School Budget Process Continues
By Stephanie Mariel Petrellese

The Garden City Board of Education and residents scrutinized several instructional components of the 2008/2009 budget at a work session held on Monday evening. The session focused on Pupil Personnel Services (PPS), instructional and administrative technology and athletics.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen's proposed budget is $94,637,782, which is 4.64 percent higher than last year. It is the lowest percentage increase in nine years. The projected tax levy increase (with STAR) is 5.04 percent. Dr. Feirsen emphasized that the budget is still a work in progress. The tax levy increase in particular is expected to change since the amount of state aid the district will receive has yet to be determined.

PPS includes special education as well as health, guidance, psychological and social work services, speech and hearing services, home instruction and adaptive physical education. Dr. Feirsen explained that special education is the most regulated aspect of public education and is governed by many federal and state regulations.

As of February 16, there were 528 students with disabilities: 456 in district, 24 out of district and 8 placed by a parent in a non-public school and 40 non-residents placed by a parent in a non-public school. Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that took effect in 2007, all children in the school district, regardless of their district of residence, are required to be serviced by whatever school district the private or parochial school is located in. This means Garden City is required to service a significantly larger pool of students.

Albert Chase, assistant superintendent for business and finance, explained that the proposed budget includes a 9.04 percent increase in the area of special education, mostly due to new programs, some of which are mandated. The district is currently utilizing a grant to cover the cost of its extended school day program. Since the grant money will not be available next year, Chase has deducted $152,000 out of the 2008/09 tax levy fund to cover the cost. The 9.04 percent increase also includes regular increases in teacher and teacher aide salaries, equipment, supplies and materials.

The district tries to keep costs down by first trying to adapt the general education program before a student is referred for special education services. A substantial transportation expense is saved by trying to return students who are placed in programs out of the district. Garden City also accepts students from other districts, which generates revenue from tuition.

A possible change in the way Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) evaluations are conducted will impact the 2008/09 budget but will have a more significant impact in later years, explained Dr. Feirsen. Changes being considered by legislators include requiring school districts to either do all CPSE evaluations or contract with an approved provider to do them. Parents would no longer be permitted to select evaluators. School districts will be required to pay most of the cost of the evaluations and certain administrative expenses, which are currently being covered by the county and state. In addition, a cap will be imposed on school district reimbursement.

In the area of technology, Dr. Feirsen said major initiatives include hiring one full-time technology staff developer to assist faculty in technology integration and utilization. The financial impact will be lessened since one technician position, which is currently open, will be eliminated. The developer will serve as a coach for faculty and staff and help individuals with their specific technological concerns and issues.

Monaghan said the Board recognizes that the tech department has "taken on a lot" over the past few years. This year in particular, Dr. Rita Melikian, director of educational technology and staff development, has been working to implement a new Web-based student information system known as SchoolTool, which will help the district organize and analyze student data.

"The more important part of it is using that data going forward to try to make decisions about where we want to go," Monaghan said. "We recognize that if we're spending all of this capital, we ought to be making sure that the technology is being used, not just adequately, but appropriately and hopefully at a fairly high level. In particular, we must recognize that in many instances we have kids who are more up to date with what's going on from a technology perspective than teachers. We may always lag in that area, but we can at least try to take it to a different level."

Turning to athletics, one winter track coach and one intramural fencing supervisor are proposed for the Middle School. Dr. Feirsen explained that a large number of students have shown an interest in both sports.

The Board will focus on all non-instructional, administrative and capital components of the budget at a work session scheduled for March 10th at 8:15 p.m. in the High School cafeteria. For a complete list of budget sessions, visit www.gardencity.k12.ny.us.