The Jericho Board of Education unanimously adopted the proposed 2005-2006 school district budget at a special open meeting on March 21. The $83.3 million budget represents a 7.4 percent increase over last year. Proposed expenditures were reduced by approximately $1.2 million in a serious effort to limit the budget increase.

Since the early fall, the district has hosted a series of public finance forums to review the financial status of the school district. The board of education and district administration requested input from members of the school community at each of these workshops.

"An overwhelming number of residents asked us to seriously consider ways to contain budget increases without impacting the core educational program that is so highly valued in our community," said Jericho School Board President Hilari Cohen. "In response to this feedback, the district administration developed a list of recommendations that removed approximately $1.2 million from the budget in order to limit spending for the 2005-2006 school year."

The district administration proposed limits in the allocation of funds for expenditures such as capital projects, equipment, staffing, clubs, service functions, and professional development. In addition, limits were recommended on building budgets in areas such as sports activities, field trips, student calculators, printing services and musical instrument rentals.

"We believe that it is imperative to preserve the foundation of our educational program in order for all of our children to succeed at the highest level," said Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman. "Tough fiscal times require us to make difficult choices. The board's approval of the recommended spending limits permits us to present a budget that can be supported by all voters in our school community."

For specific information about the proposed budget expenditures, please consult the district website jerichoschools.org. Complete copies of the proposed budget are available in the district business office. Please call 203-3600, ext. 3214 for more information. The budget vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 at the Jericho Middle/High School Samuel Springer Gymnasium. Please note that in an effort to better accommodate working residents, voting hours are between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.