West Hempstead SD Brings Back Budget Cafes

The West Hempstead School District decided to open up discussions of its annual budget to the public like never before last year with the introduction of a Budget Cafe series.

These forums allowed residents from all walks of life and faculty members to brainstorm together, and express their ideas, values and concerns to one another and school officials, providing vital feedback for those preparing the 2012-13 budget.

"The effort proved very informative, helpful and successful in assisting the district’s efforts in developing the present school budget," school officials explained in a statement released to Patch this week.

Pleased with the success of the program, the school district is bringing back the Budget Cafés as they begin the long process of crafting the budget for the 2013-2014 school year.

This first of what will be a series of Budget Cafés will be held this Monday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the West Hempstead High School cafeteria. It's open to all district residents who wish to participate in the budgetary process.