Bellmore Board of Ed Discusses Budget Concerns

The Bellmore Board of Education held its monthly meeting at the Winthrop Avenue Elementary School in Bellmore on Tuesday, Feb. 9. During the meeting, a pair of the community's brightest young students were recognized, successful school events were acknowledged, and the difficult school district budget issues created by New York State's economic struggles were discussed.

Trustee Marion Blane praised Intel Science Talent Search semifinalists Barry Bruno and Stephanie Weiner - both Bellmore residents -  who were honored Tuesday evening by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

"It will be a very exciting evening [for Barry and Stephanie]," Blane said. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Famularo praised educators, students and parents for their contributions to Haiti relief in recent weeks.

Board President Janet Goller raved about a recent concert at Shore Road Elementary School , at which Dr. Famularo surprised attendees by playing electric guitar with the students.

"It was amazing," she said.

Goller also spoke enthusiastically about the performances of educators and students. 

"I wish the community could see all the wonderful things going on in our classrooms," she added.

Despite several uplifting news updates, a sobering budget report from Vice President Jay L.T. Breakstone changed the tone towards the end of the meeting.

"Everybody agreed that there isn't enough money," he said. "That Long Island gives a lot of money to New York State and does not get as nearly as much back. That times are tough and that there are no solutions. We are very much alone - both as school board members and as representatives for the communities –because, after the yelling and screaming and promises and recognizing of problems gets done, come the first day in September when we have to educate 1,100-1,200 students, we have to identify the problem. It's the community and school board who do the best they can to educate their children."

According to Breakstone, budget cuts and contingency budgets hinge on the consumer price index, which is a negative figure this year.

"There will be a great deal of cutting programs on LI if contingency budgets rule the day," he said.

Despite projected limitations, including possible limits placed on popular programs, Breakstone remains optimistic about what the future holds for Bellmore's students.

"What doesn't vary is that we turn out great kids and educate great students, as parents and as school board members," he added.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Technology Dierdre Gambino announced that the budget – factoring in the aforementioned economic difficulties - will be presented to the community at a public hearing on May 4, at Shore Road Intermediate Center.

The next scheduled board of education meeting is March 16.