District 30 turns to residents for budget guidance

Facing a very tough set of financial challenges for next year, District 30 school officials are brainstorming ways to continue quality education for students. They will not embark on this challenge alone, calling on the community for their input during a serious budget planning process.

In the first of a series of opportunities to voice their opinions, community members participated in a budget forum on Jan. 18 at Shaw Avenue School, focusing on the public’s values and priorities in maintaining the district’s strategic plan — a series of goals adopted last year to support a 21st century education.

Several key questions, including what programs should be kept or modified, were asked to the more than 30 people that attended. “I don’t want to change mandated services,” said Veniece Dunn, Forest Road PTA president. “The children must receive what they are supposed to.”

Clear Stream Avenue School Principal John Singleton, who was a facilitator, said that there might not be money for all state-mandated items.

For this year, none of the district’s programs were cut and some were actually enhanced like a new fifth and sixth grade science unit, said Superintendent Dr. Elaine Kanas. Capital reserves were successfully established at no additional cost to the community and the tax levy is stable — this year’s increase was 1.36 percent.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Lisa Rutkoske said that district officials want to remain fiscally responsible despite increasing financial pressures. Starting next year, districts could face possible state aid cuts, increases in health, pension and retirements costs, and a tax cap on how much school districts can increase property taxes, which could mean less revenue for the district. Nassau County legislators also voted in November to end its practice of paying back 100 percent of property tax refunds, meaning school districts would be responsible for its share beginning in 2013.

“We want to find the right balance between achieving our objectives that the community outlined over the course of the last 18 months or so with a strategic plan, but being fiscally conscience to the community at large,” Rutkoske said.