Begley: A Challenging Budget Process In Store

As we enter the 2011 calendar year, we, like most other school districts across New York State, are in deep discussions about the status of our school budget for the 2011-2012 school year. The slow economic recovery, coupled with uncertain news from Albany regarding State aid and revenue projections, continues to challenge districts as administrators and Boards of Education strive to develop budgets that balance fiscal responsibilities while maintaining quality educational programs.

During the months of January and February, the Board of Education, Central Office team, and building level administrators will be hard at work examining every nuance of the proposed 2011-2012 budget. In addition, our Budget Advisory Committee (BAC), comprised of over 50 community residents, will also be meeting on a regular basis to review various aspects of the budget in detail. A schedule of these meetings can be found on the district’s website, as well as past minutes and future agendas.

In addition to budget planning, the months of January and February also signify the coldest months of the year and the possibility of record snowfall amounts. Should the district experience significant snowfall that requires our schools to close, we will be utilizing our Connect-Ed system to notify all families. We will also be posting the information on our website as well as using other media outlets.

Finally, please make room in your schedules to join us as we highlight our fine and performing arts groups. In January, we begin a series of winter concerts that showcase the talents of our youngest students in each of our three elementary schools. In early February, we are proud to present our high school theater group in Wantagh’s very own performance of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” This production promises to be a showstopper and we hope you can join our high school thespians as they entertain us!

Whether you have a child who attends the elementary, middle or high school, we hope to see you at one of our school activities in the New Year. We have much to be proud of in our district and we thank you for your support of our schools.

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Warm Regards,
Lydia M. Begley, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools