Herald Community Newspapers
Though nearly 85 percent of school budgets on Long Island passed last year, Baldwin school officials were shocked when the district's 2006-07 spending plan passed by only five votes. Clearly there was discontent among homeowners about rising taxes, a sentiment that school officials have been unable to ignore.
This year the Baldwin School District is proposing a budget for 2007-08 totaling just under $106 million, a 5.97 percent increase over the current budget, and last year's skin-of-its-teeth margin has not been forgotten. Things are certainly not getting easier for homeowners in Baldwin, but we feel that the proposal is responsible and will continue to support current programs, extracurricular activities and services that have provided for a rich learning environment for Baldwin's students.
The budget includes a small amount of discretionary spending, and most of the increases are attributable to contractual obligations - teachers' salaries, for example - and state and federal mandates such as Social Security and retirement costs. The spending blueprint maintains programs and services such as Advanced Placement courses, a nationally recognized mentoring program, full-day kindergarten and Baldwin's outstanding athletic programs, which are all a source of pride in the community.
This budget deserves residents' support, and we believe it is a sound and reasonable spending plan that respects taxpayers while giving students the services they need. The Herald urges voters to approve it.
