The budget - Proposition 1 on the ballot - totals $110.8 million, a 4.77 percent increase over the current spending plan. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the school board and the help of local legislators in Albany, the district received $26.7 million in state aid this year and held the tax levy increase to 2.17 percent - the lowest in five years.
The proposed budget maintains all current programs and class sizes. Here's one invaluable example: Around 25 percent of students take part in the school-to-career program, which matches them with professionals in their desired career fields. Many students have been recognized regionally or nationally for their academic achievement, and fully funded budgets have been a crucial part of their support system.
The Board of Education can also take advantage of additional state aid for its capital projects through the Expanding our Children's Education and Learning program, also known as EXCEL. This is Proposition 3 on the ballot, and it, too, deserves a collective yes from voters. The Baldwin School District is eligible for $1.71 million through EXCEL, which would enable the district to refurbish floors and ceilings, upgrade bathrooms, repair masonry, buy classroom projectors, and replace fire escapes and front entrances at Shubert and Steele schools.
The EXCEL aid would also cover exterior brick work at the middle school and a new fire alarm system at the high school. This is a one-time allocation of state funds for capital improvements, and the district would be reimbursed by the state for the entire amount the following year. Voting to approve this separate proposition, which will facilitate much-needed renovations and repairs at close to no cost, is a no-brainer.
Approve library spending plan
You can't get a much better deal than this year's proposed library budget - Proposition 2 on the ballot. The $3.69 million spending plan is the same as the current year; there is no increase. But with President Kevin Kamen stepping down after 30 years on the library board, the facility needs your support now more than ever. A recent study revealed that library use increases during tough economic times. The library needs residents' support if it is to provide them with necessary services. We urge you to register your support for Prop 2.
Hannon for school board
Baldwin Board of Education incumbent Anne Hannon is running unopposed for a second term. Though Hannon technically doesn't need votes to be re-elected, it is important for voters to come out and show their support for her.
Hannon was a member of the board that prepared the budget that admirably holds the line on the tax levy increase. She has admitted that she has much to learn about the role of a school board trustee, but she has attended many workshops, and we believe she has the best interests of the students and community at heart.
Hannon is a strong supporter of the Baldwin PTAs and athletic programs, and was a key organizer of the Baldwin community fair. Make it clear that the school board is in good hands by pulling the lever for her on Tuesday.
Going forward, we encourage Hannon and her fellow trustees to listen to people outside the school community. It is the Board of Education's role to advocate for improved education and facilities, to represent the district's children and their parents. But we find that most school boards don't do a good job at a less obvious responsibility: proactively reaching out to the business community and village officials, local service organizations and civic associations. The entire community supports the children in school, and pays for the teachers, administrators and staff with their property and income taxes. Board members must get out of the school buildings, visit other worlds within the district and get to know the larger community's issues and struggles. All taxpayers, with and without children in the district, need to know that school leaders are listening.
We also urge school board members to familiarize or re-familiarize themselves with the state open meetings law. The public has a clear right to see its elected leaders' decisions being made; too many boards go into private executive sessions without revealing why, as they are required to by law. Citizens, too, should visit New York's Committee on Open Government Web site at www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/coogwww.html. We must all demand that governments at all levels, including school boards and administrations, operate with transparency, and explain - in English, not education jargon - why they do what they do.
