Superintendent Arnold Goldstein said that the district will be able to reach the 2-percent tax levy cap and still maintain the district's level of education.
"North Bellmore has the 2 percent plus exceptions," Goldstein said at the school board meeting on Thursday. "We will be able to reach the tax levy cap this year and keep our quality of education. We will not eliminate any school programs."
According to Goldstein there will be a 1-percent tax increase.
Goldstein said that when Jacob Gunther Elementary School closes in June, 15 positions will be eliminated, saving the district $900,000. He also said and that parts of the the school building may be rented out.
At the end of the 2011-2012 budget, $2.5 million dollars will be left over, Goldstein said. The board said that it is considering implementing a reading program and updating technology in the schools.
"There are expenses that are not finalized yet," Goldstein said.
The district is currently preparing for the 2012-2013 budgeting season. Some parents were not happy at the end of the meeting.
Linda Restivo has a fifth grader at the Gunther School. She said that she does not understand how the district can close a school and then speak about ways to spend money.
"They close a school because they have no money and now they are talking about adding programs," she said. "Goldstein said that there will be a 1-percent budget increase, but in December he said 4.8. I think they made the situation worse than it was. They shouldn't have closed a school because apparently they have money left over."
The district will hold two public 2012-2013 budget workshops: March 21 at Saw Mill Road Elementary School at 7 p.m. and March 29 at Newbridge Road School at 7 p.m.
