By Scott Brinton
A little over $450,000 of the reduction would be in transportation aid.
Central officials were quick to note that the cut is only preliminary. They are lobbying state Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. and Assembly David McDonough, both Republicans of Merrick, to reduce it.
Kiernan said, "We hope this won't be reality. Any kind of cut isn't favorable." Less state aid could mean higher local property taxes.
Despite the gloomy state aid outlook, Central officials are looking to a series of relatively low-cost programs that would improve Bellmore-Merrick's educational program. First, Kiernan said, the district is considering creating an alternative school for students with severe emotional disabilities. The superintendent explained that such students can cost the district upward of $100,000 a year in home-schooling expense. Placing them in a self-contained school in the district would save money on home schooling and out-of-district placements, Kiernan said.
The Central District is also looking to expand its popular Senior Experience, which provides Calhoun and Mepham seniors with real-world internships. The two high schools currently confine their programs to a select number of students. Kennedy High School is considering a Senior Experience program that would be for all students.
The Central District is planning to offer the Kaplan on Campus SAT preparation course. Kaplan would run the course, with supervision provided by Central staff. If 80 or fewer students sign up, the cost will be $599 per student. If 81 or more sign up, the cost will be $499. Students will have eight 2 1/2-hour preparation sessions and take four practice tests. The Board of Education voted 7-1 to approve the initiative.
In other news...
North Merrick civic activist Mary Ramo asked that the Board of Education consider adding a full-time orchestra teacher at either Mepham or Calhoun high school. Currently, the two high schools share an orchestra teacher. She noted that Kennedy High School has an orchestra teacher of its own.
Central Trustee Ted Tanenbaum of Bellmore raised the issue of parents applying late for transportation for their children when they attend private or parochial school. The district sets an April 1 deadline to file applications. But Tanenbaum said that a number of parents perennially apply late, making it difficult for the district to budget for out-of-district transportation. He noted that late applications accounted for nearly $150,000 of the district's 2004-05 busing budget for private and parochial schools.
District officials said they would review the policy.
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
