By Karenlyn Barone
Lynbrook has consistently presented a comparatively modest budget. State aid, a village steeped in taxable commerce and the efforts of the school board have brought this year's budget in with a 5.5 percent increase. The total is $57,446,076 and the plan comprises administrative, program and capital-improvement components. The tax rate for homeowners is $321 per $100 of assessed valuation (see sidebar, page 4).
This year's budget includes funding for enhanced electives, such as forensic science and science fiction, and a new club for middle-school students, "Cyber Seniors." The intergenerational program will involve local seniors, who will improve their computer skills under the guidance of junior-high-school students, and the district anticipates that students will learn untold lessons from the seniors.
Lynbrook will offer a proposition on the use of capital reserves. It requests voters' permission to use money from the established Capital Reserve to fund classroom ceiling and lighting replacement in both the North and South middle schools, a gymnasium roof and electrical upgrades at West End, and asbestos abatement in the basement at North Middle School, totaling $834,013. Utilizing the Capital Reserve has no impact on the tax rate.
East Rockaway, riding high after a recently approved bond to cover much-needed repairs and enhancements to school buildings, has no capital projects in its budget. Instead, it is full of mandates and items that are not negotiable. The major areas of increase include a mandated building-condition study, instructional salary increases, teacher retirement and utilities and fuel.
"This district is in good standing in every federal and state category," said Superintendent Dr. Arnold Dodge. "I think we do an outstanding job with the money we do spend."
Dodge referred to the test scores of elementary students, which have met or exceeded state standards this year; the fact that 98 percent of district graduates attend college; and the school's seven scholar athlete teams, whose players maintain averages of at least 90.
East Rockaway's proposed total budget is $26,533,786, an 8.69 percent increase over the current year. For homeowners, that means a tax rate of $334 per $100 of assessed valuation.
Resident Dominic Monti was understanding, but disillusioned by the budget increase. "I can't keep living with these kind of increases," said the retiree. "I want quality education for kids, but not if you're going to drown me."
School Board President Mary Boccuzzi put things in perspective for many residents when she said, "The problem is the way public education is funded." She encouraged homeowners to look past the district and at the larger problem.
By the end of the meeting, members of the audience were voicing their frustration with Albany, and agreeing to contact their legislators and have their voices heard about misappropriation of state aid, mandates that come with no money attached and unfunded federal programs. "That's it!" said Monti. "I'm going after the big guys in Albany."
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
