The Manhasset Board of Education formally adopted the $96,369,935 School Budget for 2018-19 on May 3. The new budget is $2,479,187 more than this year’s budget. These figures are slightly higher than was represented at the March 10 meeting. The adopted budget is at the allowable tax levy increase and continues all existing kindergarten to 12th grade programs and services. The budget reflects organizations that are either improving or declining.
The adopted budget is a 2.64 percent increase to allow for the following enhancements:
• Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP), a comprehensive literacy program, will be adopted in select K-1 classrooms in 2018-19, with full K-1 roll out in 2019-20, and incremental roll outs thereafter in second to fifth grades.
• Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles course
• Advanced Placement Capstone Program: AP Seminar course
• Principles of Engineering course
• Applied Physics course
• Advanced courses in Drawing, Painting and Music Theory/Keyboard Harmony
• Expansion of Project Lead the Way STEM initiatives at Elementary, Middle and High Schools
• Adoption of NWEA universal screening and progress monitoring tool for K-6 Reading and Math
• Expansion of Responsive Classroom social-emotional learning approach
• Ongoing professional development for Google Classroom, kidOYO, Math in Focus and zSpace
• Ongoing transition to NYS Science Learning Standards and NYS Social Studies Framework.
• Addition of 0.4 FTE to the position of Administrator for the Fine Arts and addition of 0.6 FTE to create the full time position of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. The district’s fine arts program in recent years has been overseen by an administrator who also had split responsibility for human resources. Both positions will now be staffed by full-time administrators promoted from within the district.
• Increased CASA funding—from $35,000 to $45,000
• Extending the 1:1 Chromebook initiative to grades three and four
• Providing all students grades three-eight with a Chromebook and in grades 9-12 with access to Chromebooks in ELA and Social Studies
• $80,000 to design and pilot future-ready classroom learning environments
• 0.4 FTE Reading teacher at Munsey Park and at Shelter Rock
• 1.0 FTE Professional Developer/Assistive Technology teacher, 0.4 FTE each at Munsey Park and Shelter Rock, 0.2 FTE at the Secondary School
• 1.0 FTE Teacher Assistant to support the High School Science Research Program
• 1.0 FTE English as a New Language (ENL) teacher, Munsey Park 0.7 FTE and secondary School 0.3 FTE
• 1.0 FTE ENL Teacher Assistant/translator at the Secondary School
• 0.2 FTE teacher for an additional section of Computer Literacy at the middle achool
Total Budget to Budget staff changes:
• Net FTE increases: 3.94
• Net compensation increases: $224,493, or .004 percent
• Over the past five years, significant resources have been devoted to upgrading security protocols, equipment and software: door replacement/door hardening, security systems installation, video surveillance and video intercom systems, strobe lights, automatic access controls and lockdown systems. The enhancement of these resources is continued in this budget.
• To ensure continued best practices in safety and security, the district continues its participation in the Nassau BOCES Health and Safety Security Specialist Program, and works closely with the Nassau County Police Department.
• The budget adds a 1.0 FTE Supervisory Aide at the Secondary School gym door to provide direct monitoring of visitors and drop-offs through this entrance.
The May 15 ballot will include a proposition to establish a new 2018 Capital Reserve Fund on similar terms to the 2010 Capital Reserve Fund. The Manhasset Public School District has a 2010 Capital Reserve Fund which is near its maximum voter authorized funding. The 2018 Capital Reserve Fund will provide necessary flexibility in planning and funding future district-wide capital projects, improvements, renovations, alterations and construction with a maximum funding term of 10 years; authorize funding of up to $10 million over its 10-year term.
The school budget goes for a vote on Tuesday, May 15 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Manhasset High School’s gym. Ann Marie Curd and Carlo Prinzo are two members of the board running for reelection unopposed.
—Information provided by Manhasset School District
