Lynbrook School Board Continues Work on Budget

On March 2 at Lynbrook High School, Dr. Melissa Burak, assistant superintendent for business in the Lynbrook School District, led the second of three budget workshop on the 2011-12 district spending plan, outlining funding for the schools and various programs.

The sections were Athletics, Fine and Performing Arts, Special Education/Services, special programs such as summer school, and the basic operating components of each school building, excluding salaries, which were discussed at the last meeting on Feb. 16, as well as the facilities and communications departments.

“Instead of going through all the district budget codes, I think it’s important just to highlight the fact that all of the elementary school budgets decreased,” Burak said.

The Kindergarten Center's budget decreased by 2.75 percent; Marion Street by 4.31 percent; Waverly Park by .2 percent; and West End by .18 percent. North Middle School's budget decreased by 2.39 percent, while South Middle School saw a .08 percent reduction.

Lynbrook High School's budget, on the other hand, increased by 3.05 percent, or $8,727, from the current year, mainly to pay for new desks called tablorets.

“Every year we replace student chairs and student desks. This year one of the desks that we are replacing is a specific type of desk for the art classroom,” Burak explained. “We were able to purchase about nine of these out of this year’s money, and we’re doing that as a pilot. And so we’ve budgeted the rest for next year.”

Burak reported decreases in all other categories, the most significant being an 8.3-percent reduction, or $231,248, to facilities. Only special education costs will increase, by 9.71 percent, which translates to $414,544.

“This is an area that, from year to year it fluctuates greatly because of the nature of the needs of the students…” Burak said. “All special services are mandated costs.”

The third and final work session will be on March 23, during which the administration will summarize district expenditures and revenues.

For access to the figures and PowerPoint slides referenced, click here.