Lynbrook schools’ final budget proposal

Facing several mandated increases, officials found a way to balance the budget without cutting any programs for next year.

The board of education officially adopted their proposed 2011-12 spending plan at a special budget session on March 23 – earmarked with a $72,896,885 price tag. The budget, which calls for a 2.81 percent increase and a 4.39 tax levy, will be subject to voters’ approval. “This is the lowest budget I have seen in years,” said Dr. Melissa Burak, assistant superintendent for business. “We are still maintaining what we have in this district.”

Officials shaved off an extra $180,272 for several district retirements last month, bringing the budget down to 2.81 percent. And in other areas, their projected spending was streamlined – money for central administration and facilities to name a few. However, salaries and benefits including retirement costs will increase by nearly $2 million alone. Other cost increases include an additional $458,144 for the Nassau County Water usage fee and special education monies. To offset several of the retirement and civil service costs, the district plans to use $500,000 of their reserves, Burak said.

The district is also looking at three major avenues of anticipated revenue: state aid, local monies and their projected fund balance at their operational year’s end. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget includes just more than $7 million in estimated aid, about $850,000 reduction from this year. “It’s a struggle,” said schools Superintendent Dr. Santo Barbarino. “We are trying to keep a healthy balance, but it becomes difficult when the state does what they do with state aid.” Additionally, the district projects about $1 million in local revenue including $15,000 for summer school and $135,000 for the Metropolitan Transit Authority tax reimbursement. Another $1.5 million is expected in fund balance, bringing their revenue to an estimated $9,855,942.