The 2015-16 school budget got one step closer to passing after a recent school board meeting at the Jericho School District.
The Jericho School District’s Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the 2015-16 budget, at $121,185,238 with a proposed tax levy of 1.61 percent. The board faces numerous challenges this school year in the run up to the budget vote, including health insurance premiums for 2015 increasing more than 4 percent for the NYSHIP and 10 percent for HIP.
The school board aims to “remain committed to being a premier school district and continue to deliver a high quality education; commit to district mission and goals; keep a multi-year perspective on the budget; develop long-range plans for educational programs and goals; maintain and renovate facilities; continue technology replacement plans and expand technological initiatives district-wide; and continue to pursue efficiencies in all areas of the district.”
The board also voted to approve three bids on the Middle School/High School auditorium project, which will see major renovations and much-needed repairs for the facility. Renovations are on schedule and estimated completion is early fall.
And during the Superintendent’s report, Hank Grishman thanked the PTA Council for hosting Roger Tilles, chair of the committee on cultural education for the state Board of Regents, last week and thanked SEPTA for the grants that they give each year to deserving staff members. He also applauded SEPTA and Jackson PTA for holding a joint meeting this month, which was well attended, and said he looks forward to more meetings like that. Also, Grishman added that the flagship program is off to a great start in Jericho and applicants are being notified this week if they will be included in the program.
