by Jackie Verrico

An unprecedented hike in the District’s transportation costs forced the Farmingdale School Board to revise its previously presented budget projections for the 2005-06 school year, and to add a proposition on the ballot May 17 calling for a change in busing mileage requirements for sixth graders from one half mile to a mile. The change, if approved by voters, would impact approximately 54 students.

The original proposal called for a budget of $121,919,726; the budget that was adopted on April 20 totals $122,028,214, an increase of 6.46 percent over last year’s budget.

The $108,000 increase is due to rising student transportation costs, a problem faced by many school districts across the country. Atlantic Express, the District’s current bus company and winner of the new contract through competitive bid, informed administrators that service for the coming year would total $4,399,134, a 30 percent increase over the current contract of $3,371,320. In its original budget proposal presented to the community on March 16, the Farmingdale School Board had allocated $3,809,591 for transportation needs, a variance of $589,543. However, since the new agreement is a so-called "dry" contract, it will include the cost of fuel, an item that Farmingdale has always paid—and budgeted for—itself. With that budget line for gas unnecessary, the actual difference between what was budgeted and the cost of the new contract is reduced by $200,000, to $389,543.

In a detailed examination of the issue, Barbara Horsley, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, presented the board with several options for closing the gap. If the board refused to revise the budget, the result would eliminate many transportation choices currently available, including actual buses, routes and stops, free shuttles for district schools, elementary summer school transportation and buses for those who stay late to receive extra academic assistance.

"Most importantly, this measure would increase average bus capacity to 54 per bus from 44," said Horsley. "While not much of a problem for elementary school kids who are small or for high schoolers who don’t utilize the buses as much, it is a major concern for the middle school, where behavioral concerns are most prevalent. These buses are currently well utilized, and the addition of even more students might present problems."

Option two, raising the budget by $389,543, would reduce the need for any transportation cuts. But it was dismissed in light of the community’s desire to curtail spending. The final option called for an increase in transportation eligibility for sixth graders.

"Changing the eligibility requirement to a mile from one-half mile would save $281,000, meaning that we would need to increase the budget by $108,000 to close the gap and keep service as is," noted Horsley. The proposal, which requires voter approval, will affect 54 students, if passed.

In the end, the board voted to adopt the last measure and passed the revised budget.

"I know we’re taking a chance, but I’m willing to gamble that the proposition will pass," noted board member Russ Catanzano.

Next, the board discussed the applying the approximately $1 million in additional state aid the district is expected to receive next year to the budget, thereby reducing the tax rate. But board members said they were concerned that applying the rate might prove to be a problem down the line.

"What happens if the state says 'sorry' we're reducing your aid as it did in the past?" said School Board President Anthony Vitale.

"A conservative approach, applying (the additional) state aid at 50 percent, gives you options for the future," said John Lorentz, Assistant Superintendent for Business. "Applying 100 percent of (additional) state aid to the budget limits your options, and could create a shortfall if your projections aren’t realized."

The concern for accurate numbers is further magnified by the introduction of the video lottery, a source of revenue for school districts that officials said is not firm.

"I’m very concerned ...given the unknowns surrounding the lottery," said board member Jane Rubinstein. "Add this to the bus proposition, and it becomes a very uncomfortable situation. We’ll have to drastically reduce services if we’re wrong."

Vitale echoed said setting aside some of the increase will also enable the district to respond to any emergencies that might arise during the year. "In my heart, I agree with the 100 percent application, but there are too many variables. And I can’t do that to the students. I’m voting to apply at the 50 percent rate."

At the 50 percent rate, the district will have to raise $97,664,588 through real estate taxes, an increase of 5.92 percent. A final hearing on the budget will take place on May 10 at Howitt East Cafeteria. The budget vote is slated for May 17 at Howitt East Gymnasium. Voting hours are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.