours per session (AM & PM).

Parent-teacher conferences held twice per year.

Current tuition - $275 per month.

9:1 ratio with a maximum of 18 children in each class.

A daily nutritious snack is provided for each child with a peanut-free environment.

Additional Benefits

SCOPE provides supervision and responsibility of staff.

Security guard provided by SCOPE.

All instructional and consumable supplies provided by SCOPE.

Opportunities for parental involvement are welcomed.

Financial assistance may be available through SCOPE for families in need.

Program Outcomes

Readiness skills that will be transitioned into the West Babylon kindergarten program.

Collaboration between Pre-K and kindergarten teachers.

West Babylon Pre-School Children Can Now Fly Like An Eagle

“Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle”

Rethinking the Use of District Schools

Why are We Here?Budgetary concerns

Maximizing utilization of existing space

Projected declining enrollment

•Current Enrollment: 4,121 students

•Projected Enrollment:

•14-15: 4,013

•15-16: 3,947

•16-17: 3,857

•17-18: 3,789

These three concerns led us to ask……

Can We Function with One Less Building?

Total enrollment indicates we have available space.

JHS and SHS were taken out of the mix for they do not have enough space to fit another grade level.

We then moved to the next level of possibility: closing one elementary building.

What Did We Look At?

Inventory of space in each building

Current Enrollment and Projected Enrollment

Location and mode of transportation

Aspects of the building and property

Necessary repairs based on the facility five year plan

Operating Costs

Forest Avenue FactsBuilt 1956 Enrollment 340

Square Footage

45,618 Transported

Beyond 1.5 mi.

273

47Acreage 18 (shared with Tooker) Kilowatt

Usage21,120

Construction Materials

masonry walls, steel joists and cement type material (tectum) as the roof

Therm UsagePer Sq. Ft.

.049

Repair Costs

$3.8 Million(includes elevator)

Cafeteria Size (sq. ft.)

1,800

Sale/LeasePotential

Campus School GymnasiumSize (sq. ft.)

3,902

JFK FactsBuilt 1965 Enrollment 401

Square Footage

58,897 Transported

Beyond 1.5 mi.

298

132Acreage 18.3 (shared with So.

Bay)KilowattUsage

20,160




.044

Repair Costs

$3.5 Million Cafeteria Size (sq. ft.)

2,100

Sale/LeasePotential


4,000

South Bay FactsBuilt 2011 Enrollment 352

Square Footage

46,620 Transported

Beyond 1.5 mi.

268

165Acreage 18.3 (shared with JFK) Kilowatt

Usage16,800


masonry walls, steel joists and steel pan roof


.038

Repair Costs

None Cafeteria Size (sq. ft.)

2,080

Sale/LeasePotential

Campus SchoolLocated on Main Road

GymnasiumSize (sq. ft.)

3,810

Santapogue FactsBuilt 1951 Enrollment 384

Square Footage

55,536 Transported

Beyond 1.5 mi.

206

4Acreage 8 Kilowatt

Usage22,680


masonry walls, wood joists and wood roof


.081

Repair Costs


3,100

Sale/LeasePotential

Located on Main Road GymnasiumSize (sq. ft.)

3,773

Tooker FactsBuilt 1962 Enrollment 335

Square Footage

52,598 Transported

Beyond 1.5 mi.

331

159Acreage 18 (shared with Forest) Kilowatt

Usage21,200




.041

Repair Costs


2,135

Sale/LeasePotential


4,064

Forest JFK Santapogue South Bay Tooker

Current number of students (November

2013)340 401 384 352 335

Number of Students (based on

transportation data)337 392 369 344 324

# Students transported

273 331 206 268 298

# transported students resulting in state aid (more than

1.5 miles)

47 159 4 165 132

# Walkers 64 61 163 76 26

Comparisons

401 335

392 324

331 226

4 165

163 26


Sale/Lease potential

Campus School

Campus School

Located on main road

Campus School

Size of cafetorium

2,135 sq. ft. 2,080 sq. ft. 2,100 sq. ft.

Size of gymnasium

3,902 sq. ft. 3,810 sq. ft. 4,000 sq. ft.

Potential for

expansion

Up to 615 students

Up to 615 students

Comparisons

Located on

main road

Located on main

road/ campus school

1800 sq. ft.

3100 sq. ft.

4,064 sq. ft.

3,773 sq. ft.

Up to 700

students

Up to 500

students

Up to 700

students


Year Constructed

1956 1965 1962

Square Footage

55,536 46,620 52,298

Property Acreage

18 acres 18 acres

Capital Repair cost

$3.8 million (includes elevator)

$3.5 million $3.7 million

Comparisons

1951 2011

45,618 58,987

8 acres

18.3 acres

18.3 acres

$4.5 million $0


Kilowatt usage (2009)

21,120 21,200 20,160

Therm usage per sq. ft.

(2009)0.049 0.041 0.044

Construction materials

masonry walls, steel joists and

cement type material as the

roof(tectum)



roof(tectum)



roof(tectum)

Comparisons

22,680 16,800

.038.081

masonry wall, wood

joists, wood roof

masonry walls, steel

joists, steel pan

roof

Maximizing efficient use of:

Instructional classrooms

Instructional areas for specials and remediation

Support areas

Gym and cafeteria

Other areas (hallways, bathrooms, etc.)

What Does Utilization of Space Mean?

Study of use of space and alternatives to maximize that same space

Non-Instructional Spaces (PTA, I.T.S., conference rooms, etc.)Support Classrooms (Remedial Services)

Are full-sized rooms necessary?How does the schedule affect room utilization?Can programs share space more efficiently?

Fitness RoomsEquipment provided through a grant

Repeated RoomsTwo (2) music spaces in one buildingDesignated “Computer Room” for Laptop Lab, etc.

What is Compression?

WEST BABYLON UFSD

TOOKER

FOREST

JUNIOR HIGH

HIGH SCHOOL

JFKSOUTH BAY

SANTAPOGUE

How Many Classrooms Could Be Gained Through Compression?

8.5 – 16.5 classrooms (depends on which building would close)

These rooms could be used as grade level classrooms or remedial space as needed to absorb the transfer of students due to consolidation and reDistricting.

Projections and Timeline

Compression combined with declining enrollment suggests that four elementary buildings could be a possibility within 2 - 5 years. Factors include:

Building/grade configurations

ReDistricting

Is There Enough Space in Four Schools?

Projections show that in 2 - 5 years, additional classrooms would be needed in each of the four buildings to accommodate enrollment.

However….

Compression creates approximately 14 classrooms (3.5 classrooms per building) making four elementary schools in 2 - 5 years a realistic possibility.

For Further InvestigationClosing a building could potentially save a minimum of $1 millionFour buildings housing students in grades K - 5Two buildings housing students in grades K - 2 and two buildings housing students in grades 3 - 5Campus SchoolsClosed building could provide unique, specialized education programs

Pre-KMagnet school In-District Tech program???

Acknowledgements

The Study Group wishes to thank the Board of Educationfor providing this opportunity. We also wish to expressour gratitude to the West Babylon Administration for itsopenness and responsiveness to our requests.

We would be pleased to entertain any questions from the

Board of Education

West Babylon Facilities Study...

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