Bethpage-Tribune_2009-05-15

              6ETHPAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Volume 47 Number IS 32$ Broadway., ' ' ^ ($ t^) 6Si* 0440 ext 21 ' FAX ( 516) 681- 9354 Emaih Nii22u^ oUom 50 Cents
Bethpage School District Budget:
Lowest Proposed Increase in 18 Years
The Bethpage School District is proposing a 2009/ 10 School District
Budget that represents the lowest percentage increase in 18 years. The budget
preserves current programs and includes funding for new courses as well as
new student textbooks and supplies. Residents will be asked to vote on the
proposed budget on Tuesday, May at Bethpage High School, between
the hours of 7: 00 a. m. and 9: 00 p. m.
" The proposed budget- to- budget increase is 2.49%, compared with 4.99%
last year," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Marsh. " All instruc-tional
programs are maintained, including the very successful Full- Day
Kindergarten, Inclusion Classes, Summer School Remedial/ Enrichment, field
trips, cultural arts, extra- curricular clubs, and sports teams. Additionally, we
have been able to implement a number of cost- saving initiatives that will not
adversely impact student programs."
Cost Savings
The Board of Education worked closely with administration to create effi-ciencies
in the proposed budget that are resulting in cost savings in multiple
areas. As a result of retirement and staff restructuring and rescheduling,
instructional staff will be reduced by 8.3 full- time teachers and one adminis-trator.
This will produce approximately $ 1.3 million in savings. Staffing for
the English Language Learners ( ELL) program has also been restructured for
additional cost savings. No building clerical positions will be added.
The Board of Education has entered into a second Energy Performance
Contract with Johnson Controls to install more energy- efficient facilities
throughout the District that will yield future utility savings. The District is
already benefiting from earlier initiatives with Johnson Controls and the 2000
facilities bond, that have resulted in the installation of energy- efficient build-ing
systems. In fact, last spring, both Bethpage High School and JFK Middle
School were identified for being in the top 25% of the most energy- efficient
buildings in the country.
Program Retention and Enhancement
Elementary class sizes will remain at current levels. Secondary schools
will have slightly larger class sizes for some areas. If either building receives
a larger than anticipated enrollment, sections can be added. Funding to con-tinue
the 21st Century Scholars program is included. There is a slight
increase in technology funding for new wireless laptops at JFK Middle
School and Bethpage High School, and new computers for elementary school
labs. New Math, Geometry, Languages Other than English ( LOTE), and
Grade 6 Science textbooks will be purchased, as will graphing calculators.
New courses in Current Events, Law, Geometry, and Dance will also be
added at Bethpage High School. The proposed budget also maintains the
ACE and GOAL programs, and allows more Bethpage students with special
needs to attend in- dislrict programs. All extracurricular and athletic programs
will be funded, as will Summer School, Summer Camps, the Summer
Reading program, Field Trips and Cultural Arts programs.
Proposition # 2: Capital Reserve Funds
A second proposition on the May ballot pertains to authorization of
$ 1.2 million in existing monies in the District's Capital Reserve Fund for
health and safety upgrades to certain school facilities. Approval of this propo-sition
would have no effect on the proposed budget, as well as no impact on
the tax levy, as these funds have already been allocated specifically for facili-ties
improvement projects. Voter approval is required to use the funds. If
approved, Proposition # 2 would authorize the Board to use existing Capital
Reserve Funds for asbestos abatement projects throughout the District. While
this asbestos has been contained and poses no immediate health threat, it
should be completely abated and removed. Proposition # 2 would also utilize
existing Capital Reserve Funds to provide ventilation improvements to
Science areas at Bethpage High School and JFK Middle School.
Last year, voters approved the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund for the
long- term preservation of District school facilities. These projects are eligi-ble
for New York State Building aid. Under the current building aid formu-la,
New York State would pay for 39% of the work authorized in
Proposition # 2.
Proposition # 3: Transportation Policy
A third proposition will appear on the May 19th ballot. If approved.
Proposition # 3 would authorize the Board to change the existing
Transportation Policy to provide busing to more students in grades 3- 5. For
the last two years, the District has been reviewing its more than 30- year- old
policy, researching the challenges the current policy poses for some students
and the impact of expanding transportation to achieve consistency from
kindergarten through grade 5. Under the existing policy, all students in
grades kindergarten through 2nd who reside 1/ 2 mile or more from their
school are provided busing. However, in grades 3- 5, only those students
who live 3/ 4 mile or more from their school receive busing.
Proposition # 3 would expand busing to allow all elementary students -
kindergarten through grade 5 - who reside 1/ 2 mile or more from their
school to receive busing. The estimated tost impact of this initiative, if
approved, has been quantified to roughly approximate $ 180,000. The Board
of Education could appropriate funds to cover the required final costs, sub-ject
to 2009/ 10 route schedule completion.
Each of the three propositions on the May 19^^ ballot is independent of
the other two.
May 19*** Voting
Since voting will be conducted in the gymnasium, voters are encouraged
to park in the rear of Bethpage High School, located at 10 Cherry Ave. in
Bethpage. Polls are open from 7: 00 a. m until 9: 00 p. m. The District will
also conduct the annual " Democracy in Action" program at Bethpage High
School on the day of the vote, between the hours of 5: 30 p. m. and 9: 00 p. m.
Senior Citizens Take a Trip Back to the 80' s
Thanks to BHS Performers
Bethpage High School hosted a free performance of their play " Back to the
80 s" for members of the Bethpage Senior Citizen Center. During intermis-sion,
seniors on hand were provided with snacks and refreshments, c. ^ nli-ments
ofErga bakery, StuJf- a- Bagel, and Aramark, the Bethpage School
District s food service provider. See inside for more pictures and story