North Bellmore School Board Adopts $47,448,200 Budget

The North Bellmore Board of Education adopted its proposed 2010/2011 budget at its April 8 meeting. Residents will be asked to approve the $47,448,200 proposed budget on Tuesday, May 18.

This represents a 2.49 percent budget to budget increase from the current budget of $45,542,209.56. 

"We can't talk about the budget without acknowledging the challenging times in which we live," said Superintendent Arnold Goldstein. "We are very aware of the economic difficulties people are facing." 

The board said possible cuts in state aid are a big factor in determining the tax levy to local residents. Goldstein said that last years state aid cuts resulted in a tax levy of 3.61 percent to residents.

"A $892,888 cut (almost $900,000) will result in a 4.35 percent tax levy," he added. "An approximation, without any cuts, with a rollover budget of 5 percent, would mean a tax levy of approximately 9 percent and would be unacceptable to the district." 

By law, if the original proposed budget fails, it may be put up again for a second vote. If the budget is voted down a second time, the board must adopt a contingency budget, which is a 0 percent increase from the current budget.

Adopting a contingency budget would be "devastating to the district and would lead to deep, deep cuts including the elimination of programs, teachers and staff," according to the board.

"It could also lead to increasing class size by combining classes," said Goldstein.

The board says the next step is to present the budget plan to the community, so they can make an informed choice in the voting booth. Goldstein said he remains hopeful that the community will come together and be supportive.

Residents will be receiving brochures in the mail explaining the budget. There will also be eight public workshops for residents to learn more about the proposed budget and how it will effect the school district:

• Wednesday, April 14 at Newbridge Road Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday April 14 at Park Avenue Elementary School at 8 p.m.
• Friday, April 16 at Newbridge Road Elementary School at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 20 at Martin Avenue Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 20 at Saw Mill Road Elementary School at 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 28 at Gunther School at 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 28 at Dinkelmeyer Elementary School at 8 p.m.
• The next board meeting and a final budget presentation will be Thursday, May 6 at Martin Avenue Elementary School at 8 p.m.

Other Board Meeting Notes

Also at the meeting, six teachers and a principal were accepted for tenure. Golstein says tenure is a very challenging process and involves at least a three year probation and observation period. The teachers include Kathyrn Bauer (Special Education teacher), Lindsay Fink (Speech teacher), Erin Glynn (Speech teacher), teachers Jean Patterson, Stephanie Schwartz and Lauren Tusa and Park Avenue Principal Eileen Speidel. The board and attendees welcomed and congratulated the newly tenured teachers, calling them "examples of outstanding educators."