Proposed Lawrence School District budget is $102.49 million

The proposed Lawrence School District budget for the 2020-201 school year that begins on July 1, boasts new programs, expansion of existing programs and several improvements to the infrastructure of district buildings.

Presented at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Jeremy Feder said that the tentative fiscal plan is $102,490,053, a .04 percent tax-cap increase over the current of $102,449,281 budget. Both the tax levy — the money collected by the district through property taxes — and state aid remains flat. The tax levy is $85,954,300 and state aid is expected to be $12,880,421, same as the present budget.

Feder said that a balanced budget is built on what he called “the three pillars:” “Safety and security, educational excellence and fiscal responsibility.”   

The preliminary budget includes money for the creation of summer camp programs for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, a partnership with Molloy College to offer enhanced mental health counseling services to students and expansion of the existing PRISE (Peer Reinforcement In Social Experiences) Program for students on the autism spectrum.

“We will be able to create a relationship with Molly College to give a family in crisis a place for intake and counseling services,” said Superintendent Dr. Ann Pedersen, adding that the support services that would be offered is more than the school district can provide.

Feder also said that driver’s education is included in the proposed fiscal plan as well as expanding implementation of math programs for sixth to eighth grade, including professional development for teachers; instruction and professional development for dyslexia, an increase in parental workshops, and a boost in technology that includes Chrome books and Wi-Fi.   

There will also be continued upgrades to building security, including cameras, inside and outside door lock improvements and more renovations and upgrades at the Broadway Campus and sports complex, including additional air conditioning, renovation upgrades at the high school sports complex, including AC; AC in Broadway Campus classrooms, roof repair, and the beginning of the Federal Emergency Management Agency projects to mitigate flood damage.

Board candidates

Along with voting on a the budget on May 19, district residents could go to the polls to cast ballots for board trustees. Current board President Murray Forman and Vice President Dr. Asher Mansdorf are up for re-election for the three-year terms.

For candidates to run, it is required that they submit a petition with at least the minimum required 38 signatures. The deadline is April 20. Should it be needed, absentee ballot applications are available on the website or with the district clerk. May 5 is the last day for personal voter registration from 4 to 8 p.m., and May 6 at 11 a.m. is the voter registration deadline, also with the district clerk. Absentee ballot applications must be mailed by May 12.

The next board meting is Monday, April 6 ay 8 p.m. in Lawrence High School, where the budget and the property tax report card could be adopted. On Tuesday May 5, a budget hearing is scheduled. Also at 8 p.m. and at the high school.