The Island Trees Board of Education adopted the 2001-2002 school budget of $37,299,470, a 7.93 percent increase over last year's budget, at their April 24 meeting.

Superintendent of Schools Richard Segerdahl indicated that included within the budget are extensive summer programs, all-day kindergarten, the 16 new staff members needed to meet the increasing student population and increased standards, new textbooks, and district-wide capital improvements.

The estimated school tax increase is $4.95 per 100 AV, so an average homeowner, with a house assessed at $5,000 will see a tax increase of approximately $248. According to the district, with the projected additional third year STAR reduction of $250, taxpayers will actually see a slight decrease based upon the current adjusted base proportions and assessed valuations by Nassau County.

The budget represents a $2,740,168 increase over last year's budget. The budget is broken down into two parts, $1,840,168 of 5.33 percent of the increase is needed to provide for the educational programs and $900,000 or 2.6 percent of the increase is needed for the one-time capital improvements.

The capital improvements are for renovations and expansion needed at Stokes, Sparke, Gallow and the high school. The district business office and administration will be moved to the second floor of the Gallow Elementary School. Rooms at Stokes and Sparke formerly occupied by the business office and central administration will be converted back to classrooms and an asbestos floor tile abatement program will also take place at the schools. Moving the business office will create the additional space needed at the elementary schools for all-day kindergarten. Six kindergarten classrooms will be housed at Stokes and four at Sparke. The Gallow parking lot will be expanded and an elevator will be installed. The first floor ceilings in the high school hallways will be replaced and two additional classrooms will also be created.

Board of Education President Carl Bonsignore pointed out that the members of the board of education believe that the most economical way for Island Trees to meet the district's capital needs is by long term planning and budgeting capital improvements in each year's budget proposal.

A 24-page budget newsletter has been mailed to every home in the district. Segerdahl noted that residents are encouraged to read the newsletter and attend the budget hearing on Tuesday, May 8 at 8 p.m. in the Stokes School cafeteria.