The Plainedge Board of Education officially adopted a $45.8 million budget for the coming school year April 18. The new budget is $1.81 million more than last year's budget and is expected to increase the estimated tax rate per $100 in the district by $5.76, to $80.75, up from $74.99.

"In order for the board of education to present a responsible fiscal plan to the community, we first must reflect on our goals and look to our vision for the future," stated School Board President Maryanne Karageorges. "These aspirations were the driving force behind our budget decisions."

State aid reductions were the biggest factor affecting the budget this year. The district lost over $700,000 in state aid for the 2001-02 school year, and was forced to budget that amount this year through other sources.

"Historically, we receive annual increases in state aid revenues of between three percent and 10 percent in each of our aid categories--approximately $1.3 million dollars," explained Plainedge Schools Public Information Specialist Alice Mateos. "Instead, State Education Department figures indicate we will receive only a one percent increase this year of approximately $119,000."

Additionally, there were significant revenue losses due to shifts in certain aid formulas. Aid for Special Education and BOCES services are frozen at 1999-2000 levels. "Formerly these aids were expense driven, meaning we received aid on what we actually spent," said Mateos. "Now, regardless of increased expenses in these areas, our state aid will not increase."

Another factor that influenced this year's budget was the upward enrollment trend. Plainedge officials anticipate student enrollment to increase 2.3 percent this year, with 75 additional students expected at Plainedge High School.

Increased mandated expenses include health insurance premiums up 10 percent, and liability insurance premiums up $100,000, the result of Sept. 11 insurance company losses.

Included in this year's school budget are all existing educational programs and services. Additionally, a research course has been initiated for all ninth-graders, all eighth-graders have been accelerated in mathematics, and the number of eighth-graders taking accelerated ninth-grade Earth Science has been increased. Support for students who need assistance in meeting standards will continue to be forthcoming, according to Mateos.

To hold the line on expenses, all noncontractual expenditures were frozen from this year to last, and a restructured teacher's retirement incentive saved the district $400,000.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 14. Voter registration is May 14, from noon to 10 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. The budget vote will take place May 21 from noon to 10 p.m. in the Plainedge High School Gymnasium.

For more information call 992-7455.