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Re-elect Lester to the Board of Education
In the current era of tight tax-cap restrictions and increasing health care costs, school districts across the state are faced with the challenge of presenting budgets that not only maintain, but also enhance, offerings to students.
We believe Long Beach school officials have put together a responsible $135.5 million spending plan, right at the tax cap, that keeps resident and student concerns in mind.
The budget is 2.7 percent larger than that of the current school year, and the tax levy increase of 1.68 percent represents the spending limit. With $19.4 million earmarked for special-education programs, a 16.85 percent increase over this year’s spending in that category, and health insurance increases of $1.1 million over this year’s cost, the school district estimates that the $97.1 million tax levy will increase the average single-family household’s taxes by $110.
The schools are not cutting any programs or services, and are adding offerings, as the budget covers funding for elementary school yearbook clubs, Lego robotics and coding clubs. It also allots capital funding to begin work on the high school bulkhead. Though the board has acknowledged that there are areas where it must strive to be more efficient, such as special education and the lunch program — which is projected to lose $368,000 this year — the budget is a sound plan for the coming school year.
A rejection of the proposal would mean the adoption of a contingency budget, which would not significantly reduce taxes for the average homeowner and would likely increase class sizes, force cuts in programs and close school facilities to community groups. Your “yes” vote on the budget is crucial.
Re-elect Lester to the school board
With one seat on the Board of Education contested by two candidates, the Herald urges residents to re-elect incumbent school board President Roy Lester.
Lester, who is being challenged by retiring high school science teacher Perry Bodnar, has always been dedicated to maintaining district programs and keeping operating costs stable during his many terms on the board since 1999, especially with the current state tax cap restrictions.
