"It's a somber mood in Albany," stated Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education Vice President Judi Bosworth at the board's March 27 meeting. Reporting on the New York State School Boards Association 2006 Legislative Conference that she recently attended in Albany, Ms. Bosworth added, "We are aware of how Long Island residents are impacted by high property taxes and no relief in sight."

At the conference, there was discussion about the governor's proposed budget and the Star Plus concept. For Star Plus, residents living in a school district where budget increases do not go above 4 percent, there will be a refund. "This is not feasible," Ms. Bosworth explained, with so many costs to school districts that are out of their control. Seventy-five percent of Great Neck's budget goes to instruction, and there are rising costs for fuel, transportation, as well as increased security costs post-Columbine and post-9/11. Major costs that impact the school budget are: contributions to the New York State retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; group health care costs; Social Security and Workman's Compensation contributions.

"We need to fund public education without gimmicks and the state needs to be a contributing force," Ms. Bosworth said.

Ms. Bosworth reported that Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi was at the conference and he is very concerned about property taxes. Although the school district is most fortunate to receive funding and grants through the offices of New York State Senator Michael Balboni and State Assemblyman Thomas P. DiNapoli, Ms. Bosworth emphasized that "We need to advocate with all of our legislators; we must be very pro-active."

As for education tax credits, the School Boards Association consider these "disguised school vouchers" and the association is opposed. However, education tax credits are proposed by Governor Pataki and are being considered by the state senate and the state assembly. Education tax credits Ms. Bosworth said, would result in decreased funding to school districts.

Great Neck's school board vice president went on to state that the governor also wants more charter schools. She reminded the board that charter schools do not have state mandates and are not accountable to the state. Additionally, she said "Special education is under-represented in charter schools."

According to Ms. Bosworth, Senator Balboni is sponsoring legislation that would cap the charter school number at 200, instead of the governor's call for 250. This proposed legislation would also give local school boards veto power over new charter schools. This bill also recommends hiring more experienced educators and calls for the differentiation of costs regarding elementary school students and secondary school students. It costs quite a bit more to educate the secondary school students, and Balboni's bill recommends that a school district pay a charter school less than what is paid for a secondary school student, when an elementary school student enrolls in a charter school.

"Charter schools might be appropriate in an under-achieving district, but not here," Ms. Bosworth emphasized.

"We have our work cut out for us," Ms. Bosworth said. "We need to raise the consciousness of our legislators and work with our own constituents," she added.

In an interview, after the board meeting, following a special Saturday, April 8 budget meeting, Ms. Bosworth reported that the state budget, passed by the legislature and awaiting approval by Governor Pataki, includes a new Star Plus. This Star Plus would be for all residents, regardless of school budget increases.

Ms. Bosworth emphasized that State Senator Michael Balboni and State Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli have both worked very hard on behalf of the Great Neck schools. The proposed state budget includes increases for the Great Neck School District: a $166,500 increase over last year and $183,000 for high tax aid, plus $2 million available for capital projects for which the district must apply. All of this, according to Ms. Bosworth, will go toward reducing the school district's tax levy.