School Library Systems Program
Fiscal Guidelines for School Library Systems
Revised June 2007
Contents
Introduction
I. FS-20 Proposed Budgets for Library Aid
II. School Library System Online Budget Applications
Proposed Expenditure Categories
Personnel Positions (Codes 15 and 16)
Purchased Services (Code 40)
Supplies and Materials (Code 45)
Travel Expenses (Code 46)
Employee Benefits (Code 80)
Indirect Cost (Code 90)
Equipment (Code 20)
Purchased Services with BOCES (Code 49)
Budget Summary
III. Rollover of Funds
Minor Remodeling
Further Information May Be Requested
Introduction
The Fiscal Guidelines for School Library Systems are intended to provide general guidance for the financial
management of State Aid by local agencies. In addition to these guidelines, school library system programs must
be conducted in accordance with applicable State laws, regulations, and directives; including but not limited to:
- Commissioner's Regulations 90.18
- State Education Law 282-284
- State Finance Law
- State Education Department Policy
This publication has been prepared by the School Library System (SLS) Program Office, Division of Library Development
(DLD), New York State Library, New York State Education Department. All questions concerning its contents should
be referred directly to the program office at 518-474-7890.
I. FS-20 Proposed Budgets for Library Aid
(Operating Aid and Categorical Aid for Automation)
- The purpose of an FS-20 is to provide the State Education Department and the Office of the State Comptroller
with the necessary documentation upon which payments can be based. It also ensures that the annual state aid allocations
to the local educational agency have the prior approval of the program office at the State Education Department.
- All appropriate local agencies sponsoring an SLS program are advised of application requirements by DLD of
the State Education Department through communication with the SLS director/coordinator.
- Incurrence of Program Commitments - Funds are appropriated by the New York State Legislature. Monies are then
made available to educational agencies for the following July 1-June 30th operating year. Planning, budgeting,
reporting, and accounting should be done on a school year basis.
- Commissioner's Regulation 90.18 establishes April 30th as the deadline date for submission of the FS-20
Proposed Budget for Library Aid to the program offices at the State Education Department. This date varies
as it is dependent on the State budget process. Once notified by DLD, the school library system will be able obtain
the FS-20s from the online software. The FS-20s will be pre-filled with a state aid allocation provided by DLD
to the software vendor. To obtain the system's username and password to access the online budget application, contact
Maria Hazapis in DLD or by telephone at (518) 486-1330. Program expenditure
questions should be directed to the SLS liaison in DLD. Technical questions on how to complete the online portion
of the state aid application or use the software should also be directed to Maria Hazapis. To access the software,
go to http://collect.informata.com or http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/sarbit/.
For software problems, please contact Informata Customer Support at 1-866-785-9935.
The local educational agency submits:
FS-20 - Three Proposed Budget for Library Aid - Operating Aid (each with original signatures in blue ink of the District Superintendent or official designee)
FS-20 - Three Proposed Budget for Library Aid - Categorical Aid for Automation (each with original
signatures in blue ink of the District Superintendent or official designee)
Mail FS-20 forms to:
Adriana Mastroianni
New York State Library
Division of Library Development
Room 10B41, Cultural Education Center
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12230
- Copies of the FS-20 Proposed Budget Library Aid are reviewed in the Grants Finance Office. After all
questions are resolved to their satisfaction, the budget is approved and a copy of the FS-20 is returned to the
BOCES/BIG 5 Cities so that the educational agency can note any changes. Once approved, 100% of state aid is authorized
for release/payment to the local educational agency.
- An agency should wait until the FS-20 has been approved before the agency begins to incur obligations in
connection with it; otherwise, the agency runs the risk of having to use local funds to pay for any costs that
may be subsequently disallowed by the State Education Department.
- Variance Request forms may be requested from DLD. Submit Variance Request forms prior to or with the FS-20
submission. An approved copy of the form will be mailed to the SLS once the online budget application is approved.
