As an organization that advocates for children and their needs, the PTA is actively involved in the budget process. Informal and formal meetings with administrators are ongoing throughout the year as well as during budget formulation. The PTA Budget Review Committee has met with each of our five principals, our superintendent, and assistant superintendent of schools, and our Board of Education members. This committee has attended all Board of Education budget work sessions and meetings where the budget was reviewed and refined.

After careful consideration, the PTA Budget Review Committee has voted to support the 1998-1999 School Budget. We feel that this budget continues Garden City's educational philosophy while recognizing and beginning the necessary adjustments to implement the changes that New York State has mandated. It also begins to address our capital assets needs and enhances students' access to updated technology.

We are pleased the budget provides for:

*additional space and staff to meet the increased enrollment within Board of Education policy guidelines

*expansion of our students' access to technology, and the integration of curriculum and computer technology within the classroom for students in the 4th through 6th grades

*an increase of money allocated for capital improvements and repairs, so that we can begin to address this undeniable need

*a full-time nurse in each of our schools

*enhancement of our Fine Arts program with an additional music instructor/fine arts coordinator

*a response to new learning standards, testing and graduation requirements, which NYS mandated for all students by allocating funds for curriculum development and professional training

*planning for the additional space needs through the 1998-2000 school years.

The PTA Budget Review Committee finds this budget to be both educationally and financially responsible and urges all residents to vote for the School Budget on Tuesday, May 19 at the high school between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Garden City PTA Budget Review Committee