The Lynbrook School District Board of Education held its regular meeting and budget presentation in the Lynbrook High School cafeteria on May 4.
The Lynbrook High School’s all-female string quintet welcomed guests with a performance before the meeting began.
The Bern Seiderman Art Gallery presented the Senior Spotlight 2022, which highlights work from Lynbrook High School portfolio preparation students. Under the direction of art teacher Tom Sena, students developed pieces with a variety of techniques and styles, and then used their portfolios to help in their college applications process. Whether they apply to university art programs or use them as a supplement for general applications, the portfolios are an ideal way for students to showcase their talents to college admissions counselors. This year, seniors who plan to study art received an impressive number of scholarships, totaling $1.3 million offered by some of the best programs in the nation. This brings the art department’s 22-year scholarship total to just shy of $15 million.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak recognized Lynbrook High School students Jackson Caponi and Julia Redash, who were invited to attend the BOCES Skills USA competition. Julia competed in the auto collision category and Jackson won in the audio production category. Jackson’s win will take him to compete nationally in Atlanta this June. We are proud of both of these students.
Dr. Burak also highlighted Kathleen McAuley, who applied for and received a New York State grant of $200 for the science research program, and Brian Hetrick, who received the New York State Nassau Zone Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year award.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations, and Information Systems Dr. Paul Lynch began the 2022-23 budget presentation with a highlight of noteworthy items. District-wide, the budget includes additional special education/reading support and an expansion to the special education Extended School Year program, as well as the inclusion of the Sounds-Write program at the elementary level. The secondary level would include the introduction of business courses in Accounting II, flipping Health and Writing labs for ninth graders, the establishment of Italian and Spanish Conversation and Culture, Speech and Debate, Music Theory and Treble Choir.
The district is presenting a $96,881,523 budget for the 2022-23 school year, a 4.28 percent increase from the current year’s budget, and a proposed tax levy of $73,088,192, an increase of 1.62 percent compared to the current year’s budget. This meets the maximum allowable tax levy limit.
In addition to the budget, voters will see three propositions in the voting booth. Proposition two is the approval of the use of the Technology Replacement Fund Reserve. This includes an upgrade to wiring throughout the district and the One to World project. If approved, $651,736 would remain in this fund. This proposition has no effect on the tax levy.
Proposition three is the approval to use almost $4 million of Capital Reserves, including a proposed $1.1 million towards replacing the North Middle turf field, lighting, courtyard and classroom renovations, and $2.9 million towards replacing the Marion Street turf field, lighting, playground and cafeteria. If approved, $3.3 million would remain in the fund, and would have no impact on the tax levy.
Proposition four is the reauthorization of the Technology Replacement Capital Reserve. This reserve, typically reauthorized every five years, expires on June 30, 2022. Voters will be asked to reauthorize the fund for five more years until June 30, 2027, and for full capitalization of $10 million with maximum annual funding thresholds of $500,000.
The budget vote will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. To view the full budget presentation, please visit www.lynbrookschools.org/district/finance_and_budget.
Board of Education president William Belmont shared that the board is looking into improving security personnel at the schools by using a service through BOCES. Mr. Belmont wanted to bring it to the community’s attention to invite any retired law enforcement officers to participate. More information will be shared shortly.
In her Superintendent’s report, Dr. Burak highlighted the high school’s involvement in a federal school climate survey. Students will be asked to take the survey throughout the district. She also congratulated the music department for being recognized as a Best Communities in Music Education.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Dr. Gerard Beleckas discussed the Owl Success Academy, a non-traditional learning environment designed to remove barriers, boost engagement and provide necessary additional support. High school students in the program will sign learning contracts confirming their intent to be cooperative and work towards the overall goal of graduating high school. Courses will be taken through the Nassau BOCES Center for Online Learning with on-site academic and social-emotional supports.
Date Added: 5/11/2022