Schools

A Look at School Budgets in the Five Towns

Lawrence is proposing a flat tax levy, while Hewlett-Woodmere is seeking a 2.37 percent increase.

Tax revenues are down. State and federal aid have been slashed. Benefits and pensions have swelled. These are the every school district this fiscal year.

On May 17, Five Towners will have the chance to vote on their school district’s proposed budget for the 2011-12 school year, which will dictate how much school taxes they will pay. While the Lawrence School District is a .36 percent reduction to its budget and a flat tax levy, Hewlett-Woodmere to increase its budget by 2.37 percent — down from an initial 2.52 percent because of state aid — by raising taxes.

“None of us living in the world can deny difficult times are upon us,” said Dr. Joyce Bisso, superintendent of Hewlett-Woodmere schools. “Albany has targeted public schools. Tax burdens shifted from the county and state make it difficult for us to improve.”

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She added, “We’re pruning branches, not downing trees.”

Both school district 14 and 15 serve a similar number of students, with Hewlett projecting 3,018 students for the 2011-12 school year and Lawrence projecting 3,146. Yet, each district differs on how it will face the next school year budget. Hewlett-Woodmere is raising its budget by the smallest number in the last ten years. Lawrence — which had put millions of dollars in its general fund from the sale of Number One School — will eliminate positions and consolidate responsibilities.

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“We made these reductions in areas with the greatest cost savings,” Lawrence Assistant Superintendent Gary Schall said in February. “It was extremely difficult making midyear cuts to staff. As we look to other districts, we were way ahead of the curve.”

Hewlett-Woodmere had proposed cuts to its program for gifted students and library media at the elementary level. However, these programs will be restored or partially restored due to $307,000 from the federal government. Some of these funds will also be used for retention of lower enrolled elective courses at the high school.

“Although I'm glad to see that we had some state funding restored ... I am very disappointed by the board's continued refusal to deal with the issue of our bloated administrative spending," said Scott McInnes, a candidate for the Hewlett-Woodmere school board. "For the district's leadership to have even suggested cutting Discovery Programs or reducing the number of periods at the high school, without first addressing our notoriously high administrative spending, is just unconscionable to me.”

Hewlett-Woodmere superintendents make from $196,000 to $265,000 a year. The budgets of both the office of the superintendent and business will remain relatively flat, with only slight reductions. Lawrence’s superintendent earns $255,000 a year, while his two assistants earn about $135,00 and $166,000.

Schall will take over for retiring Lawrence superintendent Dr. John Fitzsimons in June, and Schall’s current position will be eliminated. Athletic director Pat Pizzarelli will perform his old duties while also serving as assistant superintendent of student and community affairs, Number Four School Principal Dr. Ann Pedersen will assume the role of assistant superintendent of academic affairs and director of facilities Christopher Milano will take on the job of executive director of facilities and operations. Other faculty will also perform more duties.

To Andrew Levey, a parent and former Lawrence School Board candidate, the moves by the district will ultimately strain the schools. “These are very pressing issues to us,” he said during a past meeting. “The pattern we’re following is less and less people for more jobs.” He suggested the board raise taxes by 2 percent.

Yet, officials from both districts have stressed that cuts will not impact the education of students. Ultimately, residents have the final say on whether the fiscal plans are put into place. But, as McInnes points out, due to the tough economic times, the budget in case of a defeated plan, at 1.92 percent, is not so far off from Hewlett-Woodmere’s proposal and would not have a grave impact on Lawrence’s plan.

“If the community wanted to send a message and vote it down, it wouldn’t make much sense. It puts the kids in a bad spot,” said the school board candidate. “If you want to send a message to the district, vote for the budget for the kids and vote out the incumbents.”


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