Marlboro Central School District held a workshop last week to discuss the current programs in their schools and the plan to use their budget to improve education.

The first topic in the workshop meeting was the Literacy Committee continuing improvements in the reading program for K-12. Based on scientific studies, their goal is to improve reading and writing skills for grades K-12 students. Their discussions included the need for new material, curriculums and programs to improve students’ reading and writing skills.

The members of the committee consists of faculty, teachers and representatives from the district who would meet to discuss the data they’ve researched on students through their assessments and programs.

During their studies, two areas that needed to be improved were phonics and phonological awareness. To increase the programs moving forward, the committee is looking to expand text books and learning kits for student growth. Also, incoming teachers and members of the district would need to be trained in the program.
The second topic was in relation to the district’s budget and their multi-year plan to improve education for the students.

Superintendent Michael Riddell presented slides in regards to the current budget and where it should be invested in the district’s plan.

The baseline budget for next semester is $63,973,392, which would be an increase from this year’s budget at $61,498,00.

The baseline budget includes the current faculty/staff positions that are federally funded, which includes three field service technicians,an additional network specialist and major cost drivers i.e transportation.

The budget proposal includes a school psychologist, academic intervention services, a business education position (MHS),a custodial position (district wide),a literacy coach (K-8), a special education teacher (MES), increasing the ENL position to 1.0 (MHS/MED) and a director of athletics and health as an administrative position.

The cafeteria school fund for this semester is about $310,919.60. If next year’s breakfast and lunch menus were given at no cost, the budget estimation would decrease to $297,000.

Any maintenance and/or repairs would have to be approved by the school board. This includes the tennis court/curtain drains at the high school, concrete repairs district wide and brick facades at the middle school. The budget would not be affected by the repair works, but it would require a public hearing to vote on the decision.

Riddell also addressed a multi-year plan to improve the school district that would include athletic programs and improving outside safety. As long as the tax levy isn’t increased, then the plan could possibly follow through.

The free meal adoption has been discussed, whether or not it should come from either the federal or district funds.

The fund balance at the beginning of the school year was $450,000, now it’s at $310,000. If the state comes through, they can move forward with the plan without raising the tax levy. The issue of the tax levy is important to the Marlboro community.

The final proposal will be decided on Thursday April 20. The budget hearing will be on May 4, and the vote will be decided on May 16.