Elwood Administration Seeks Budget Middle Ground

After weeks of hearing from the public about proposed cuts to staff and programs, Elwood Superintendent Peter Scordo presented a revised version of the 2011-2012 budget at the April 7 Board of Ed meeting totalling $53,949,930. While staff would still be reduced by 18.60 FTEs,  many of the extra-curricular programs would be restored. In return, taxpayers would see a 7.98% tax levy, rather than the 3.74% under the proposed contingency budget. In the new scenario, taxpayers whose homes are assessed at $4000 and who pay $9176 would pay an additional $751. The revised budget in PDF form is attached to this article.

One clerical and one custodial position would still be eliminated. Here’s a breakdown by school: 

• Harley Avenue Primary:  Reduction of the kindergarten program from full day to half day is still included in the administration’s numbers. Total reduction in staff:  5.8
• Boyd Intermediate: One of the two fifth grade FTEs is restored and the performing music program would be  reinstated. Total reduction in staff: 1.8
• Elwood Middle School: New figures include the restoration of 2.4 FTEs to decrease class size. Athletics and the music program would be reinstated. Total reduction in staff: 5.1
• John Glenn High School: An additional 2.1 FTEs would be restored to reduce class size. The music program, JV and varsity sports would be reinstated, as would a restructured Science Research program. There would be no elimination of co-curricular activities but the frequency of some meetings and activities would be reduced. Total reduction in staff: 3.90

High school course tallies and co-curricular advisors, as well as the Elwood Middle School Budget Worksheet and Co-Curricular Options are attached in PDF form to this article.

Full Day Kindergarten

The administrations’ revised budget still reflects a half-day program. Superintendent Peter Scordo explained that when the district went to a full day program, they were was assured that aid would be forthcoming from the state in the third year. However, Governor Andrew Cuomo froze that aid; even though Elwood would have full day students next year, the aid would only be for half day.

Trustees Dan Ciccone and Patricia Matos had suggested a new program that would provide a less costly alternative to full day kindergarten while affording educational opportunities. Children would receive a half day of Fundations and core academics, then spend the other half of the day with a teaching assistant under the supervision of a certified teacher. However, Ciccone said that the district’s legal counsel advised that the use of TAs in an instructional manner would likely result in a costly debate with the Elwood Teachers Alliance and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).

Trustee Andrew Kaplan said that he was glad to hear from Scordo that Harley Care was putting together a tuition-based program which would complement the half day program, but thought that parents hadn’t been given enough notice this year to make alternate plans. He opted for a full day program this year which would give the district more time to explore options with the union.

Matos disagreed based on finances, saying that even though she hated to lose the full day program, kindergarten is non-mandated.

Will the Public Approve 7.98%?

That was the big question which Board members pondered. President Mike Kaszubski expressed concern that voters would not pass that number, and thought it could be lowered in a variety of ways:  cutting overtime; eliminating transportation to events that happen off Long Island; funding of JV sports at the high school through donations; and charging admission to athletic events. “Put your money where your mouth is,” Kaszubski said, adding that the district needed people to step up to the plate.

Both Kaszubski and VP Joseph Fusaro commented on Elwood’s small reserves, saying that the district had always strived to be very efficient, and to avoid overtaxing. He noted Governor Cuomo’s remarks stating that 89% of districts have surplus reserves. “We’re in the 11%,” Fusaro said, adding that he would like the 7.98% number to be less too, but that he appreciated all the work that went into it.

Kaplan suggested that a 6.4% increase would be possible if the teacher's union would agree to a hard freeze. The

“It’s the $54 million dollar question,” Ciccone said. “I think the Elwood community will rise up. We’re going to advocate for opportunities for our children.”

 The final budget workshop and budget adoption will take place tonight at 7:30 at the Elwood Middle School.