Spending down, taxes steady in District 30

“I think it’s our best budget ever,” Board of Education Vice President Cristobal Stewart said following District 30’s community budget forum on Feb. 12 at the Forest Road School. “I’ve never seen a better spending plan put together.”

Stewart was referring to the draft $32.97 million budget that would decrease spending by 1.1 percent next year and keep the tax levy flat. This is in addition to maintaining all programs and staffing levels, while making some technology enhancements.

The district is in line for a significant boost in state aid next year, more than $700,000. The 13 percent increase is the highest Nassau County. Lisa Rutkoske, the assistant superintendent for business, said District 30 is getting more money next year because its enrollment has increased since 2008, and aid is coming in for completed building projects. She said these one-time adjustments, coupled with the loss of a performance grant after the 2014-15 school year, mean the district must be prepared to make up the difference the following year.

For that reason, the budget would rely on only $30,000 from its reserves, so it can draw upon its savings if needed in the future.

One of the biggest initiatives for next year would be technology upgrades across the district. Technology Director Douglas Ward said he is looking to replace most of the classroom computers in the three elementary schools, as well as in the computer labs at Forest Road and Clear Stream Avenue. He explained that most of the computers are at least five years old, and run on an old platform.

He also wants to create an intra-district server for teachers and staff members to share resources that support the Common Core Learning Standards. Additionally, upgrades to the network are planned, along with more training on educational software for staff.

Ward said he believes these goals can be accomplished without increasing the technology budget for next year. “Technology is a big part of what we do here,” he said. “It’s a tool that engages our students.”