Centereach Civic Association^{www.centereachcivic.org}

Current Projects  

SCHOOL BUDGET PRESENTATION

For the full power point presentation go to www.middlecountry.k12.ny.us. However, it really doesn’t say much. Yes, the total proposed budget number is $193,603,052.00. Last year’s approved budget was $186,250,893 showing an expenditure increase of 3.95% or $7,352,159.00. The estimated tax increase is 4.89%.

As usual we are informed that we do not spend as much as some other schools and how we compare in the ration of administrators to students. Increased costs for fuel and utilities and the unfunded mandates are stated as a constant challenge.

There are two bond referendums – one for moving a boiler out of BPS’ basement which seems necessary. The other is for switching over to clean energy buses, upgrade garage and install fueling station. Both slides for bonds make mention of grants and aid that would provide much of the funding.

Additional benefits to budget seem minimal – minor additions in staff, increase in building co-curricular activities, student supplies (further explained as the paper towels, tissues that we have asked to provide in the past), furniture and approximately 400 students k-2 will have a chance at a summer program.

The biggest benefit seems to be the purchase of 40 smart boards for district wide use and the continuation of the computer replacement plan.

It does mention that we invest some debt service money into interest bearing accounts where the interest earned can be used to offset the tax levy.

Happily, we do not have to be confused by the “contingency plan will cost more and we get less” issue – or maybe we do – and it appears that full day Kindergarten is safe.

What seems to be missing is results. No matter how much is spent, it is spent as a means to an end. We need to see the results to truly know if it is worth spending more and more money. And when we compare ourselves to other schools we never seem to be comparing “apples to apples”. If Port Jefferson, in 05-06, spent $23,718.00 per student and we spent $14,174, so what? We then compare our admin to student ratio but not with the Port Jefferson District (Port Jefferson is just for sake of example). Maybe they have many more administrators per student, maybe not. Maybe they have some excellent programs that we do not. My point being, is the information we are focused on really the information we need? I cannot go without saying that one of the first slides states the large amount of money we almost lost but didn’t.

Anyhow, hopefully this creates some thought provoking statements here and we look forward to the discussion at the April 17th meeting.

Centereach Spring Cleaning 2008
Always looking for more volunteers…….

This year we intend to start a routine clean up program. Brookhaven's official Spring Clean up week is April 5 - 12.  Set dates, times and places to meet, during the scheduled clean up week & be sure to fill out the volunteer form on Brookhaven's website [Click Here]. If different volunteers come down at times that are convenient to them then little by little we can clean up MCR. Great for boy and girl scouts, high school community service credit and just regular individuals who want to make a difference. We are also looking for someone to help execute our contracts for grant monies. Not difficult, doesn’t even take that much time, just paperwork to submit and follow through the process. If interested in either, or volunteering in general, please contact us by clicking here.