Tuckahoe Officials Highlight Budget Focuses

Dear Community Members:

Enclosed please find information pertaining to the , which began in mid-October. The administration and the Board of Trustees focused upon their goal to develop a fiscally responsible budget that preserves the integrity of the curricular programming of the district toward educational excellence. Four priorities were identified in the development of the budget:

Financial Prudence: the 2011-12 proposed budget demonstrates fiscal constraint during this time of economic challenges through efficient use of resources.

Student Achievement: is the central focus in making the effective use of all resources to ensure a world class learning environment that continuously improves student achievement.

Quality Personnel: recruiting, training and retaining highly qualified and effective personnel and teachers are central practices to improve student achievement, while being fiscally conscious.

Data Management/Technology: the updating of the district management system is crucial in aggregating student data. Continuously improving technology resources that will allow us to enhance instruction and to receive, communicate and share pertinent information with different organizations in an effective manner is essential.

The Administration and the Board of Trustees met during six announced, public budget work sessions discussing the potential impact of the budget development and examined in detail areas where possible budget efficiencies and improved organizational effectiveness could be achieved.

On Feb. 28, a community budget forum was conducted to engage parents and members of the community. The structured budget forum provided the management team and the board the opportunity to fulfill their goal of listening to the community regarding budget priorities.

The 2011-12 proposed budget provides the following:

• Class sizes below 19 students/class, K-6
• Apply cost savings from academic intervention services (AIS) delivery modifications
• Focus on technology in all learning centers as academic and communication multipliers
• 12-month continuous learning cycle for remedial and enrichment services (summer school)
• Technology education and a culture of 21st Century enhanced skills (creativity, innovation, and problem solving) to support “learning for all”
• All administrators salaries are frozen at the 2010-11 school year

The Board of Trustees and the administration believe the proposed budget increase of 3.50 percent with the tax levy increase of 2.76 percent demonstrate fiscal prudence during this time of economic challenges. It addresses the many priorities that will enhance instruction, which students, community members and parents value. Program improvements and new technological initiatives are achieved through reallocation of resources.

You are invited to join us on Tuesday, May 10 for our at 7:30 p.m. Finally, please remember to for your school budget and future Board of Trustees member on Tuesday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Sincerely,

The Tuckahoe School Board of Trustees and Superintendent Chris Dyer