II. School Library System Online Budget Applications
(Operating Aid and Categorical Aid for Automation)
- The purpose of submitting an application online is to assist the School Library System in planning for necessary
program expenditures. It provides the program office at the State Education Department with an itemization of necessary
proposed expenditures for the program on an annual basis and assurance that the program is operating according
to Education Law and Regulations of the Commissioner. The SLS is a state-aided program set in Education Law and
is NOT a grant even though the FS-20 form is used. Submitting a budget summary provides a detailed explanation
of how the money will be expended, is allocated in the specific categories in order to fulfill program goals, and
intended results in the system's approved five-year Plan of Service.
- To obtain the system's username and password to access the online budget application, contact Maria
Hazapis in DLD or by telephone at (518) 486-1330. Program expenditure questions should be directed to the SLS
liaison in DLD. Technical questions on how to complete the online portion of the state aid application or use the
software should also be directed to Maria Hazapis. To access the software, go to http://collect.informata.com
or http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/sarbit/. For software
problems, please contact Informata Customer Support at 1-866-785-9935. The online state
budget application cannot be submitted to DLD until the entire application is completely filled out for all applicable
state aid programs. All budget online applications must be submitted electronically. Current Indirect Cost rates
should be available to DLD in May. The rates will be posted on NYLINE-S for your use.
- DLD will notify systems when they may access their online budget applications. A message will be transmitted
on NYLINE-S.
- Proposed expenditures listed in specific categories must provide detail using the State annotation function
in the software.
- All costs are to be reported in whole dollar amounts only.
- Complete all applicable information on the online budget application form. Unless instructed
otherwise, enter zero ("0") if no expenditure is allocated.
- DLD will contact the school library system once the online budget application is approved. The school library
system will also be notified of any changes to their online application. Library Development will unlock the software
so that the system can print a copy of their changed budget so that program accounting records are maintained at
the SLS, the agency Business Office, and at DLD.
- Failure to submit FS-20s and online budgets when advised, meet requirements in regulations, or submit in a timely
fashion could result in withholding of subsequent state aid payments to the local educational agency sponsoring
the school library system program.
- Since this is a 100% payment state-aided program, a FS-10-A Proposed Amendment for a Federal or State Project
and FS-10-F Final Expenditure for a Federal or State Project are not required for this program, and
will not be processed by DLD or the SED Office of Grants Finance. Any amendment to the approved online budget
application should be handled as an internal budget transfer within the educational agency. Final expenditures
by category will be reported on the system annual report the following year.
Online Budget Applications: Proposed Expenditure Categories
Personnel Positions (Codes 15 and 16)
- It is required that the specific job title and name of the person(s) performing the job and FTE for each position
of person(s) be listed in Codes 15 and 16. Full-Time Equivalent is the amount of time expressed in a whole number
or a decimal that an employee works in the State aided program. For example, two half-time teachers (.50 FTE each)
working the full length of the program year equal one full-time (1.0 FTE) equivalent, while an aide working one
day a week for the whole program year equals .20 full-time equivalent (FTE).
- Salary payments are to be in accordance with the local schedule currently in effect in the BOCES/BIG 5 Cities.
School Library System directors and their required support staff are to be employed and paid on a full-time annual
basis in order to provide all services related to the School Library System program per Commissioner's Regulation
90.18. Full-time for this program equals .83 FTE (10 months) to 1.0 FTE (full-time 12 months). Variance forms are
not available online. A request for a variance must be discussed with DLD system liaison prior to the mailing of
the form to the SLS. Variance forms must be mailed with an original signature of the District Superintendent (BOCES)
or Superintendent of Big 5 Cities and must include an explanation of why the variance is required for the program
year.
- In accordance with Commissioner's Regulation 90.18 (b)(2)(i) "Council members shall serve without compensation."
Therefore, because of the possibility of conflict of interest or the appearance of such conflict, Council members
should not be engaged as employees or consultants to the system for which they are serving as a Council member.
Purchased Services (Code 40)
- Purchased services include the hiring of personnel from outside the agency as consultants, as well as rentals,
registrations, admission fees, tuition costs, telephone, repairs to equipment, and contractual services (leases,
database vendor service, etc.).
- When budgeting purchased services, include as much information as possible on the purpose of the expenditure
and the cost basis. The cost basis for a consultant may be an amount per day for a certain number of days or an
amount per person or item. More specific information, such as the dates on which services will be rendered or the
name and qualifications of consultants, should be submitted as this becomes known. The program office reserves
the right to request copies of any and all contracts.
