The most recent public meeting of the Farmingdale School Board of Education drew approximately 50 community members for the continued presentation about the proposed 2011/2012-school budget.
The continued budget over-view given by Assistant Superintendent for Business Paul Defendini included: the long term goals and budget development process, a review of last year’s budget results, a review of the revenue scenario, a review of the cost element summary, the current program opportunities, a review of the proposed state budget changes, an effective contingent budget, and a review of current and proposed capital.
The district’s longterm budget objectives are to sustain programs for the students and appropriate flexibility, protect the district against invariables from state aid, and to present an acceptable tax levy to the residents of the district.
In the 2002/03 to 2005/06 school years, the tax levy increase has been 7.96 percent, with 3 of 4 first time defeats during the vote. In the 2006/07 to 2010/11 school years there were no budget defeats and the average tax levy increase was 2.30 percent. The proposal for the 2011/12 school year is a 2.96 percent tax increase. Based on past results, the district believes this is an acceptable, and passable budget to present to the residents.
In addition to the budget overview, a representative from H2M Architects & Engineering gave a presentation of a major capital project that is currently underway at Farmingdale High School, curtain walls and window replacements.
New windows throughout the building are being installed, including punched windows, single-story curtain walls, two-story curtain walls and a multi-story curtain wall. The new windows will be comprised of sliders, hoppers, and fixed units with insulated panels.
The next regular public Farmingdale Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4 at 8 p.m. in the Howitt Middle School Conference Room on Van Cott Avenue in Farmingdale. The public is invited and encouraged to attend regular school board meetings and special sessions of the board of education.
The following meetings will be held in the Howitt East Cafeteria at 50 Van Cott Avenue in Farmingdale at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. These are the remaining dates for the public meeting on the 2011-12 school budget.
Wednesday, Apr. 27: Special meeting of the Board of Education/Adoption of Nassau BOCES Administrative Budget and Election of Nassau BOCES Trustees.
Wednesday, May 4: Regular meeting of the Board of Education .
Saturday, May 7: Voter registration – Howitt East Lobby from 3 to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10: Special meeting of the Board of Education/Public Hearing 2011-12 Proposed Budget.
Thursday, May 12: Last day to register for Budget Vote and Election.
Tuesday, May 17: Budget Vote and Election in the Howitt East Gymnasium from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
