School News

Programs in tact in District 24

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After months of intense discussions and number crunching, District 24 Board of Education members have settled on a budget proposal.

On April 9, the board adopted a $28.5 million spending plan that preserves programs, though it does make some staffing reductions. It includes a tax levy increase of 1.6 percent, which is the district’s allowable limit under the tax cap.

Board President Paul DePace said he was very happy with the budget, especially after drastic cuts had been proposed in earlier drafts. Two programs that were being considered for elimination until the last minute were keyboarding and outdoor education.

In a 5-2 vote, the board decided to keep keyboarding, but the board was more evenly divided regarding the outdoor education program, which features on overnight trip to Caumsett for fifth-grade students, and a four-day trip to Frost Valley upstate for sixth-graders.

“Cut it all out,” said Trustee Carole Meaney, “and if years down the road we find ourselves where we can add it back in, we add it back.”

Ultimately, in a close vote, the board agreed to retain both trips. DePace said graduates of District 24 have consistently cited the outdoor education program as one of their greatest elementary experiences. “It’s been a staple program in our district,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale said one of the reasons the outdoor education program was on the chopping block was because fewer students have been going on the trips in recent years. He said students are encouraged to go, because it is part of the curriculum. “For the program to be what it’s designed to be,” he said, “we need all of the children to attend.”

Eliminations that were approved for next year will include a part-time reading teacher, five aides, and one teaching assistant. DePace said all of those reductions are based on student needs.

Additionally, instead of having a security guard stationed outside each building at night on the weekends, one guard will rotate among the three. Operation Success, an after-school academic intervention program, will begin in January instead of October, and the JCC, which runs an after-school program, will be responsible for its own security.

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