Schools

Lynbrook SD Presents Third Lowest Tax Levy Increase in Nassau

Tax levy increase behind only the Roosevelt and Long Beach School Districts

The Lynbrook Board of Education presented its proposed budget for the 2013-14 school year at its monthly business meeting at Lynbrook High School Wednesday evening.

During the budget hearing portion of the meeting, the board presented the proposed $76.1 million budget to be voted on May 21. The expenditure increase -- or budget-to-budget increase from last year’s budget -- is 2.3 percent.   Taxpayers’ money will account for approximately 86 percent of the budget with a 1.52 percent tax levy increase from last year.

According to Lynbrook Interim Assistant to the Superintendent Warren Meierdiercks, the 1.52 percent tax levy increase is the third lowest increase in Nassau County, behind only the Roosevelt and Long Beach School Districts.

The budget maintains all district programs and services. Included in the budget are the additions of 4.8 full-time equivalent staff members.

A large part of the increase in the budget was seen in the benefits area, which is experiencing a 10 percent increase. Teacher retirement system contributions increased 4 percent and employee retirement system contributions went up approximately 3 percent, while health insurance costs are increasing 10.5 percent.

The board warned those in attendance that maintaining such a small tax levy increase will be much harder in the future.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult,” Superintendent Dr. Melissa Burak said. “That 1.52 percent levy is a very low levy. It’s almost half of what the average in Nassau County is.”

“We planned for this tax cap, but the planning only takes you so far,” she added. “We were able to get through last year without major cuts. Next year, depending on what the final calculation of the tax cap levy is, we may have to start looking into some alternatives of what we have to cut back or make a decision if we want to pierce.”

In addition to the budget vote, Lynbrook residents will also vote on propositions for the use of $600,000 from the Technology Replacement Fund Reserve and the use of $1.3 million from the original Capital Reserve and the Renovation and Improvement of Facilities Fund. Both propositions have no effect on the tax levy if approved.


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