Franklin Square school district's $48.1M budget proposal promises a new playground installation and library renovation

The Franklin Square Union Free School District which encompasses three elementary schools — John Street, Polk Street and Washington Street School — is proposing a $48.1 million spending plan for the 2023-24 academic year.

According to district’s budget newsletter, the proposal is a $3.7 million increase from this year. School officials also mentioned they are keeping Franklin Square’s school taxes among the lowest in Nassau County.

There will be a proposed tax levy increase of 2.8 percent, which is below the state’s allowable tax cap.

Superintendent Jared Bloom said the budget reflects the district’s commitment to maintaining a balance between fiscal responsibility and delivering high quality education through sustainable programs and facilities the entire community can benefit from.

“The Franklin Square Union Free School District is proud to have some of the lowest taxes in Nassau County and lowest per-pupil expenditures,” said Bloom. “This achievement is a testament to our commitment to practicing mindful budgeting, containing administrative costs and meticulously planning for the future.”

The budget is typically split into three parts: administrative, program and capital. Administrative costs consist of funds for the board of education, district clerk, superintendent’s office, curriculum department, legal department and several other offices. The current administrative budget stands at $4.7 million, and under the adopted budget, it would show a slim increase to $4.8 million for 2023-24.

The program budget includes funding for extracurricular activities, transportation, library media centers, school lunch, health services and several other areas. The total funds set aside for programs will be roughly $38.1 million — a $2.9 million hike from this year.

The report detailed an estimated $5.3 million, or a roughly $686,800 increase, has been reserved for the capital portion — which encompasses buildings and grounds, security, debt service and transfer to capital projects.

Some of these capital improvements include a continued flooring project at Polk Street School, a new playground and turf at Washington Street School and a library renovation and sign replacement at John Street School.

Trustee William Leder, 56, is running unopposed for reelection. He has worked as a litigation attorney for 25 years and founded his own law firm, the Law Office of William T. Leder, PLLC.

Leder received his bachelors degree from Hobart College in 1988 and earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 1997. He is married with two children, one is in college and the other is a graduating senior at H. Frank Carey High School.

He currently serves as a trustee and vice president of the Sewanhaka Central High School board and is a member of the annual BOCES Budget Committee. He coached the girls PAL lacrosse and basketball teams for eight years.

The annual school budget vote is on May 16 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voting will take place at the John Street, Polk Street and Washington Street schools. For more information, visit www.franklinsquare.k12.ny.us.