May is a busy time of the year for North Royalton City Schools as we have an abundance of end of year activities, while at the same time, work to prepare for the start of the 2015-16 school year. In two weeks, our seniors will walk across the stage at the State Theater and commence from North Royalton High School. We have been fortunate to serve these students throughout their educational career and hope that we have made as much of an impact on their lives as they have made a positive impact on our district and community. We wish them much success and know that they will make us proud as they move onto their next steps at college or in careers.
At this past Monday's Board of Education meeting, we had many presentations, announcements and actions including the adoption of our five-year financial forecast.
As I mentioned at the board meeting, in 2009, our district passed an operating levy and at the time, we hoped for it to last three years. Just one year later in 2010, a recession hit and the state started making cuts to public school funding. As a result, we eliminated many positions and took a serious look at where else we could reduce spending.
Six years later, the district continues to examine all positions and is determining what our future looks like financially. This year alone, we have 19.5 retirements/resignations. We determined that 7.5 of those positions can be reduced, restructured, or eliminated. We need to create four new positions, so there is a net loss of 3.5 positions. These staff changes, coupled with the closing of the ECC, will yield a savings to the district of a little more than $1 million.
This is not accidental and takes a lot of effort and dedication. I want to thank our Treasurer, Biagio Sidoti, and our administrative team and staff for their efforts to provide a top-notch educational program that is valued by our community at one of the lowest costs per pupil in Cuyahoga County.
I hope that you find this monthly newsletter informative and a good way to keep you up to date on the happenings of our schools and the Board of Education. I would welcome any thoughts and comments that you have in regards to this or anything dealing with the North Royalton City Schools. Please call me at
440-582-9030
or email me at
[email protected].
Greg Gurka
Superintendent
North Royalton City Schools
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Table 1 compares our monthly operating receipts to the prior year actual for the first ten months of our fiscal year (July 2014 through April 2015). It further estimates our collection through our fiscal year end. You will notice two large collection points in our fiscal year which are July and February. These two months are considerably higher than the others due to real
estate collection which represents over 70% of our revenues.
Table 2 compares our monthly operating expenditures to the prior year actual for the first ten months of our fiscal year (July 2014 through April 2015). It further estimates our expenditures through our fiscal year end. You will notice a consistent expenditure pattern throughout our fiscal year due to salaries and wages evenly distributed throughout our fiscal year.
Table 3 illustrates the current actual cumulative monthly operating revenues and expenditures for the first ten months of our fiscal year (July 2014 through April 2015). It further estimates our cumulative revenues and expenditures through our fiscal year end. You will notice a gradual increase in both revenues and expenditures as we approach our fiscal year end where revenues and expenditures eventually meet.
Table 4 illustrates our fiscal year to date operating expenditures by category for the first ten months of our fiscal year (July 2014 through April 2015). Salary and Wages represent approximately 60%, Fringe Benefits 24%, Purchased Services 12%, Materials Supplies & Textbooks 3% and the combination of Capital Outlay and Operational Fees 1%.
LINKS to DISTRICT FINANCIALS:
Click here for the North Royalton City School District five year forecast.
Interested in reading more? District financial information such as our annual financial reports, forecasts, tax rates, etc. can be found by
clicking here.
Biagio Sidoti,
Treasurer
North Royalton City Schools
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Royal View Elementary Named a 2015 Hall of Fame School
The Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) has selected Royal View Elementary as a 2015 Hall of Fame School.
Presented annually since 1984, this award honors educational programs that go above and beyond meeting the needs of students in elementary and middle schools across the state. The school had a site visit on March 20 after completing the 12-page application describing student achievement, student development, personnel, administration, school management, and stakeholders.
One of only 10 OAESA Hall of Fame Schools for 2015, Royal View Elementary will receive a plaque, a $1,000 award, and special recognition at the OAESA Professional Conference Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 12 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton.
"According to the representatives from the Visitation Committee, the qualities that distinguish our school from others are the spirit of inclusion for all students, as well as the culture of collaboration that has been established between staff, students, and parents," said Royal View Elementary Principal Kirk Pavelich. "They recognized us as a school that prides itself on being united in the common goal of ensuring that the social and emotional growth of students goes hand-in-hand with their academic achievement. Congratulations to the students, staff, and parents for making Royal View Elementary an amazing place to learn."
"While there is a strong focus on academics, complete with exemplary Response to Intervention, co-teaching and collaboration, it is the feeling of warmth, welcome, and acceptance that pervades the culture of this building," said one of the OAESA committee members.
