2003-2004 Budget Q&A
Q:What is the increase in the proposed budget for 2003-2004? What will this increase pay for?

A:The estimated tax rate increase in the 2003-2004 proposed school district budget is 9.91%. The proposed budget spending increase of 4.41% will pay for the following:

#1 - Elementary School Curriculum
Over the past two years, the Riverhead School District has revised the English Language Arts Program. A balanced literacy program is now in place. This program is designed to improve all students’ reading compre-hension. Included in this program is a writing component, Six Traits of Writing, which is designed to assist students with the development and assessment of writing skills. Currently the Riverhead School District is in the process of reviewing the mathematics program for students, to be revised in 2003-04. In addition, technology is available in each classroom. This technology must be maintained for instructional use.

#2 - Middle School Curriculum
Team teaching is in place at the Riverhead Middle School. Teaming allows for curriculum that is more challenging, integrated and exploratory. As the enrollment has increased at the middle school, it is necessary to add faculty members to meet the growing needs.

In addition to academic programs, there are numerous after-school clubs, intramurals, activities and extracurricular sports programs for students in grades 7 and 8.

#3 - High School Curriculum
Riverhead High School continues to offer students a complete, comprehensive and challenging academic program. In addition to the All Regents program, students may elect to participate in and be challenged by numerous college level programs including Advanced Placement courses in Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Music Theory, Art, Foreign Languages, U.S. History and European History. Courses are also offered through Syracuse University in the study of Public Affairs and Economics.

Students interested in preparing for employment may pursue vocational instruction in the culinary arts, auto mechanics, construction trades, aeronautics, cosmetology, healthcare or any of the many programs provided through the BOCES Programs.

The expansion of after-school programs in the interscholastic team program has been necessary to provide for the growth in student population at our high school. There are also many clubs, activities and intramural programs available for all students at Riverhead High School.

#4 - Insurance Premiums
It is anticipated that the losses incurred in the September 11 terrorist attacks will continue to drive up the cost of a variety of insurances in the coming year. The cost of health insurance for employees is expected to rise approximately 10 percent. Workers compensation, property, casualty and general liability insurance are all expected to increase significantly in the coming year as well. These potential costs are provided for in the budget. The District will make every effort to contain insurance increases.

#5 - Unfunded State Mandates
State regulations require that certain services be provided by school districts without monetary compensation from the State or Federal governments. These services have a significant impact on the budget. Mandated support includes: English Language Learners (ELL) – The New York State Education Department requires considerable services for all beginning ELL students. It is necessary to provide all English Language Learners in grades K-12 with this mandated ELL support. Special Education Services – Supporting students with special educational needs continues to have a substantial impact on the proposed budget. The New York State Education Department requires that all students pass the same rigorous Regents requirements. This includes students with a variety of legally defined disabilities and special educational needs, and those students who are considered to be “at risk”. Recent student performance and the increase in the number of students meeting with success on these exams is certainly a good indication that tax dollars are being spent appropriately.

#6 - Growth
Accommodating the ever-increasing student population continues to be a monumental challenge for the District. Just last year, the District completed a building project at the elementary level. This provided for the increased student population. Concurrently the District needed to provide for growth at the Pulaski Street School and Riverhead High School. Two portable classrooms were added at Pulaski Street and three portable classrooms were added at Riverhead High School. This growth has also required the addition of staff in both the instructional and non-instructional areas. Included in this year’s budget are five additional teaching positions to be utilized at the middle school and high school. Also included in the proposed budget is the custodial staffing necessary to maintain the cleanliness of each facility in the district.

Q: How will the proposed 4.41 percent budget increase impact the tax rate next year?

A: The proposed budget-to-budget increase, which accounts for expenditures, is 4.41 percent. The estimated increase in the average tax rate, which takes into account both expenditures, revenue and assessments, is approximately 9.91 percent. This tax will vary among townships dependent upon the tax equalization rate yet to be established by the Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) in Albany.

BUDGET Q&A CONTINUED - page two