Readers Write: Why to vote yes to the Manhasset budget

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Readers Write: Why to vote yes to the Manhasset budget

The Citizens Advisory Committee for FinanceĀ  is comprised of Manhasset residents who broadly represent the community. It serves as an independent liaison between the community and the Board of Education regarding the districtā€™s annual operating budget. The CACF members met with school administration on three separate occasions to review the full budget, understand assumptions, ask pointed questions and discuss potential alternatives.Ā Ā Ā Ā 

Over the past year many of us have felt the pressures of inflation in our own lives from heating and electricity costs to basic necessities such as eggs and milk to airfares.Ā  Our schools are not immune to these pressures. Ā  Health insurance rates are expected to jump 14.9% in 2023-2024, which is the highest increase in recent history. Ā  Total increases in compensation and benefits alone are $2.5 million, which consume 78% of the budget increase of $3.1 million. Ā  Other areas with significant pressure include energy, bus transportation, special education and instructional technology upgrades.

Even with inflationary pressures, the proposed budget of $107.7 million for the 2023-2024 school year results in a budget to budget increase of only 3.0%. Ā  In adopting this budget, the Board carefully weighed the needs of all 3,000-plus students, provided incentives for our teachers, administrators and staff,Ā  and maintained existing infrastructure to support a culture of excellence and growth.

The proposed budget does all this within the tax levy cap of 2.97% while not cutting existing programs and even enhancing instructional opportunities. These new or expanded programs include: i) continued emphasis on individual and small group support, ii) expansion of Science Research Program at the secondary school, iii) expansion of assistant coaches in four different sports, iv) increased arts programs v) as well as social and emotional wellness initiatives.Ā Ā 

Your vote is critical to support the districtā€™s goals and initiatives for next year. Ā  If a budget is not ultimately approved by voters, New York State Law requires the adoption of a Contingency Budget, which will reflect a 0% increase in the tax levy and therefore a $2.8 million reduction in budgeted expenses.Ā  As a cautionary tale, the 2013-2014 budget was voted down resulting in teacher and staff reductions, programming cuts and reduced funding for athletics. The effects of these cuts were felt for many years. Ā  Our children deserve the best possible education and it is our responsibility to provide them with the resources and support they need.Ā Ā 

Ā As in previous years, we note with appreciation the transparency of the budget process, the wealth of financial information made available by the administration and the administrationā€™s responsiveness to CACF inquiries as a result of which we feel that the district is now well-positioned financially for the coming year. We commend the board and administration for all of its efforts on behalf of our children and the community.

The members of the CACF unanimously support the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 school year.

Scott Carroll

Sophie Christman

Ann Lynch

Dimitri Nikas

Paul Pai

Tejas Patel

Jane Russell

Stephen Seremetis

Manhasset

 

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