District 30 budget: spending will drop

District 30 school officials are considering a budget that would cut spending, keep programs and hold taxes steady next year, according to a plan unveiled to the public on Monday.

The draft $32.97 million spending plan is 1.1 percent less than this year’s budget. Additionally, the tax levy is expected to stay the same, and the district would use only about $30,000 from its reserves.

District 30’s allowable tax levy increase is .3 percent, which translates to about $81,000. By holding the levy steady, the district will only need a simple majority to pass its budget.

“We are trying to be very sensitive to our community,” said Lisa Rutkoske, assistant superintendent for business. “It doesn’t matter what town you live in on Long Island, we all get a tax bill.”

Rutkoske said there are a few reasons for the decrease in spending. She cited several one-time initiatives in the current budget, such as renovations to the Shaw Avenue School library, a new fence at Shaw and the installation of more security cameras. Additionally, Rutkoske said several employees have chosen to take health insurance through a partner, saving the district about $300,000.

There would be some minor staffing enhancements. Rutkoske said there is a need for a part-time special education teacher, two teacher aides, and more school monitors.

No new curriculum initiatives are planned, with the exception of the purchase of some additional materials to support the Common Core Learning Standards. Existing programs will be examined and reconfigured as needed to meet the needs of students.

Enrollment is expected to rise by about 50 students next year, however because those children would be spread across three schools and seven grades, administrators don’t expect that extra teachers would be needed.

The budget is being helped by an anticipated 13 percent increase in state aid. Rutkoske said for that reason, the district should not have to raise taxes, nor dip into its savings. This year’s budget is relying on $1.2 million in reserves.

Rutkoske said she wants to keep reserves intact, because it is unlikely the district would receive a significant increase in state aid two years in a row. Also, she said a performance grant expires after the 2014-15 school year.

The district will ask voters to approve the creation of a $4 million capital reserve fund to pay for various building improvements over the next five years. One project Rutkoske said is likely is an elevator at Clear Stream Avenue School. Voters will also be asked to approve the spending of $1.23 million from an existing reserve fund for ceiling, lighting and ventilation upgrades at Clear Stream.

The community can learn more at a community budget forum on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7:15 p.m. at the Forest Road School.