The Herricks Board of Education resumed discussions of the 2023-2024 budget by taking a deeper look at projected revenues during its meeting Thursday night.
On another front, Superintendent Tony Sinanis shared his takeaways from the first steps of his interviews with focus groups, which will be used to better understand the community’s goals and priorities moving forward.
The proposed $134.7 million 2023-2024 budget includes a nearly $9.5 million increase in spending from the current budget, or a 7.5% rise. Excluding pending claims and the associated legal fees, the budget represents only a 5.3% increase, Sinanis said.
During the previous budget presentation March 9, Sinanis said he had spoken informally with superintendents and business officials in other local districts and the 5.3% increase “is very much in the average range of where districts currently sit.”
The district is projected to raise the tax levy by 1.83%, which is equal to the tax cap determined by the state and falls below the 2% allowable growth factor limit.
Budget features include hiring assistant principals for Searingtown and Center Street Elementary Schools, funding for social-emotional learning programs, special education services, English as a New Language programs, new musical and athletic equipment and additional sports, such as varsity girls’ flag football, among other things.
Additionally, the Herricks Public School District will be receiving state aid totaling $8 million more than was granted in the 2022-23 legislative budget. This is a 47% increase in state aid for the school district.
As of now, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget includes $25 million. State aid in the next school year is projected to account for 18% of total district revenue compared to 10% historically, Assistant Business Superintendent Lisa Rutkoske said.
The foundation aid formula, established in 2007, uses factors like pupil needs and regional costs to help determine how much state aid a school district should receive.
Foundation aid represents over 70% of total aid for the upcoming year, according to the district.
Sinanis said he interviewed different focus groups in the district for his entry plan.
Specifically, the superintendent spoke with each Board of Education trustee and different groups of parents, faculty, staff, coaches and students across each school in the district.
Sinais said he concentrated on finding the strongest recurring themes among staff, students and families.
Highlights from staff include pride in working in Herricks and an affinity for working in the district, collaboration from the staff and dedication to providing strong academic programs.
Students said they feel comfortable, safe and seen in the school community, Sinanis said. Additionally, students think they have a voice and an abundance of resources to support their learning.
Themes from families include a strong sense of community and belonging in Herricks, strong support from the PTA and a robust elective program.
“It’s been exciting being able to speak with the different groups and having conversations on the district,” Sinanis said.
The next steps for Herricks will be to enhance and focus on communication, develop systems and structures and continue finding ways to amplify student and staff voices, Sinanis said, speaking about the common feedback when asked what can be improved upon.
Sinanis said he will be identifying specific priorities in the next three to five years to build on the Portrait of a Graduate and draw up a shared community vision, develop a Herricks Compact as a hub for said priorities and deepen community partnerships to ensure learning spaces are inclusive and culturally responsive.