The Elmont Union Free School District Reaching and Teaching for Excellence 2018 2019 School Year Budget
Our Schools, Our Community... 2018-2019 School Year Budget Alden Terrace Clara H. Carlson Covert Avenue Dutch Broadway Gotham Avenue Stewart Manor The Elmont Union Free School District
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS We are continuing our traditional posture of minimizing tax increases while maintaining quality educational programs. The Board of Education and the District Administration worked hard to develop a budget that utilizes all available resources to keep rising costs at a minimum. On a per pupil basis, the Elmont School District ranks 7th among the 56 school districts in Nassau County for least spending, while maintaining excellent student achievement. On a per pupil basis, Elmont is 32% below the average county tax levy.
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS The State Legislature and the Governor enacted legislation that establishes a Property Tax Cap on the amount that a school district s Tax Levy can increase each year. The Tax Levy proposed for 2018-2019 is below the Tax Cap threshold. For the 2018-2019 budget, the standard 50% voter approval is required.
THE PROPOSED BUDGET Funds all current educational needs Maintains current class size Maintains summer educational programs for over 850 children Continues to fund innovative and challenging academic programs, such as Model United Nations, STEM Lab Research, Saturday World Language and Enrichment Academies; all designed to prepare our students for future academic challenges
Essential Program Enhancements 1:1 Online Learning Grades 3-6 $ 638,319 Literacy Initiatives (New State Standards) 293,000 Replacement of Classroom Furniture 200,000 Replacement of dated School Buses 700,000 Total $ 1,831,319
PROPOSED EXPENDITURES Total Budget $ 89,479,090 Budget Area Total Change % Change in Budget Area % Change in District-wide Budget Regular Instruction Program $ 432,720 2 % 0.5 % Instructional Technology 456,815 51 % 0.5 % Special Education Program * 432,325 3 % 0.5 % Mandated Pension * 529,707 10 % 0.6 % Mandated Health Insurance * 822,556 9 % 1.0 % All other Budgets (e.g. Buildings) 395,233 1 % 0.5 % Total $ 3,069,356 3.6% 3.6 % * Federal and/or State Mandated
BUDGET IMPACT OF MANDATES IN FEDERAL AND STATE LAW Budget Change without Mandates 1.5% Budget Change from Mandates 2.1% Proposed 2018-19 Budget Increase is 3.6% Through continuing Cost Saving Initiatives, the budget change without mandates is below the CPI increase of 2.1%.
IMPACT ON TAX LEVY Tax Levy Change (including PILOTs) 3.7 State Tax Cap Formula Change 3.8% The average tax increase for home owners is under 35 cents per day!
2018-2019 Budget Invests in Elmont s Future The budget includes $700,000 to replace dated buses for student transportation. The budget includes $1,750,000 to maintain our buildings per the District s 5-Year Capital Program. The budget includes $200,000 to replace school classroom furniture.
2018-2019 Budget includes Cost Saving Measures Reduction of $78,483 in administrative budgets for instructional support costs. Ongoing savings in the building operations and maintenance budget through investment in building infrastructure. Maximizing in-district services to ensure a quality education for all students in a cost effective manner. A State Legislative Grant of $100,000 to update computer network infrastructure.
Non-Resident Investigations Conduct home/site visits for all new registrants Continue to investigate potential non-residents and encourage the community to report nonresidents In the past school year, we exited 34 nonresidents resulting in a total estimated budget savings of $757,840.
Voting Procedures and Registration To participate in the annual budget vote, you must be registered to vote. Qualified residents may go to their designated school and register any school day during school hours until May 8, 2018. Evening voter registration will be held May 8 th, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Elmont Road School ONLY. For any voter registration inquiries, please contact the office of the District Clerk at 516-326-5500 extension 42002.