April 22, 2009

Dear Parents and Community Members,

In an ongoing effort to improve communications with parents, I established a Parent Advisory Council, comprised of two people from each building PTA. We met for the first time on Tuesday, April 14^th, and plan to meet monthly. Our next meeting is scheduled for May 12^th. We are all enthusiastic about this new endeavor!

The parent members, listed below, want you to know that they welcome communication from you. Of course, I do as well. An email link to the committee is also available on our website.

High School

Julie Torres Carol Daponte

462-0727 462-6034

jamcato@yahoo.com cadaponte@optonline.net

Middle School

Dawn Nedin Jennifer McKee

462-8345 416-5706

Dawne3215@yahoo.com jlbmck@yahoo.com

Hagan

Jennifer Kaufman Pat Cordner

462-1807 463-2601

jmkaufman@optonline.net Patricia.cordner@marist.edu

Nassau

Thomas Keith Michele Messick

462-5524 541-3134

Thekeiths4@verizon.net mmessick@optonline.net

The 2009-2010 proposed school budget was adopted by the Board of Education at a meeting held on April 14th. The proposed budget of $36,302,539 represents an increase of 4.64% above the 2008-2009 budget, with a tax levy increase of 3.58%. The tax levy increase was reduced from the original 3.88% increase because of the additional aid we received from the State. Please watch for the budget brochure in your mail; it provides details about what is included in the budget and what savings were realized. In the meantime, the presentation that was made to the Board of Education is available on our website.

Residents are invited to attend a public hearing on the budget on Monday, May 11^th, at 7:30 at Todd Middle School. The annual meeting, budget vote, and trustee election will be held on Tuesday, May 19^th, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Spackenkill High School. Please remember to vote!

Lois Powell