Garden City Public Schools’ 'Question of the Week'

In alignment with the Board of Education’s goal to enhance communications with the community, Garden City Public Schools continues its “Question of the Week” feature to provide information and address concerns of village residents.

The initial questions will be devoted to examining aspects of the new tax levy cap that have been posed to the board and administration over the past several weeks. A complete listing of questions and answers to date is posted on the district’s website, www.gardencity.k12.ny.us.

Below is this week’s question and answer:
          
Question of the Week: How can I participate in the school district’s 2012-2013 budget formulation process?

Communication is key to understanding what our community values as the Board of Education and district administration work to formulate the 2012-2013 school district budget. Residents are encouraged to become involved in the budget process by attending public meetings and reviewing printed media releases and budget materials available on the district website. Learning what residents value in our public schools is key to the budget process.

The new tax levy cap legislation raises many questions. To provide some answers, minimize misconceptions and provide a forum for community input, the district is offering two budget focus group sessions: Thursday, Jan. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. in Stratford’s cafeteria and Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the high school library. Please consider becoming involved in the decision-making process by attending one of these sessions.

Due to space limitations, RSVPs are required. Kindly email your name, address and phone number to Cynthia Morris, morrisc@gcufsd.net, call 478-1010 or send a note to Ms. Morris’ attention: Administration Building, 56 Cathedral Avenue.

A great deal of budget information will be provided at the upcoming Board of Education budget regular session. All meetings are open to the public, begin at 8:15 p.m. and are held at Garden City High School. Each regular board meeting provides two public participation times: one for Agenda items and a second for any additional questions or comments. Public participation guidelines are posted on the district website under the “Board of Education” heading.
Please consider attending the following:

Board of Education Budget Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, Feb. 7 - Overview of Superintendent’s Budget and Revenues
Tuesday, Feb. 14 - All Non-Instructional Areas/Administrative and Capital Components
Tuesday, Feb. 28 - Instructional Components
Tuesday, March 6 - Instructional Components/Wrap Up
Tuesday, March 20 - Final Adjustments and Refinements (if needed)
Tuesday, April 3 - Additional Budget Review and Discussion (if needed)
Tuesday, April 17 - Adoption of District Budget and BOCES Budget
Tuesday, May 8 - Budget Hearing and Regular Work Session
Tuesday, May 15 - Budget Vote

If you are unable to attend one or more Board of Education meetings, budget presentations, board agendas and minutes of meetings are posted on the district website, www.gardencity.k12.ny.us, under “Board of Education.”