Budget Vote and Trustee Election
on Tuesday
Huntington School District voters will go to the polls next Tuesday, May 20 to cast ballots on the proposed school budget for 2014/15 and a capital reserve fund proposition and to elect two members to the board of education. Voting will be held at Huntington High School from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“The collaboration during the budget development and adoption process was truly appreciated and once again demonstrates the value that the Huntington community places on education,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “I believe the result is an educationally sound and fiscally responsible 2014-15 budget that adheres to tax cap requirements and focuses on student learning. It is important that all who are eligible exercise their right to vote on May 20.”
The proposed budget totals $117,614,370, an increase of 2.53 percent over the current year’s spending plan. Much of the increase is the result of higher retirement system assessments imposed by New York State, hikes in health insurance premiums, increased transportation costs and moving the kindergarten program from half-day back to full-day.
The proposed budget on next Tuesday’s ballot provides for the continuation of a complete array of Regents, honors and Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive art, music and physical education programs, including marching band, orchestra, chorus, band, music ensembles and specialized art courses and interscholastic athletics for grades 7-12.
The SEARCH and Math Olympiad programs will continue for academically talented fifth and sixth graders. An extensive program of special education classes and services will also continue, as will academic intervention services for students needing assistance to meet New York State’s standards.
Budget allocations will provide for the purchase of 42 desktop computers, 10 laptop carts, 55 printers, 380 tablet devices and 30 SMART Boards. The budget keeps the current bus transportation program in place. The high school’s science research program is also fully funded.
The proposed budget contains monies for the high school college counseling center and extra-curricular activities at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School, Woodhull Intermediate School, J. Taylor Finley Middle School and Huntington High School, including drama club productions, student councils and student newspapers at the latter three. Intramural programs are provided for students in grades 5-8.
The budget includes $377,121 for new textbooks, $153,000 for new workbooks, $37,164 for new library books, $90,000 for computer software and $322,878 for instructional equipment, including new computers and tablet devices.
Trustees allocated $2,049,074 in reserves to help mitigate the estimated tax rate increase, which is pegged at 2.31 percent, but which could be considerably lower if tentative assessed property values stay at or near the current level.
If residents approve the budget, taxes on the average home assessed at $3,650 would increase $183.64 before STAR program savings are factored in. The tax rate would rise from $219.85 per $100 of assessed valuation to an estimated $224.92. Trustees will set the tax levy in the fall when final property assessment figures will be available. Should the total assessments be higher than budgeted, the tax rate will be lower than currently estimated.
Capital Reserve Proposition
Residents will also have an opportunity to vote on a Building Improvement Fund/Capital Reserve Fund proposition that includes $2.65 million worth of projects. The district currently has nearly $7 million available for such work. The monies can only be used for renovation and reconstruction projects as authorized by voters.
The proposed projects include $1.25 million for computer technology and network upgrades; $1.3 million for the second phase of parking lot renovations at Huntington High School and $100,000 for door replacements at Woodhull Intermediate School.
Since the funds for the proposed projects already exist in the capital reserve account, the district will not have to borrow any money, pay interest or raise taxes if the proposition passes. The district will also be eligible for state aid on a percentage of the expenditures associated with the projects.
Trustee Election
Residents will also have an opportunity to elect two members to the Board of Education for three-year terms commencing on July 1, 2014 and running through June 30, 2017.
Incumbent trustees Jennifer Hebert and Adam Spector are on the ballot unopposed for re-election.
Eligibility to Vote
To be eligible to vote in the election, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, a resident of Huntington School District for at least 30 days and be registered to vote in a general election or with the school district. For more information contact District Clerk Joanne Miranda at 673-2126 or jomiranda@hufsd.edu.
A copy of the line-by-line proposed budget is available by visiting the Huntington School District’s website at www.hufsd.edu. An eight page brochure containing information about the budget and capital propositions and profiles of the two Huntington School Board candidates has been mailed to all addresses in the district. The publication is also available on the district website.