Say ‘yes’ to Valley Stream school budgets

This year was the first time that school districts had to create budgets under the state’s new tax-cap legislation, which limits the amount that districts can raise revenue through property taxes. Valley Stream’s four schools all came in with budgets at or below the tax cap.

Valley Stream school officials prepared for this challenge, negotiating a hard freeze in the teachers’ contract for next year. Teachers will not receive an annual raise, their longevity-based step increment or money for additional education credits. This went a long way toward controlling costs for next year, as the bulk of spending in school districts is on personnel.

A good budget in District 24

Remember when the New York state comptroller’s office criticized District 24 for having too much money in its reserves? Over the past few years, that money has been used to offset tax increases, resulting in budgets that have either decreased taxes for average homeowners or resulted in a slight increase.

Next year’s proposed $27.7 million budget is expected to raise taxes by $20 to $25 for the average resident, certainly a reasonable figure. The spending plan not only maintains programs, it makes a few enhancements. How many districts are doing that in these tough economic times?

We like the fact that the district will be adding a full-time curriculum director. With increasing state mandates, the new teacher evaluations and implementation of Common Core Learning Standards, this position is a necessary addition. And a part-time art teacher will ensure that students in kindergarten and special education classes receive regular art instruction.

This is a good budget for taxpayers and students, and we urge voters to support it.

Building on success in District 30

It’s been a good year for District 30. Student performance is up and the district has been recognized by numerous outside organizations for its early literacy and intervention programs.

The proposed $32.4 million budget maintains all the programs that have led to increased student achievement. The elimination of the district’s lone social worker could hurt a little, but district officials say they have a plan to continue to meet the social and emotional needs of students. Based on the district’s recent successes, we’re inclined to believe them.

Keep the good times going in District 30. Support this budget, which preserves a strong core of programs and is expected to raise taxes a modest $36 a year for the average homeowner next year.

High school board meets the challenge

After a few years of cuts and program changes, the Central High School District Board of Education has proposed a budget that maintains the status quo for students. There are a few cuts to staff, mostly in non-teaching areas, and a few additions to support student services.

The district serves about 4,700 students, and is a different beast from the elementary schools. The issues are different. The problems are different. The programs are different. We believe the proposed $103.2 million spending plan addresses the needs of the students, and is reasonable for taxpayers. Tax increases vary depending on the elementary district you live in.

We urge voters to support this budget on Tuesday. A contingency budget could mean big cuts, maybe not in the core academic areas, but for those extra curricular activities that make for a well-rounded high school experience.

Proposition poses challenge in District 13

District 13 has a challenge that no other district in Valley Stream, and probably no other district in the state, is facing. Due to a voter-requested referendum on student transportation, the district will need 60 percent of voters to approve the budget in order for it to pass.

The proposed $43.2 million budget, by itself, meets the new tax-cap legislation. District 13 has the highest allowable tax levy increase in Valley Stream, at 3.52 percent, and the budget comes in just under that, so under any other circumstances, a simple majority vote would pass it.

But when the $296,000 bus proposition is added, the tax levy increase rises to 4.46. Due to an interpretation by the state Education Department — in our opinion, not a very good one — even if the bus proposition fails, the budget will still need a supermajority of 60 percent to pass. The same referendum, to make all students living a half-mile or more from their school eligible for transportation, failed in 2008 and 2009.

As we did in 2009, we take a neutral stance on the bus proposition. While we understand the merits, such as reducing traffic around the schools, transportation in a suburban community is a luxury and economic times are still tough. If you believe this is necessary, vote for it.

We do, however, fully support the budget. While the tax increase is a little higher than we would like to see, that is the reality in District 13 where there is little commercial property and a lot of tax-exempt land. That leaves 90 percent of property taxes to be paid by homeowners.

The budget preserves the district’s quality education programs and keeps class sizes intact. It includes funding to maintain the buildings and make technology upgrades where necessary. Because of the referendum, the budget needs your support now more than ever. Otherwise, prepare for a revote in June and the $27,000 price tag that will carry, money that could be going to students.