In a series of public meetings over the next few months, the Board of Education and district administration will be discussing the 2012-2013 school budget under the State's new tax levy limit law. To inform district administration as to what our community values in its public schools, two Budget Focus Group sessions were recently held. The district is grateful to the 50 community members who attended the meetings to learn about the tax levy cap and express their views.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen's Focus Group budget and tax levy cap presentation is available under "Budget Information" on the district's website: www.gardencity.k12.ny.us.

Garden City residents are encouraged to become involved in the budget process by attending the upcoming Budget Work Sessions and Regular Board of Education Meetings. All budget information and presentations are posted on the district's website: www.gardencity.k12.ny.us under "Quick Links."

Below is a listing of the budget topics being discussed at upcoming Board of Education budget meetings leading up to the Budget Vote on May 15:

Tuesday, February 7: Regular Work Session and Budget Work Session #1 - Overview of the Superintendent's Budget and Revenues

Tuesday, February 14: Regular Board Meeting and Budget Work Session #2 - All Non-Instructional areas/Administrative and Capital Components

Tuesday, February 28: Budget Work Session #3 - Instructional Components

Tuesday, March 6: Budget Work Session #4 - Instructional Components/Wrap Up

Tuesday, March 20: Regular Board Meeting - Final Adjustments and Refinements, if needed

Tuesday, April 3: Additional Budget Review and Discussion, if needed

Tuesday, April 17: Regular Board Meeting - Adoption of District Budget and BOCES Budget

Tuesday, May 8: Budget Hearing

Tuesday, May 15 - Budget Vote