The fourth budget meeting of the school board shone the spotlight on the personnel and benefits budget. On top of that, two students of the month were recognized, and another was recognized for another award of sorts. The attendance was a such unusually high, with a number of teachers in the audience.

As the meeting began, Superintendent Banzer addressed the audience, asking them to write to the governor, urging them to help with the LIPA issue and remind him that most of the LIPA board members are appointed by him. Then the Social Studies student of the month was announced to be Nick Bertos. He was nominated for his outstanding grades overall, his enrollment and success in IB History, L.E.A.D , American Law, AP US Government and Politics, AP World History. In most of these classes, he was recognized by the teachers for his proactive attitude in class. He also is a part of the law club, mock trial club and model U.N. club.

The Family and consumer sciences division recognized Arianna Keating as the student of the month. She has done exceedingly well in Early Childhood Education, Family Dynamics, Literacy Lab, and Child Psychology and Development. Her strong work ethic was mentioned, as was her stopping by the preschool classrooms in her free periods. They also mention her membership in SHARE, Future Educators Association, and the NHS student government. After this Ashleigh Basel was recognized for her acceptance into the prestigious All-Eastern ensemble.

After this, the district gave a report on the progress of their strategic plan in the form of a video. It mentioned the flexible classrooms, the elementary school curriculum writers, and the responsive classroom programs. This video will be made available on the district website.

But after this, Banzer gave his presentation on the budget, discussing school attendance and predicted attendance for next year, and employee hours and wages. This budget has a 2.75% increase, within the tax limit.  With it, there is going to be an increase in the co-teaching method at the elementary schools. There is a staff reduction to increase efficiency, and one of these lost positions is the head of special education, who is retiring this year. The department is being reworked to go around this. There is also one less special educator, due to a graduation, and one less member of the support staff. There is also a structural change to the geometry lab, making for a smaller FTE.

At the high school, we are getting a dedicated greeter. There was also an increase in the security budget, to cover part-time security guards. These are necessary so the retired law enforcement the school hires as security do not exceed the allotted money they can make a year before it affects their pension.

After the board members finished looking over the budget, they moved the personnel report, and donations for field trips and such, as well as some payments. With that the meeting ended.