The Proposed Tax Levy Increase of 2.60% is Again Among the Lowest in the County!

In spite of increasingly difficult financial trends, the budget proposed for the 2008-2009 school year is fiscally sound and maintains our excellent educational programs. The tax levy increase is yet again among the lowest in Nassau County! The Board of Education has worked very hard to keep taxes from rising as much as possible while ensuring that our excellent educational program is maintained and the needs of our children are met.

The proposed budget ensures that we can provide a comprehensive instructional program that gives every child the opportunity to achieve excellence and success. Funds are included in this proposal to purchase new textbooks in the areas of integrated algebra, science, business and music. We will continue our curriculum mapping initiative in the area of arts, expand staff and curriculum development programs, implement a new College Center at the high school, upgrade our technology program at the Island Trees Memorial Middle School, implement additional academic support services at the elementary level, upgrade our computer technology infrastructure throughout the district, purchase a T-1 Navigator System to enhance instruction in mathematics and implement Commerce Plaza, a curriculum designed to promote an understanding of the world of business and its economics for fifth grade students.

Funds are also included in this budget proposal to implement Connect-Ed, a school-to-parent notification system that will ensure important messages are sent to all parents from a school or district office simultaneously, within seconds. Also included is appropriate funding to maintain our buildings and grounds and to begin a comprehensive program to refurbish our playing fields throughout the district.

Our proposed budget reflects a 5.53% increase in expenditures. As indicated above, the amount to be raised in taxes, or tax levy, is 2.60%, which is among the lowest in Nassau County! The Board of Education, administration and staff have once again prepared a budget proposal that meets the needs of our students and is fiscally sound. All residents are encouraged to participate in our school budget vote on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.