Schools
Huntington BOE Budget Process Gets High Marks From Residents
School board offering more clear and concise presentations than in previous years, according to some.
News was mostly positive from the Huntington school board last week as it detailed projected cuts to make up $865,000 needed to keep the district within the state-mandated tax cap.
According to the $112.72 million working budget presented by the school board at last week's meeting, a 3.13 percent tax levy increase would be needed from last year's $109 million budget. With a 2.21 percent tax limit allowed, $865,000 in expenditures would have to be eliminated to bring the total within the tax cap.
"Based on the reductions today, we have arrived at our tax levy limit," said Superintendent Jim Polansky to Patch last week. "I think we are in relatively good shape." Polansky stressed that staffing changes addressed did not touch programs or level of service.
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The school board was met with a number of positive comments from the large audience gathered in the Jack Abrams school auditorium for the budget workshop March 26.
"In the seven years that I've been attending board meetings and budget presentations, this is probably one of the best, clearest and most concise budgets I've ever seen," said Tom DiGiacomo of Huntington, garnering a large round of applause.
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"I thank you Mr. Polansky for your effort ... you have done a wonderful job," said Xavier Palacios of Huntington Station. "And thank you board for what you do."
Despite his praise, Palacios recommended the board find ways to start making money while eliminating cuts to products required for student education.
"It really was a terrific presentation," said district resident and former school board candidate . "It definitely is a better approach than what I observed last year."
Board trustees praised district administrators for their hard work as well.
"I just wanted to say thank you so much," said Trustee Jen Hebert. "This was really thorough and really clear and it was great presentation."
With the tax rate projected to increase to $213.14 per $100 of assessed valuation, a 2.89 percent increase from last year, assessed property valuations are being closely watched.
David Grackin, the assistant superintendent of finance and management services, said he predicted a valuation reduction this year similar to last year's $418,000 amount, according to a recent conversation with Town Assessor .
"He said to me, we are going to be in that neighborhood again," said Grackin. The board has budgeted for an assessed value deficit of $300,000 for 2012-13.
One of this year's budget goals was to maintain manageable class sizes, according to Polansky.
According to the proposed plan for next year, elementary requirements would remain basically the same, with a 30-student maximum per class in first through sixth grades. Kindergarten class sizes are projected at 25 students each.
Tully asked the board to estimate costs needed to reinstate full-day district kindergarten classes. Polansky said it would take between $700,000 and $750,000.
Restructuring of administrative positions and staff retirements will result in a savings of $61,000, according to projections. Five teaching positions would be eiminated at and 1.8 at Huntington High School. Co-teachers would be decreased by 1.5 and 0.5 decrease in special education teachers would occur at .
Districtwide, six teacher aide positions and one full-time nurse would be eliminated.
Trustee Rich McGrath was not in attendence at the meeting.
The budget review process continues Monday at Jack Abrams at 7:30 p.m. to address revenue. School board elections, including a vote on the budget, is set for May 15.
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