The Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education has adopted the proposed 2024–25 school budget in the amount of $281,995,500. This amount is a 3.62 percent increase over last year’s budget. The proposed tax levy increase is 3.26 percent, which is within the property tax cap limit.
The proposed budget will:
• Maintain all programs and staffing across elementary and secondary schools
• Preserve optimal class sizes across all grade levels
• Uphold funding for fine and performing arts, intramurals, co-curricular activities, extra-curricular clubs, and inter-scholastic athletics
• Continue investments in security upgrades districtwide, including added security cameras and electronic door access controls, as well as a pledge to secure retired law enforcement personnel for guard positions when possible
• Expand bilingual counseling and supports for English Language Learners
• Provide ongoing professional development for faculty and staff
“I appreciate the support of the Board of Education to bring forward a budget that stays within the tax levy cap and not only preserves, but enhances our District’s programs, services, and staffing,” said Superintendent of Schools Kenneth R. Bossert, Ed.D. “The race to excellence has no finish line, and this proposed budget will maintain our position as a leader in public education.”
Financial considerations on this year’s ballot reflect the District’s priority to plan responsibly for the short- and long-term needs of our schools through sound budgeting strategies and sustainable measures.
“Despite multiple years of very high inflation rates, we continue to budget within the property tax cap while investing in the existing and new programs, services, and social and emotional support that all of our students require to achieve their best,” says Board Vice President Grant Toch.
The first item on the ballot is the proposed 2024–25 operating budget, which was developed to maintain and build upon educational programs and support services for all students.
“The District’s budget is amongst the most important investments the community collectively makes with its tax dollars,” explains John O’Keefe, assistant superintendent for business. “We remain very mindful of that by making the most effective use of resources and developing a budget in a responsible and transparent manner that best supports students and taxpayers alike.”
Proposition 2: Capital Reserve Fund
The second proposition for voter consideration is the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund. A Capital Reserve Fund is a dedicated bank account that districts can establish with voter permission to help finance future capital expenditures. Establishing this Fund would enable the District to put aside any year-end savings for future use without having to borrow money. There is no additional expense to taxpayers if the Capital Reserve Fund is approved by the majority of the community.
Per New York State Education Law, the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund requires authorization by the majority of voters. Additionally, money can only be expended from the reserve with voter consent. Great Neck voters approved a Capital Reserve in 2015, which was used to fund $19 million in district-wide improvements over its allowable 10-year lifespan. With the current reserve expiring during the upcoming school year, the Board of Education felt it prudent to ask the community for permission to establish a new reserve.
“Upon review, I support each of the annual district operating budget and the capital reserve proposition as valuable proposals for Great Neck’s bright future: each will continue communal support of our pre-eminent school communities, inclusive of all learners, buildings, and instructional leaders,” states Board President Rebecca Sassouni.
Details about the Capital Reserve Fund and frequently asked questions can be found online at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/capitalreserve2024.
Substantial Services for Non-Public School Students
The District, in accordance with State law, allocates more than $10.1 million to provide services to private and non-public school students, including bus transportation, textbooks, health services, special education services, school library materials, and computer software loan programs.
Continued Investments in Facilities
Every year, funds are allocated for projects to maintain and improve District facilities. In addition to ongoing construction projects that were approved by the community through the 2019 Capital Projects Referendum and the 2017 Bond Proposition—including the renovation of science laboratories at North High School and North Middle School that will take place this summer—the proposed budget includes $7,653,000 to fund Capital Expenditures to protect infrastructure and improve safety.
Vote Information
The annual school budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (Note the new voting hours.) There are four polling locations for school district elections: E.M. Baker School, Lakeville School, Saddle Rock School, and South High School. Registered voters will only be permitted to cast a ballot at their assigned polling location.
Residents can check their assigned voting location using the Poll Place Finder on the District website at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/voting. This information is also available by calling the District Clerk on school days between 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at 516-441-4007.
For More Information
The 2024–25 proposed budget may be viewed on the District website at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/budget24-25. For questions regarding the budget and capital reserve proposition, call the GNPS Business Office at 516-441-4020. For questions about voting, such as registration, applications for early mail and absentee ballots, and polling locations, call the District Clerk at 516-441-4007.
—Submitted by the
Great Neck Public School District
