by Matt Hampton
At a packed auditorium, the board voted to approve the school's 2009-10 fiscal year budget, as well as commend students, offer tenure to a handful of teachers, and congratulate one very special principal.
The night started off with a crowded and buzzing auditorium, as each of the six local elementary schools handed out awards to its most-improved fifth grade students. The program moved quickly into granting tenure to teachers at most of the district's six schools.
The element that many families had come to see was Superintendent Al Harper's budget presentation. With the board scheduled to adopt the proposed budget later in the evening, Harper took pains to highlight the major changes and bring the tax levy increase to the public's attention.
While the levy for Elmont residents increase by 2.3 percent, Harper said, the jump represents less than the local cost of living increase, and more importantly, prevents the school from having to endure any loss of school activities or programs.
"There are no program cuts at all," Harper said, repeating himself three times to loud applause from the assembled parents.
He also drew attention to some of the more technology-oriented items in the budget, including an update in several class rooms.
"This september when we open up, all classes, grades one through six, resource rooms and libraries will have interactive, state-of-the-art smartboard technology in the classroom," Harper said.
Smart board technology allows teachers to seamlessly integrate the use of multimedia, computers, and video into their educational programs.
Overall, Board President Frank Ragona said, the budget has been a big hit among residents despite the tax levy increase.
"It's been well received by parents and community members, I've been to at least 10 budget presentations with another 5 scheduled - at least 5 more before the budget vote," Ragona said. "So far the general feeling has been supportive. For 64 dollars a year we are going to educate 4,000 children without any cuts in these programs."
Clara H. Carlson School Principal Ken Rosner said that the parents and families of his school have given "nothing but positive feedback" on the budget.
After Harper completed his presentation, Rosner got the surprise of the night as he was recognized for completing his position's required three-year probationary period. Rosner was given the opportunity to stand up with his wife and children and receive accolades from Superintendent Al Harper, and a raucous auditorium filled with his teachers and students.
"I think that is a moment in time that I will never ever forget, to see all my colleagues," Rosner said. "It was very overwhelming, and from the moment I walked into this district three years ago, that's the kind of support that I've gotten."
Rosner was originally working as an assistant principal over the border in Queens, but after three years in Elmont, he believes he's found a place he can call his educational home.
"I think that everything that is done in the district is done for the benefit of the children, simply to help our kids learn," Rosner said. "It's not about what's popular. There are things here I wish I had in my own town - you don't find that everywhere."
He said his hope for the next portion of his Elmont career was to continue working towards being the best principal he could be, and dedicating himself fully to the community. "My goal is to make sure every child in this building gets the education they deserve."
Rosner wrapped up his night by thanking Harper and the rest of the Elmont Board of Education for "taking a chance on a rookie."
