The proposed 2014-2015 budget was designed to support and maintain a quality educational program for the children of Island Trees. In particular, the budget represents the Board’s financial plan for the pursuit of excellence and success within our schools. At the outset of the budget process, we kept the community, parents, staff, and most importantly, the children in mind. This year, the Board of Education intends to demonstrate financial leadership to the community through conservative stewardship of public funds. We have assessed every program, class, and initiative to ensure that those included in this budget are clearly adding value to the district and significantly contributing to our students’ education. Equally important, we recognize that these continue to be challenging fiscal times in our community, and therefore we present a budget proposal that maintains our shared educational mission at the lowest possible cost to our community residents. The 2014-2015 proposed budget also includes many enhancements for our school district programs and services. In closing, we are united in our belief that the community’s investment in our schools will produce greater returns for our children. Our goal has been, and will continue to be, to provide our community with an excellent K-12 program in a fiscally responsible manner. Not only are we exceeding our goal of fiscal responsibility, but we are also doing it in a way that addresses the increasing demands of an educationally sound program. In fact, this budget is $957,334 under the New York State tax cap. Remarkable indeed! Please read through these pages for a clear understanding of what this proposed budget presents, and for answers to voters’ most commonly asked questions.
The Island Trees Board of Education
Kenneth Rochon, President
Kristen Daum, Vice President
Daniel Donahue, Patricia Mahon,
Kim McDonough, Barbara Medellin,
George Storm
