The Garden City Board of Education is not satisfied with the school district's performance and would like to see significant changes made, according to School Board President Kenneth Monaghan. As Superintendent Dr. Stephen Leitman prepares for retirement and the Board looks to hire his replacement, Monaghan said it is clear that the Board, administration and various community groups do not want to maintain the status quo.

"We are looking for significant changes," he said at a work session on Monday evening. "We are looking for significant improvement." The budget does not address all of the changes that community groups, administrators and Board members would like to see, but it does set a foundation. Beginning in September, a study of foreign language will be introduced at the elementary school level and the science research program at the high school will be expanded.

Even though the Garden City Board of Education approved the 2005-2006 budget of $81,011,068 at its April 20th meeting, the district held a public hearing at Monday's work session. State law requires that the public hearing be held after the Board adopts a budget and no later than seven days before the public budget vote. This year the vote will be on May 17 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the High School gymnasium.

The average tax increase for a home costing $748,000 will be 8.17 percent. The district will receive $111,000 in state aid. It was the first time in 20 years the state budget passed on time and school districts were notified of the exact aid amount. Enrollment will increase by 2.51 percent, which equals approximately 120 students. New hires will include six teachers, four cleaners, four bus drivers and one bus attendant.

The budget also includes $1 million for capital improvements, which is an amount the district has committed to every year to keep its buildings and grounds properly maintained. This year, the boys' and girls' locker rooms at the High School will be completely redone, including flooring and lighting. The High School field will be replaced with artificial turf over the summer so the athletics program can continue later in the fall and begin earlier in the spring. The Village's recreation department may also use the new field. Senator Kemp Hannon was able to get the district a $400,000 grant to cover half of the cost and the rest of the money was included in the budget.

This angered one resident, who questioned the district's priorities. One teacher will be hired to teach foreign language at two elementary schools, which amounts to 300 students. The woman argued that perhaps the district should consider spending more money to hire another teacher instead of replacing the turf on an athletic field.

Monaghan responded that the district wants to slowly introduce the Spanish foreign language program at the elementary school level and then gradually expand. The teacher will be able to successfully introduce a foreign language by meeting with students for 20 minutes every other day, according to Dr. Marylou McDermott, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

PTA President Maureen Cornacchia said the organization will encourage its membership to vote in favor of the budget. "We do believe the administration has put a great deal of thought and preparation into this year's budget and has given us a solid product that not only meets the needs of the school but also continues the process of taking our students to the next level in achievement," she said. "The educational program must keep pace with an ever-changing world. The status quo is not an option."

Stuart Dods, chairperson of the High School Mathematics Department, gave a presentation on the district's mathematics program. New York State has changed the program at the high school level from Math A and Math B to Integrated Algebra, Integrated Geometry and Integrated Algebra II and Trigonometry. Dods said the school district has been ahead of the curve and already focuses on conceptual understanding. The state is still deciding when to implement the changes at the high school level and has not determined if students will be required to take two or three Regents examinations. Assessment will begin for all students in grades three through eight in September. According to Dods, teachers will soon be presented with a mathematics glossary and students will receive a vocabulary list.

Dr. Leitman complimented Dods after his presentation. "I think he's a credit to the Garden City School District. Students who have him in the classroom are blessed."