"This recognition is because of the wonderful culture at Royal View Elementary School," said Superintendent Greg Gurka. "The entire Royal View community, students, staff and parents are truly deserving of this honor."
________________________________________________ Valley Vista Elementary Unveils "Buddy Bench"
Throughout the school year, Valley Vista Elementary has been working to promote character education and foster a positive school climate. In collaboration with PTA, the school has installed a "Buddy Bench" on their playground. This bench will serve as a safe place for students to sit when they may be having a conflict with another student, may not have someone to play with, feeling sad or looking to build a new friendship. "We are hoping that this bench will be a positive reminder to our students to reach out to others who may be in need of a 'buddy,'" said Principal Jeff Hill.
As part of a district initiative, Valley Vista, Albion and Royal View have developed committees to implement a new OLWEUS bullying prevention program, which is set to launch in the 2015-2016 school year. "Our goal is for the 'Buddy Bench' to serve as a simple and visible reminder on our playground, where we collectively will work together to spread kindness throughout our Valley Vista community," concluded Hill.
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PTA Honors Award Recipients
On Thursday, April 23, the North Royalton PTA celebrated its founding through its annual Founders' Night celebration in the North Royalton High School Media Center. Entertainment was provided by Amanda Panfil, junior at North Royalton High School and the welcome and invocation was done by Michelle Yuzwa and Superintendent Greg Gurka. In addition to the recognition of awards and past presidents, the PTA had the installation of new officers. Closing remarks were given by Helen Limberg.
Award recipients include:
Nellie Wislocki - Parent, awarded by the North Royalton Council PTA
Diane Mastronicolas - North Royalton business owner 3 Spot- awarded by North Royalton Council PTA
Jacki Bucchioni -Grandparent - awarded by Royal View Elementary PTA
Linda Mincher - Parent - awarded by North Royalton High School
Julie Novak - Parent - awarded by North Royalton High School PTA
Mike McGinnis - Principal Early Childhood Center, awarded by ECC PTA
Julie Bogden - Principal Albion Elementary, awarded by Albion PTA
Karen Jones - Teacher, awarded by Albion PTA
Kirk Pavelich - Principal Royal View Elementary, awarded by Royal View PTA
Jeff Hill - Valley Vista Elementary Principal, awarded by Valley Vista PTA
Cathy Drescher - Teacher, awarded by North Royalton Middle School
Jessica Connelly - Teacher, awarded by North Royalton Middle School
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Friend of Education is Announced...Diane Mastronicolas
At the May 11 North Royalton Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Greg Gurka announced that Diane Mastronicolas, owner of Mastro's The 3 Spot restaurant in North Royalton was the 2014-15 Friend of Education. This annual award goes to a person or persons who have greatly contributed to the school district and helped inspire and empower students and make North Royalton a great place. Diane also recently received a PTA Achievement Award. "I have always said that the schools cannot do what we do alone," said Gurka. "It is through a collective effort of the entire community that allows us to do what we do, including all the many contributions Diane has made." "Diane is a perfect example of having the larger picture of the North Royalton community first and foremost in their mind," said Gurka. " As a parent, she has been a key player in her children's education and supporter of all they do and did as students. She volunteered to work with the teams, coaches and groups to not only make sure that her kids excelled, but make sure that all kids involved in those activities excelled. As a local business owner of 3 Spot, she again makes sure that all of our students and staff are taken care of and make sure that we have the support we need in many ways." Diane has provided services for any one of the numerous North Royalton City School events. She has invested in the Stadium Foundation with significant donations so that all students have the opportunity to experience first class conditions. "And, as a true friend would do, it also means putting your neck out and taking a stance as only a friend would do," said Gurka. "When asked by the bond issue committee if she would help, she not only stepped up, but did so without regard for herself and put placemats on the tables of her restaurant which displayed bond issue information with no thought or care of losing business because maybe someone disagreed with it." "Diane has never said no when it comes to supporting the North Royalton Schools and their programs and events," said Board President Anne Reinkober. "The board salutes Diane for being a true Friend of Education."
Other Useful Links for you . . .
Click here
to read the April 2015 Community Update on Facilities, Finances, and Community Engagement Taskforce
to read the North Royalton City School District's Quality Profile.
to read the Winter 2014 North Royalton "Bear Way" magazine.
Click here
for the NR Board of Education meeting minutes and agendas.
Click here for meeting dates for 2015.
for a snapshot of our Ohio Department of Education Local Report Card.
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