By John Nugent
The Manhasset Board of Education voted to adopt the proposed budget of $99.5 million for 2019-20 on Tuesday night. Subject to taxpayer approval on May 21, the new budget calls for a tax levy increase of 2.99 percent, which is within the state tax cap.
A major objective of the new budget is to upgrade and repair district facilities and equipment, said Superintendent of Schools Vincent Butera.
Also, a new counselor will be added to the elementary schools and increased security will be implemented at the secondary school.
Butera said that he has received “much positive feedback” on the new budget. He will hold a town meeting on May 9 and focus meetings on May 10 and May 30 to discuss new policies and procedures.
The board also voted to approve the new BOCES administrative budget of $22.2 million for the 2019-20 school year.
A request to seek an exemption from the state Education Department’s requirement to operate an elementary school breakfast program was authorized by the board. The response rates at Munsey Park and Shelter Rock elementary schools far exceeded the required 33 percent minimum of parents showing a lack of interest in the program.
School board President Regina Rule added that a gift of $709.58 from Manhasset SEPTA to fund the Middle School Fridays Fitness Club has been acknowledged and accepted by the board.
The annual senior barbecue will be held at the high school in the first week in May, reported Cara Kurkjian, student delegate to the Board of Education.
