I write to extend thanks from the Carle Place School District for your recent approval of the 2008-2009 school budget and the additional propositions to establish reserve funds. We fully recognize the fact that we must construct a budget that the community will support by balancing educational expenses in a manner that the community judges to be fiscally responsible. The budget process is full of challenges, particularly in light of the current economy.

In determining the goals in our budget plan, we made every effort to provide a transparent process that valued community input. We are also grateful for the additional state aid, on the revenue side of our budget that helped us keep the tax levy increase at a level deemed reasonable by our community members. The Long Island Legislative representatives have, again this year, been of significant assistance in directing additional funds to Long Island school districts. Carle Place is grateful for their assistance.

To have earned your support is meaningful to the district. By your vote, you have provided the resources to advance student success in the district. Additionally, with your support of the reserve propositions, you have built our capacity to address facilities issues without having to resort to capital bonding. Our job, now, is to provide a quality education for all of our students and to do so in a manner that values trust, honesty and integrity. In addition, we will endeavor to properly maintain the school facilities and grounds in a way that values your faithful support of the school district throughout the years.

In expressing gratitude for the community support of our budget, I would be remiss if I did not recognize that a number of our residents felt that they could not support our budget. To those who chose that option, I pledge that our district will continue to seek opportunities to secure and share resources, grants and state aid that will meaningfully reduce the impact of local property taxes. We will also remain engaged in discussions with educational colleagues and state and local politicians to seek acceptable options to fund education in a manner that does not rely solely on the value of property.

The passage of our school budget is very much appreciated. Thank you for your support. I promise that we will continue to work diligently to advance student success and to provide an appropriate foundation for students to experience success in the world beyond Carle Place.

W. Michael Mahoney
Superintendent, Carle Place School District