Superintendent Charles Cardillo unveiled his preliminary budget for the 2014-2015 school year on Saturday, but not before engaging his audience in dance to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” which emanated from a set of SMART Board speakers.
The school board members, administrators and residents who attended the presentation in the secondary school music room did, in fact, feel happy when it was over. “I think it’s right for our community,” said Regina Rule, Board of Education president. “We’re beginning the important rebuilding process.”
Cardillo’s budget – an $87,814,385 proposal, which tops off at the 1.84 percent tax cap – calls for reinstatement of elementary music programs and reduced class sizes in various grades and content areas, as well as restoration of the Middle School Bridge Program and elementary Homework Club. Cardillo’s proposal also calls for an increase in staff members, including the eight assistant coaches who are currently not working with their varsity or junior varsity teams.
Some class sizes, however, will continue to exceed the district’s guidelines. This model also accounts for a greater number of study hall periods – 36, up from 34 in the current school year – due to already reduced elective offerings and a projected increase in the size of the study body.
“That is a thing that we’re going to have to look at in 2015-2016, 2016-2017,” Cardillo said.
Read the full story in the Manhasset Press Issue 03.14.14.
