Lynbrook BOE Discusses Budget, Honors Successful Students

The Lynbrook Board of Education heard presentations on the continued development of the 2015-16 proposed budget, the vision for a 2016 bond referendum and academic initiatives at their last meeting.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak announced that Marion Street School student Emilia Perri earned a perfect score in a recent WordMasters Challenge competition. She also acknowledged members of the high school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society for hosting an outstanding Cabaret Night that raised $750 each for the food pantries of St. Raymond’s Church in East Rockaway and Our Lady of Peace Church in Lynbrook.

The first budget work session was held on Feb. 4, and the presentation is available at www.lynbrookschools.org. The budget will be further discussed at a second work session scheduled for Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the high school. The district was able to present a proposed budget that maintains programs and enhances curriculum while remaining below this year’s calculated tax levy limit of 1.67 percent. It is anticipated that the Board will adopt the budget at its March 11 meeting.

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Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations and Information Technology Dr. Paul Lynch discussed two possibilities that are being explored as a possible bond proposal for 2016. One encompasses a variety of projects throughout the district at a cost of $50,100,493, while the other includes only an addition at the high school for $43,931,093. The average annual household impact of the first option would be $399, while that of the latter would be $341.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Gerard Beleckas provided an update on academic achievement and professional development. He shared the outcome of a survey conducted last year, which revealed that the majority of students feel well prepared for Regents exams. He described the Honors by Achievement program that is being proposed to offer students an opportunity to excel beyond the regular curriculum. With an expected September 2015 launch, the program will require students to complete three writing projects, a reading log and advanced curriculum with the prospect of earning honors credit. Beleckas also described professional development initiatives that have been underway in all subject areas as the district continues to strive for success.

Other announcements were made regarding general district news. The 2015-16 school year calendar was adopted, and the first day of school will be on Sept. 2, 2015. The North Middle School construction endured another slight setback due to weather conditions; more information will be announced at a later date. Thanks to careful financing, the district earned “no designation” status for the second consecutive year from the state’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, which is the most favorable outcome and indicates that the district is not under stress.

Several retirements were announced at the meeting. Valued staff members Meryl Cohen, Kathy Lapp, Ellen Shapiro and Jack Small were all thanked for the contributions they have provided to the students and schools of Lynbrook. The Board also passed a resolution that acknowledged the service provided by former Kindergarten Center teacher Michele Alberry, who sadly passed away recently.

Submitted by Lynbrook Schools

Photo: Members of Lynbrook High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society were commended at the Feb. 11 Board of Education Meeting for hosting an outstanding Cabaret Night. Students presented a $750 check to the food pantry of St. Raymond’s Church in East Rockaway.

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