District Urges Budget Passage

From the Farmingdale School District:

The Farmingdale School District reminds residents to vote on the 2012-2013 proposed budget on Tuesday, May 15 at the Howitt Middle School Gymnasium from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Two propositions will be on this year’s ballot:

Proposition 1: the proposed 2012-2013 budget that meets the requirements of the state’s new tax levy cap.

Proposition 2: the use of capital reserve funds in order to replace windows and curtain walls, univents and controls and other energy-related projects with no additional cost to the taxpayer.

“Throughout the process of adopting this year’s proposed budget, we were faced with several financial obstacles that were beyond the District’s control,” said Paul Defendini, Assistant Superintendent for Business.  “However, we were able to stay under the tax levy limit and maintain important programs because of efficient long-term planning and, most importantly, due to the Farmingdale School District’s teachers taking a salary freeze.”

The District presented several budget workshops to the community at the District’s Board of Education meetings throughout the 2011-2012 school year.  Each workshop provided in-depth information to help ensure residents had a comprehensive understanding of the different budget components.  Residents also heard from the District how its recent AA+ credit rating will result in a $1.5 million savings over the next decade. 

Proposition 2 on the May 15 ballot asks voters to approve the use of capital reserve funds.  The District is proposing to use the capital reserve funds for facility enhancements, including the replacement of windows and curtain walls at several of its schools.  The use of these reserve funds will have no impact on the proposed 2012-2013 budget or the tax levy.

The Farmingdale School District encourages the community to become involved in the issues that affect our schools and reminds everyone that only registered voters are eligible to vote on the proposed budget.  For more information, visit the District’s website at www.farmingdaleschools.org.