Friday, June 22, 2012

PCS: A Financial Snapshot

It can be difficult to understand how NYS aid to schools impacts the costs. The following snapshot of the 2010-11 school year at the PCSD should help clarify the major areas of spending and the aid received.

For  2010-11 
        (approximately)
$10,400,000...................Salaries
$ 6,700,000....................Benefits
$ 1,500,000....................Special Ed. (The cost before NYS aid was $3.9 million.)
$       308,000.........................Debt Service (Cost before building aid was $3.4 million.)*
$       100,000.........................Transportation (Cost before aid was $1 million.)
$       311,000..........................Athletics
$        52,000...........................Extracurricular Activities

~ On the Special Education costs of $3.9 million, NYS reimbursed the PCSD $2.4 million.
~ On the Debt Service of $3.4 million, NYS reimbursed the district $3 million. (Aid was 91%) * The building aid received on debt service varies.
~ On the Transportation Costs of $1million, NYS paid $900,000. (Aid was 90%)

  • Education is a people business. Thus, the major cost drivers are salaries (for employees) and benefits (for employees and retirees). 
  • There have been significant decreases in NYS aid to schools (for the last several years).
  •  There have been significant increases in the costs of contractual obligations (negotiated locally between the superintendent and the unions).
  • The primary place to realize savings, unfortunately, lies in cutting jobs.
  •  The causes of the financial problems at the PCSD are the result of both local contract agreements and State cuts in funding. 

What comprises the $6.7 million in benefit costs?
           (approximately)
  1.  $4.3 million.......Health Insurance
  2.  $ 849,000..........TRS (Teachers' Retirement System)
  3.  $ 799,000..........Social Security
  4.  $ 333,000..........ERS (Employee Retirement System for CSEA)
  5.  $ 165,000..........Administration of Health Ins. Plan
  6.  $ 100,000..........Unemployment Insurance
  7.  $  86,000...........Workers' Compensation Ins.
  8.  $  22,000...........Workers' Compensation Administration
  9.  $   8,000............Flex Plan and 403b fees 







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