Herald Endorsement

Vote ‘yes’ on Valley Stream school budgets

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Voters in Valley Stream’s school districts will vote on a combined $215 million worth of spending when they head to the polls on Tuesday. This year’s budgets are all tax-cap-compliant, and keep program intact.

Residents of the school districts have a long history of supporting education in Valley Stream, and we encouraged that continued support this year with “yes” votes at the polls.

A good budget in District 13

The planning process for the 2014-15 budget in District 13 began back in November with the annual educational planning meeting, followed by the facilities tour in December. Since then, school officials have been crunching numbers and have put forth a $45.8 million spending plan.

In addition to preserving all programs, maintaining class sizes and keeping the buildings and grounds in good shape, the budget includes funding for a part-time math specialist. With the expectations of Common Core, we think this a good and necessary addition. While we wish it was a full-time position, which would better serve the four elementary schools, this is a good start and we hope finances will allow for the position to grow in the future.

The projected tax increase for the average home is also very palatable — about $8 for the year. That’s the lowest number we’ve seen in years, and it’s a small price to pay, literally, to continue offering children a solid, well-rounded education.

When you head to the polls next week, support the District 13 budget.

Small increase in District 24

If you think the $8 increase in taxes for the average homeowner in District 13 is pretty good, District 24’s projected $7 increase is even better.

Arriving at a final budget in District 24 was not easy this year. While school officials initially were talking about a multi-million-dollar budget gap, that doomsday scenario never came to fruition. Disappointing state aid numbers in the governor’s proposed budget got a little better in the Legislature’s plan, but special legislation allowing the district to use $1 million from a retirement reserve account for general spending was instrumental in keeping the program intact.

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