Farmingdale Schools Adopts 2014-15 Proposed Budget

The Farmingdale School District adopted the 2014-15 proposed school budget at the Board of Education’s special meeting held on Wednesday.  

The district notified the community of slight revisions made to the tax levy limit calculation and proposed budgeted revenue.  In addition, the district reviewed the four propositions that will appear on the May 20 ballot.  The district’s proposed budget stays within its tax levy limit of 1.74 percent, which was calculated with the formula provided by New York State. 

“It is always important to maintain an open dialogue with our community and explain the many complexities and changes that go into balancing a responsible budget,” said Paul Defendini, assistant superintendent for business.  

“Small adjustments were made to the budget as a result of the finalized state enacted budget,” he added.

The district reviewed its five-year facilities plan, which includes replacing windows and curtain walls as well as its energy performance contract. The district also explained the changes that are expected to be made to several programs for the 2014-15 school year.

To help ensure all members of the Farmingdale community are well informed about the budget, the district is scheduling more than 25 visits to a variety of community groups, including parent-teacher associations, civic associations and senior citizen groups, to provide information and answer any questions concerning the proposed budget.  

The public hearing meeting on the 2014-15 budget will take place on Tuesday, May 13 at Howitt Middle School east cafeteria at 8:00 p.m. 

The propositions that will appear on the May 20 ballot are:

• Proposition 1 – The proposed 2014-2015 budget
• Proposition 2 – Consent for use of capital reserve funds at no cost to the taxpayer
• Proposition 3 – The Farmingdale Youth Council appropriation
• Proposition 4 – Elect two members of the Board of Education for three-year terms

The District reminds residents to vote on the 2014-15 proposed budget on Tuesday, May 20 at the Howitt Middle School East gymnasium from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.farmingdaleschools.org.