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ISLAND TREES UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROPOSED BUDGET 2009-2010
Island Trees Budget is Responsive to Economic Conditions
Budget Preserves Quality Education for Students
The proposed school budget for 2009-2010 has been developed
keeping in mind the difficult economic times we are all
experiencing. The restoration of state aid to the 2008-09
level does not keep pace the rising costs of goods and
services. The Board of Education has worked very hard to
find the balance between maintaining excellence in education
and making difficult decisions to cut programs and staff.
The proposed budget increase is 2.95 % and a tax levy
increase of 3.98 %
Our educational, athletic
and arts programs have remained largely intact. Funds are
included to continue to provide instruction in all academic
areas, provide curriculum and staff development
opportunities and provide extra-curricular activities. We
will continue to provide Academic Intervention Services
above the mandated levels, with the help of funding through
the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Successful programs such as Model UN, Commerce Plaza and
others will continue as well as field trips. Our children
will continue to achieve at high levels as evidenced by our
most recent School Report Cards.
Due to the difficult
economy, the proposed budget does not include funds for the
summer YES program. The Board of Education has directed
that this program be reviewed over the next year and will
consider reinstatement for summer 2010, perhaps with a
modified structure. The freshman baseball team and Saturday
Academy have also been cut. Staffing cuts were made in all
areas, teachers, administration and support staff.
Moreover, the budget includes a modicum of funds for new
equipment and supplies have also been held to a minimum.
The Board of Education,
administration and staff have worked hard to prepare a
budget that maintains excellence in education and also is
fiscally sound. This has been a difficult year for all
school districts. However, the budget will meet the needs
of our students and continue to give them opportunities to
continue to achieve at high levels. All residents are
encouraged to participate in our school budget vote on
Tuesday, May 19, 2009, Michael F. Stokes School, 12 Noon to
9:00 P.M.
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