- When there exists an employer-employee relationship between the local agency and program personnel, such personnel
should not be budgeted as consultants. The existence of an employer-employee relationship is determined by the
degree of control exercised by the employer. An employee is usually trained by the employer, is directed in how
work is to be performed, and has a continuing work relationship with the employer. An independent consultant decides
when, where, and how the work is to be performed; is paid according to an agreed-upon performance or result of
work; is free to contract with and work for others; and, is widely considered as an expert in his/her field.
- Rental costs should be listed as code 40 on the School Library System Online Budget Application - Operating
Aid. Rental Costs are allowable only if the local educational agency is renting from an outside agency. Rent
cannot be charged when the local educational agency actually owns the space or item involved. Building rent can
only be included in a School Library System Online Budget Application if the School Library System office
is housed in a facility outside of a BOCES/BIG 5 City building. If rent is charged, the sum total of rental expenditures
and overhead allowances may not exceed five percent (5%) of the budget total for direct costs minus charges for
equipment and BOCES services.
- Indirect Cost is included in Code 90 on the School Library System Online Budget Application - Operating
Aid only.
- Installation of direct telephone lines (voice, data, or telecommunications) for School Library System purposes
(in school library media centers in member public school districts and buildings; nonpublic school library media
centers; and, program office) are allowable expenses. Unless the program necessitates the installation of separate
telephone facilities, monthly service charges may not be prorated and charged as a program expense. However, toll
or local usage charges specifically for program purposes (SLS office) are allowed.
- The cost of mailings and postage are allowable charges and may be included in Code 40 or Code 49. Supplies
for postage are included in Code 45.
- Reimbursement of conference fees for member school library media specialists must should be listed in Code
40.
Supplies and Materials (Code 45)
- The online budget application should include a description of the item, the quantity, unit cost, and total
expense estimate for equipment and supply items required for the School Library System. Equipment (Code 20) is
not included in the calculation of Indirect Cost (Code 90). Equipment costing $5,000 or more per unit must
be listed in Equipment (Code 20). Equipment and supplies costing $5,000 or less per unit must be listed
in Supplies and Materials (Code 45).
- Repairs of equipment should be budgeted under Purchased Services, Code 40 (if less than $5,000).
- Magazine subscriptions and electronic database costs for School Library System use may be approved for periods
extending beyond the 12 months of the fiscal year in which the program was funded if it is evident that the rate
during the longer period of time would be less than would be the rate for single-year subscriptions.
- The normal cost of mailings may be included in Code 40. Costs for a contractual delivery service, such as delivery
or mail services, overnight vendor, etc. are allowable charges under Code 40. Contracts for delivery using BOCES/Big
5 delivery should be listed under Code 40 or Code 49 (BOCES only).
- Postal supplies should be listed in Code 45.
Travel Expenses (Code 46)
- Actual expenses claimed against a State program are limited to the maximum amounts authorized by local participant
agency policy. For agencies where such written policy does not exist, expenditures are allowed at no more than
the State-approved maximum travel rates that were in effect at the time the travel occurred.
- Travel/conference costs apply ONLY to persons employed in the program (SLS staff and NOT members of the SLS).
Employee Benefits (Code 80)
- Fringe benefit rates for a State funded project must be the same used for other staff of the local agency.
Fringe benefits may only be claimed for the salaries, or part thereof, which is actually expended in the State
program. (FTE in SLS)
Indirect Cost (Code 90)
- Indirect costs can be broadly defined as central administration costs and certain other organization-wide costs
that are incurred in connection with a program but that cannot readily be identified with the program (e.g. payroll
preparation, central ordering, and processing). An indirect cost rate may be established that, when applied to
the direct costs of a program, generates an amount to be used in support of such central administrative costs.
- Central Administration - Allowable expenses include: Those connected with the position and office
of the chief school administrator; expenditures related to carrying out the responsibilities of supervision, business
administration, research, personnel recruiting, and orientation; and, expenditures made by central administration
to maintain and improve school-community relations.
