School News

Valley Stream high school budget preview

Posted

Proposed budget: $108,025,843
Change: +1,794,476 (+1.69 percent)

Tax levy: $83,372,366
Change: +$38,876 (+.05 percent)

Tax cap allowable increase: .05 percent

Tax impact:
In District 13, the average homeowner is expected to see a decrease of $91.97 decrease in high school taxes next year.
In District 24, the average homeowner is expected to see a decrease of $21.56 in high school taxes next year.
In District 30, the average homeowner is expected to see an increase of $19.03 in high school taxes next year.
Numbers are subject to change pending final assessments rolls in August.

Budget highlights: With $3 million in annual debt payments coming off the books, money is being re-purposed for academic programs.
The district will add part-time teachers in English, math, social studies, science and foreign language in an effort to reduce class sizes. Electives would be added in art, business, family and consumer sciences and technology.
A junior Great Books program for seventh-graders and an SAT preparation course would be restored. All other academic programs, athletics and extra-curricular activities would be maintained.
Money would also be set aside for various security enhancements, including new locks on classroom doors in all four buildings. Technology upgrades would include more SmartBoards.

Revenue: The district is slated to receive $18.6 million in state aid next year, an increase of about $1.7 million. Additionally, $5.1 million from reserves will be used.

Contingency budget: If the budget were to fail twice, the district would have to cut $38,876 from its proposed spending plan. Capital projects and equipment purchases, except those related to health and safety, would be eliminated.

Board of Education: There is no election. Trustees are appointed from the three elementary school boards.