Hewlett-Woodmere considers plans to cut costs

Based on the most recent five-year budget projections, which showed a 2 percent increase each year, the Hewlett-Woodmere School District is considering ways to reduce spending that right now focus on instituting the Princeton Plan, slicing a period off the current 10-period day at Hewlett High School and overhauling administration.

The proposed Hewlett-Woodmere application of the Princeton Plan would move all second and third grade classes to one school and fourth and fifth grades to another. Currently, there are two elementary schools – Hewlett and Ogden – that houses second through fifth grade.

The Princeton Plan eliminates the use of geographical district lines for placing students in schools, instead it assigns all same-age children together.

Superintendent Dr. Ralph Marino Jr. and Assistant Superintendent for Business Marie Donnelly said at the Oct. 20 Board of Education meeting at the Woodmere Middle School they have begun researching the possibilities with associated cost savings and will report back to the board in the near future. The district is aiming to hold the spending increase to 1 percent for the 2022-2023 budget.

The administrative proposal, written in the form of an organizational chart, would change the structure of the district’s administration.

By consolidating 29 separately working offices into 11 central administrative systems and moving offices within the Woodmere Education Center, the district aims to address the vacancies, temporary staff and concerns regarding per student spending and declining enrollment.

Eliminating and consolidating several positions would speed along daily operations in each of the 11 central offices, resulting in cost savings, an amount not yet disclosed by district officials.

“We wouldn’t construct something if we thought it was going to fail,” Marino said, “we are very confident that we have the right pieces, the right distribution of duties and responsibilities to make it work. We will step in if something is not working at fix it.”

The 11 proposed administrative systems are: superintendent, principals, assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and technology; assistant superintendent for special education and student support services; assistant superintendent for finance and personnel; executive director of communications, community services, registration, and grants; director of art and music; director of health, physical education and athletics; director of school facilities and operations; director of food services; and director of health, safety and security.

There are 51 classes at Hewlett High that are under enrolled. The district is looking to address that problem by making cuts and changing the current 10-period day to a nine-period day. “These are not in the works,” said Board President Debra Sheinin, “we are going to do a cost analysis and see if its worth it to save money.”

Parents voiced concerns about the administration reorganization, a drop in curriculum and the possibility of the Princeton Plan generating increased transportation costs. “We’re going to look at it and see what’s best for the kids,” Sheinin said.

Hewlett High senior and Student Council Vice President Hayden Millman supported the proposal.

“From a student perspective, a 10-period day is draining,” she said. “I’ve been doing it for four years — it’s a lot. Obviously I know parents are concerned about the curriculum, but it’s still important to look at it from a student’s perspective — mental health-wise.”