- Operation and Maintenance of Plant Other Than Rental - Allowable expenses include: Expenditures
for keeping the physical plant open, ready for use, and for maintaining existing grounds, buildings and equipment;
expenditures related to cleaning, disinfecting, heating, lighting, and other utilities; communications (including
cost-shared postage and telephone), power, moving furniture, providing storage, handling stores, and cartage;
expenditures for renovating or remodeling of district/BOCES-owned property; and, expenditures for site preparation
unless specific provisions are made otherwise.
- Approved indirect cost rates for the "Big Five" city school districts (New York City, Buffalo, Rochester,
Syracuse, and Yonkers) and each BOCES are computed annually by New York State Education Department. BOCES
and Big 5 Cities must use their approved Department indirect cost rate on the online budget application for Operating
Aid. FOR THE SCHOOL LIBRARY SYSTEM PROGRAM, THE MAXIMUM INDIRECT COST RATE IS 5% OF THE DIRECT COST BASE OF
THE OPERATION BUDGET. Indirect costs may not be claimed on Categorical Aid for Automation budget.
- Indirect costs are budgeted in Code 90 of the SLS Online Budget Application - Operating Aid. The approval
rate is applied against the Direct Cost Base (total of all proposed expenditures in categories Code 15, Code 16,
Code 40, Code 45, Code 46, and Code 80) and results in an amount available for indirect cost purposes.
Equipment (Code 20)
- The budget should include a description of the item, quantity, unit cost, and total expense estimate for equipment
and supply items required for the School Library System. Equipment costing $5,000 or more per unit must be listed
in Equipment (Code 20).
- Equipment costing $5,000 or less per unit must be listed in Supplies and Materials (Code 45).
- Equipment must be itemized in the School Library System Online Budget Application and have a durable
life. Equipment must be for the use of the SLS and its members.
- Repairs of equipment should be budgeted under Purchased Services (Code 40).
- Equipment (Code 20) is not included in the calculation of Indirect Cost (Code 90).
Purchased Services with BOCES (Code 49)
- Expenditures in this category apply only to purchased services from or cross-contract with a BOCES other than
the applicant agency, such as: Purchased Services from a BOCES (delivery, mailings, telecommunications, etc.).
- Purchased Services with BOCES (Code 49) are not included in the calculation of Indirect Cost (Code 90).
Budget Summary
- All online budget applications will include a budget summary (a brief description of the purpose of the proposed
program expenditures in all categories). Expenditures must be linked to the Goals in the SLS approved Plan of Service.
The State Education Department reserves the right to request further information regarding any proposed expenditure
appearing on an online budget application.
III. Rollover of Funds
- Rollover funds are unexpended funds from one budget application year to the following budget application
year. These funds must be accounted for separately by the agency's Business Office. DO NOT add rollover
monies to the following year's state aid allocation. Annual program allocations are set annually in Education Law,
determined by the NYS Legislature, and may not be increased. Unexpended funds may be rolled over
from any budget category into Codes 40 (Purchased Services), Code 45 (Supplies and Materials) or Code 20 (Equipment)
ONLY, and must be totally expended during the program year following the state appropriation.
- Rollover amounts submitted to DLD are included in the online system annual report submitted on or before September
30th for the preceding funding year and will be approved as part of the online system annual report approval process.
SLS will not be required to submit separate Rollover forms to DLD for approval.
- The School Library System will be notified once the online Annual Report is approved.
- Copies of documentation such as claim forms, travel vouchers, and invoices should not be mailed
to DLD nor sent with the online Annual Report. Such documentation must be retained in the local educational agency's
program file and be available for examination if a field audit should occur. Each agency should maintain sufficient
accounting records of receipts and expenditures for the program to facilitate the completion of the Rollover
amounts on the online system annual report. (data elements 7.63-7.70 and Part 11)
- If no funds are rolled over, enter zeroes ("0") in the appropriate categories (40,
45, 20) in the appropriate data elements on the online system annual report.
Minor Remodeling
- Minor remodeling is not an allowable expense in this program. The online budget application does not allow
for expenditures in this category for the program.
Further Information May Be Requested
- The State Education Department reserves the right to request further information regarding any proposed expenditure
appearing on a online system budget application(s) or any actual expenditure appearing as a Rollover
amount on the online system annual report following the year that the state aid was appropriated.
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