Long Beach BOE Reveals Preliminary Budget Draft

Submitted by Long Beach Schools

The Long Beach Board of Education revealed he preliminary draft of the 2015-16 budget at their last meeting. Changes to the English Language Learners program was another major topic of discussion. Review the Superintendent’s Draft Budget 2015-16 Options for Consideration presentation here

Board of Education President Darlene Tangney acknowledged the high school students who participated in the recent “Shrek” musical, as well as those who contributed to the award-winning Fragments publication. She also congratulated the elementary school LARC WordMasters achievers. In addition, she noted that the Long Beach School Employees Association earned the NYSUT School-Related Professionals Local of the Year distinction.

Superintendent of Schools David Weiss announced that Tangney and Board Trustee Maureen Vrona received achievement awards at a New York State School Boards Association recognition program. He also extended heartfelt thanks and well wishes to retiring staff members Beverlee Bertinetti, Vivian Fiallo, Mildred McCarthy, Paula Starsky and Carmine Verde.

Chief Operating Officer Michael DeVito delivered a presentation on the preliminary draft of the budget. He reviewed two options, both of which include the addition of new English as a New Learner and special education staff. The budget-to-budget increase associated with the first option is 1.67 percent, while that for the second is 0.63 percent -- significantly smaller due to lower cost replacements of almost all of the announced retirements to date. The district’s allowable 2015-16 tax levy change is 3.19 percent, taking into account capital exemptions.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kenneth Graham and Director of World Languages and ESL Programs Vivian Fiallo reported on CR 154 Amendments, which will be implemented in the 2015-16 school year with the intention of improving instruction and programming for English language learners. A number of changes were outlined, specifically in the areas of program registration, parent notification, program placement, program levels, intervention support services, professional development and planning and reporting.

The full presentations on both the draft budget and the CR 154 regulations can be found on the district’s website, www.lbeach.org, by clicking the “Presentations and Letters” link beneath the School Board menu.

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