School officials in East Rockaway propose $42.6M budget for 2022-23

Posted

East Rockaway school officials have adopted a $42.6 million proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year, which residents will vote on when polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

The spending plan is roughly $869,000 more than the 2021-22 budget. The plan was see a 0.93 percent increase to the tax levy — the amount that districts can raise revenue through property taxes — which is below the allowable tax cap.

The proposal includes continued district support for additional seats in the universal pre-k program; a new health cirriculum for middle and high schoolers; replacement of five playgrounds and surfaces; continuation of the 1:1 tablet initiative for third- through 12th-graders; continued support for the high school summer school program and the Northwell Health School mental health partnership; an addition of the Nassau Community College Concurrent Enrollment Program; a literacy coach for the elementary level; a new Rock Orchestra club; additional athletic programs, including winter track at middle school grade levels and increased intramurals; and the addition of an assistant coach for varsity winter track.

“We are pleased to present a proposed tax levy increase this year of 0.93 percent, which is well below our New York state allowable tax levy cap of 3.81 percent,” the Board of Education members wrote in a statement. “This budget continues to support all our current curricular programs, K-12 clubs and all extracurricular activities, as well as programs that continue to support our students’ social-emotional needs and expanded offerings in certain areas.”

In all, 75.8 percent of the budget will go toward programs, while 13.1 percent will fund capital projects and 11.8 percent has been set aside for staffing.