On Tuesday, May 16, qualified Jericho School District residents will be eligible to vote on the proposed 2006-2007 school budget. Voting will take place in the Jericho Middle/High School gymnasium between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. In addition, two board of education seats, the sale of the former "Nike Site" and the proposed Jericho Public Library Budget will be on the ballot.

The Jericho Board of Education unanimously adopted the proposed 2006-2007 school district budget at an open meeting on March 23, 2006. The $89,505,455 budget represents a 7.4 percent increase over last year's budgeted expenditures. The budget increase will result in a 7.5 percent increase in the tax levy.

Since late fall, the district has hosted a series of community finance forums and open budget workshops to review the financial status of the school district. The Board of Education and District Administration encouraged input from members of the school community at each of these workshops. "We continue to seek business efficiencies in order to contain budget increases without impacting the core educational program that is so highly valued in our community," explained School Board President Hilari Cohen. "Our independent internal and external auditors have reassured us that our business operations are exemplary, we continue to pressure state legislators to equalize funding for our district, and we are making every attempt to encourage and support alternative funding efforts."

Estimated Expenses	2005-2006	%	2006-2007	%
Instruction	$51,921,373	62.31%	$55,745,829	62.28%
Central Services	2,840,495	3.41%	3,257,544	3.64%
Capital Building Improvements	400,000	0.48%	450,000	0.50%
Buildings and Grounds	6,283,415	7.54%	6,133,876	6.85%
Pupil Transportation	4,418,683	5.30%	4,636,617	5.18%
Community Services	119,900	0.14%	120,525	0.14%
Employee Benefits	14,727,405	17.67%	16,536,001	18.48%
Debt Service & Undistributed	2,622,875	3.15%	2,625,063	2.93%
Total Expenditures	$83,334,146	100%	$89,505,455	100%

For the past three years, the district business office has used technology to improve budget management and successfully trim school costs. The district participates in two programs that not only ensure stricter budget controls, but also result in significant savings.

The Pentamation Finance System allows authorized users to order materials and supplies on-line. Before the order is approved and processed, the program verifies that there is a budget allocation. The result is instantaneous budget management.

During this school year, cooperative purchasing through Educational Data Systems has resulted in a $226,584 savings. Educational Data Systems coordinates materials and supplies for more than 100 school districts in New York and New Jersey producing prices 64 percent below state contract. The district not only purchases general and office supplies through the cooperative bid, but also participates in bids for science, art, physical education, athletic and custodial supplies.

The school district's efforts to use email and parent notification by electronic means have reduced postage costs by more than $40,000 annually. A new telephone system and service contract have reduced related costs by $60,000 annually. Other contracts for disability, workers compensation, life and dental insurance, as well as property and liability insurance, were renegotiated to significantly reduce premiums. "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 while still being mindful of the costs to our taxpayers," said Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman. "The district is constantly in pursuit of the effective use of technology and other strategies in order to enhance the operations of our school business office. We will continue to look for ways to maximize efficiencies and lower the costs of doing business."

