picture banner

Hyde Park Central School District

Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Carole A. Pickering

Carole Pickering

 

Hyde Park Schools are on the move, thanks to our community!

As a result of the December 13 vote, our school buildings will get needed repairs and upgrades over the next two years. Our historic schools will soon get a facelift, restoring our own pride along with them! (See the timeline for Phase 2A work on page 8.)

Last year, our school budget passed on the first vote with the lowest tax impact in the county. Some residents actually saw no increase in their school taxes when the Middle Class STAR rebate was applied. This year, Proposition I carries an estimated tax impact of 3.78%; again, we are near the bottom in comparison with other Dutchess County districts.

Proposition I permits us to maintain all our programs and staff and allows for a few modest improvements. Our plan which is detailed inside this newsletter, will address the twin goals of stability and progress.

Our district continues to be financially stable. Our administrative team is top quality, improving schools and departments everyday. Teacher turnover is very low while the quality is high. Support staff members are dedicated and caring, working together to improve the Hyde Park Central School District every day. Life-long residents who have gone through our school system have said it feels like Hyde Park is in a kind of renaissance, which literally means rebirth. This is the highest compliment the district can receive from our community. My thanks to each of you for your contribution in making this happen. I certainly hope we can continue to make progress at a steady but manageable pace that the community can support.

Please know that I recognize that paying for our public schools is a sacrifice, especially in these times. We are working to slow spending, keep revenues maximized and the tax impact as low as possible.

Proposition I is the district’s general operating budget and is explained in this newsletter. You can also log on to our website www.hydeparkschools.org, for complete information.

Proposition II continues our bus replacement cycle, which is the lowest cost request so far in the seven-year plan. As part of Proposition II, we also want to begin an eleven-year replacement cycle for our district’s maintenance vehicles. Some of them are in terrible shape, and several are out of commission or waiting for expensive repairs. We are the third largest district in Dutchess County; we cannot afford to do nothing.

Proposition II is not an additional expense to Proposition I. Because we are on a replacement cycle, debt service is built into the general operating budget (Proposition I). As buses purchased seven years ago become completely paid off, new vehicles enter the cycle and are paid for over a set number of years through an established borrowing plan. This is cost effective and addresses the safety of students and staff. It also prevents spikes in the budget from year to year.

Please review all the budget information that is in this newsletter. If you have additional questions, just call 229-4005 or email me at carole.pickering@ hydeparkschools.org.

While you are reviewing budget information, please take time to enjoy reading about the accomplishments of our students and staff. Hyde Park schools are on the move, and for this, I sincerely thank you!

Carole A. Pickering
Superintendent of Schools

 

Home / For Families / Academics / For Community / For Staff / BOE / Admin / Working for Us / Help

11 Boice Road
P. O. Box 2033
Hyde Park, NY 12538
(845) 229-4000
For Emergency Information (845) 229-4001
District Fax: 229-4056
Directions

Send email to the WebMaster
Last updated Thursday, 01-May-2008 19:31:07 EDT