BOE BUDGET REVIEW MARCH 1, 2018

North Shore Board Reviews 2018-19 Preliminary Budget

The 2018-19 Proposal Represents a 1.89% Tax Levy Increase Which is Below the Maximum 2.24% Allowable NY State Cap Increase for the North Shore Schools

At the North Shore Board of Education meeting on March 1st, Trustees conducted a line-by-line budget review of Superintendent Dr. Peter Giarrizzo’s 2018-19 preliminary budget proposal. Specific sections reviewed included Regular Instruction, Technology, Community Services, Athletics, Special Education, Guidance, and Staffing. During the meeting, Trustees asked the Superintendent to take a second look at the Professional Development line to make sure that the projects selected for the 2018-19 school year were adequately funded.

On February 8, 2018, Dr. Giarrizzo presented the Preliminary 2018-19 proposal totaling $104,868,518.83, representing an increase of $2,755,003.97 from 2017-18 and a tax levy increase of 1.89%. The maximum allowable state tax cap for 2018-19 according to NY State law for the North Shore Schools is 2.24%. He confirmed that favorable and equitable class sizes will be maintained across the three elementary schools and all existing academic and athletic programs will remain in place. Additionally, Dr. Giarrizzo discussed that at the high school level, the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) will serve as the core curriculum in combination with a strong program in Advanced Placement (AP) to enable all students to achieve at high levels. 

Budget Goals and Drivers
The 2018-19 Budget Goals include the following:

• Remain sensitive to the fiscal pressures faced by the North Shore community
• Address all instructional program needs for our students in line with our Shared Valued Outcomes (SVOs) and future opportunities while also advancing efforts in the areas of social emotional learning and wellness
• Stay at or below the New York State tax cap
• Comply with all NY State and federal mandates
• Continue to upgrade North Shore’s technology infrastructure
• Maintain plant and facilities to provide a safe and healthy learning environment

Dr. Giarrizzo reiterated that there are many factors that influenced the development of the operating budget (most are out of the control of the school district). Salaries (56.48%) and Health Insurance Benefits (25.01%) comprise the majority (81.49%) of the budget. The primary drivers include a $1,558,831.82 contractual increase in salaries for all employees and an increase in required district contribution to NYS Teachers’ Retirement System, representing an increase of $1,118,543.30 or 10.63% of 2018-19 member payroll.

An Investment in our Students, Schools, and Shared Values
As presented over the years, the North Shore Schools has worked hard to implement the Shared Valued Outcomes (SVOs). This work has strengthened the district’s approaches to learning and refined teaching practices. As a result, student achievement has been among the highest within the region, desirable class size has been preserved, and the North Shore Schools remain structured and supported with the necessary resources for children to excel academically, socially, creatively, and athletically. The 2018-19 budget will continue to support inquiry-based learning, collaboration, communication, innovation, problem solving, and the development of strong content knowledge.

To see Dr. Giarrizzo’s complete 2018-19 initial budget presentation and comprehensive budget book/narrative, please visit www.northshoreschools.org under the Budget/Financial Information section on the homepage. Please join us at upcoming BOE meetings on the following dates in the High School Library at 7:30 p.m. (unless noted otherwise): 3/15 (Budget Review), and 3/29 (Budget Adoption). Meet the Candidates Night is Wednesday, May 2, in the HS Library at 8 PM. The BOE/Town Meeting/Budget Reading is on Thursday, May 3. The Budget/Election of Trustees is on Tuesday, 5/15, in the North Shore High School Gym from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
 
We encourage you to stay informed about the school budget for our students, schools, and our community. If you are a resident and would like to receive emails from the North Shore Schools, please subscribe at the top of the school website at www.northshoreschools.org. If you have questions, please contact nsboe@northshoreschools.org. For more budget information, please visit www.northshoreschools.org and follow Superintendent Dr. Peter Giarrizzo on Twitter @PeterGiarrizzo.

 

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