|
May 5, 2009 Yorktown school budget report from Superintendent Ralph Napolitano Dr. Napolitano gave a power point presentation summarizing the educational philosophy, goals, achievements and budget processes of the Yorktown Central School District. He reported that money cut from the budget earlier has been restored in anticipation of receipt of federal stimulus funds. The 2009-2010 proposed budget is $1,476,000 which is an increase of 1.67% resulting in a 2.6% tax increase. The district will eliminate 23 positions affecting 18 employees. Dr. Napolitano called this “right sizing”, i.e. reducing staff size in proportion to the decline in student enrollment. Currently the district has 3895 students. Voter registration will be 7:00 am to 9:00 pm May 14th at Yorktown High School. Budget and school board voting will be 7:00 am to 9:00 pm May 19th at Mohansic Elementary School. Lakeland School District During Courtesy of the Floor Ed Ciffone of Dunning Dr. said that he just came from a Lakeland School District budget hearing, where he was not allowed to speak because he is not a resident of that school district. He reported that the Lakeland 2009-2010 budget is $146 million which is a budget increase of 3.8% and a 2.5% tax increase. The district has $11 million in its surplus fund which Mr. Ciffone thinks is too much and means the school board was not diligent enough in cutting the budget. He pointed out that if the budget is defeated, a new budget is developed based on a specific formula and then voted on. If that budget is defeated, then a contingency budget takes effect. Mr. Ciffone told voters “not to be afraid” to vote against the budget for fear of a severe contingency budget. Mr. Bianco said that Mr. Ciffone absolutely should have been able to speak at the budget hearing. | |