The Jericho School District continually evaluates current curricular offerings and instructional strategies in light of research, changes in technology, state requirements, national standards, local expectations, and the interests and needs of individual students at all levels of learning across the wide spectrum of talents and abilities. Educational program needs and priorities are then determined accordingly. In an effort to supplement social emotional learning curriculum, a program entitled "Life Lessons through Literature" is being enhanced and expanded with additional literature selections at all Jericho elementary schools. This ethics program introduces students to seven concepts of character: courage, loyalty, justice, respect, hope, honesty, and compassion. Each of the elementary computer labs will be upgraded in the coming year to improve technology-based instruction. Jackson Elementary School is piloting a multicultural outreach effort in conjunction with the PTA. The goal is to reach out to all families from the community and make them feel more comfortable about getting involved in school activities. The other elementary schools are currently exploring the implementation of similar programs. In addition, schools are partnering with PTAs to expand community blood drives for the coming year. This year, the Jericho Middle School piloted a new school report card that utilizes standards based rubrics. The new report card is designed to provide an objective measure of progress that is closely aligned with curriculum and feedback that reflects progress in integrating social and emotional learning strategies. The middle school TV studio will be expanded to accommodate the continually increasing number of interested students. A new middle school computer lab will provide additional technology-based instructional space. The three current computer labs will be updated as well. Debate classes will be expanded for the coming year to reflect student interest. Jericho High School is offering a number of new programs for the coming year including: Chinese, Marine Science, Advanced Debate, History Through Documentary Film, Sports & Culture, Teaching History Through Hollywood, American Sign Language, Advanced Sports Medicine, TV Studio Production, Pre-Calculus Research, AP Italian and Introduction to Computer Science. Classes will run based on sufficient student interest and enrollment. The four computer labs in the high school will be upgraded to adequately meet current needs. This year, girls varsity badminton was successfully added to the current 47 high school teams. The guidance department is acutely aware that the applicant pool for colleges is significantly greater than in the past. They will continue to support and assist students and parents with the application process and enhance relationships with college admissions offices to better understand the criteria necessary for successful enrollment.

Cutting-edge technology is a critical component of preparing our students for the future. Use of the district network increases dramatically each year. Technological improvements enhance communication, generate cost savings and provide students with an optimal learning environment.

The district now e-mails as much school information home as possible. Paperless communication has resulted in both faster dissemination of information and a significant savings in paper, xeroxing, envelopes and postage.

Password protected, confidential Web pages exist for each child in the district. The proposed budget includes the following technological advances: Computer Upgrade Project: 290 workstations in 10 existing labs in 5 buildings, new computer lab for the middle school, new file server for Blackboard and other infrastructure upgrades, Middle School TV Studio project and adaptive technology for students with special needs.

Supporting students with special needs continues to have a substantial impact on the budget. The district strives to provide essential academic support to all of our children, including those with a variety of disabilities. The New York State Education Department insists that these students meet the same rigorous requirements for a Regents diploma as all other students. The fact that 100 percent of the 2005 graduating class received a Regents diploma is a clear indication that our tax dollars used to support every student are being well spent.

Federal and state regulations regarding services for ELL (English Language Learners) students are incorporated into the proposed budget. The U.S. Office of Education and the New York State Education Department mandate considerable services for all beginning ELL students. All Jericho English Language Learners in grades K-12 receive comprehensive ELL support.

Complete copies of the proposed 2006-2007 Jericho School District Budget are available on the district website and in the Central Administration Office at 99 Cedar Swamp Road. Reference copies are available for inspection at all district schools and the Jericho Public Library. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at 203-3600, extension 3201, with any questions. For information or questions regarding registration, voting and absentee ballots, please call 203-3600, extension 3214.

"Callaghan & Nawrocki, LLP has been engaged by the Jericho Board of Education as the Internal Claims Auditor and the Internal Auditor since January 2005. Since inception of our engagement as internal claim auditors, we noted that overall performance of the district has been more than satisfactory in its purchasing policies and adheres to district policy and New York State Education Law. As the internal auditors for the district, our opinion based upon our work performed to date, indicates that there are no material weaknesses in the district's internal controls."

-Ernest Patrick Smith, CPA, CFE

Callaghan Nawrocki, LLP

"Pappas and Company (External Auditors) are engaged by the Jericho Board of Education to opine on the District's Financial Statements. On June 30, 2005, this opinion was unqualified. A review of the internal controls of the district also noted no matters involving the internal control over financial reporting and its operations that were considered to be material weaknesses."

-Rhonda L. Meserole, CPA

Pappas & Company

"This Office has concluded its investigation of the complaint made by (a district resident) and has determined that the evidence does not warrant a further criminal investigation or prosecution of any individual by the Nassau County District Attorney's Office. Accordingly, our file has been closed."

-Robert L. Cavallo

Assistant District Attorney

Special Investigations Bureau