Features
Beyond Budget Woes
With school budget season underway, most of us have our attention focused very close to home. We’re concerned with the local district’s budget, how much our taxes will go up (“Hey, what happened to the two-percent tax cap?”), and figuring out how we are ever going to prevent escalating employee health care and pension costs from driving us to despair, if not to a low-tax state like Alaska.
Here in Nassau County, we have some of America’s best public schools. Certainly, some of the most expensive ones. While we gripe about the costs, the mere threat of canceling lacrosse or marching band typically guarantees that the school budget passes.
You Can Do It
Most of us in these parts don’t know much about agriculture. Daffodils, arborvitae and tomatoes, sure. But to personally grow something the size of a cow? (Or to put it in a Long Island context, the size of one of those cute little Fiats?) That’s not in our suburban DNA.
But you can. In fact, you should try growing a giant pumpkin. A humongous, outrageous and nearly Godzilla-size gourd/squash that will wow everyone around you, and you will remember for the rest of your sentient existence. I’ve done it, and it is just about the most fun you can have in your backyard without disturbing the neighbors.
How To Read A School Budget
…and ask the tough questions that matter
School districts are presenting their finalized budgets, which will be put before voters on May 21. For most, the prime question is, “How much are my taxes going up?” While that is important, budget season also gives community members an opportunity to take a more detailed look at their district and its finances, including its priorities, which areas are receiving the greatest funding, and how well the district is positioned to meet the challenges of educating its students, both now and in the future. Four experts in school administration shared their insights on school budgeting and questions that community members should be asking to gauge their district’s financial health.
Diving Into History
Brookville man explores the past in an unusual way
When most people think of adopting a hobby, putting on 50 pounds of equipment and going 130 feet below sea level, probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But for Brookville resident, Adam Grohman, there’s nothing he’d rather do.
Grohman’s avocation is diving, and for nine months out of the year, he is exploring territory unseen by many. He has been diving for 12 years in waters around the west and east coast and the Caribbean, and is a certified Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Dive Master.
Big, Big Numbers
I hope George Maragos is right. He insists that Nassau County isn’t broke and isn’t hurtling toward financial Armageddon.
“The sky is not going to fall,” the county comptroller told our editors during a recent visit to Anton Community Newspapers.
But for a resident who isn’t especially spreadsheet-savvy and who might see less money in a lifetime than Nassau has as a rounding error on its annual $2.8 billon budget, it’s tough to accept that statement on face value.
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