BY KAREN E. BOWES
Staff Writer
KEYPORT – The rising cost of education has not eluded Keyport.
On March 28, Board of Education members proposed a $17.09 million budget for the 2007-08 school year. If it passes at the polls on April 17, the tax rate would rise 9 cents per $100 of assessed value, according to Board Secretary Jo Ann Podracky.
Fewer than 10 residents showed up for last week’s public hearing on the budget, and only one woman, inquiring about the tax rate, asked a question.
Podracky narrated a slide show, illustrating how the funds will be spent. According to a pie graph provided by the board, instruction costs make up roughly 40 percent of the budget, or about $6.75 million. Another 18 percent, or roughly $3 million, will be spent on employee health benefits. Administrative costs are estimated at $1.37 million, or about 8 percent of the total budget.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. C. Dan Blachford spoke about how students will be affected by the proposed budget.
“This budget maintains the efforts of 2006,” Blachford said, noting the district’s new emphasis on improved Writing Across the Curriculum, a program that began this year.
A five-year Everyday Math program is also currently under way, along with social studies initiatives, Blachford said. This budget will allow the continuation of these programs.
As for new ideas, the high school is need of a new career planning program within the guidance department, Blachford said. Also, the district is in desperate need of language arts books for grades K-5, he said.
Central School Principal Anthony Rapolla sang the praises of the new Everyday Math program, and added that he felt the overall budget was fiscally responsible, especially compared to surrounding towns.
“As the principal of the Central School, it was worth every penny,” Rapolla said of Everyday Math. “For the first time since I was in Keyport, our students were very comfortable with the math portion of standardized tests.”
Blachford said he, too, was impressed with the elementary students’ performance during testing periods. He noted how teachers encouraged a positive attitude by allowing children to yell out cheers and chants before beginning the tests.
“It was hysterical,” Blachford recalled.
High School Principal Miguel Hernandez also commented, saying improvements to the aging high school are coming along nicely, especially two recently renovated classrooms that students are eager to begin using. A bathroom renovation project slated for next year is also a welcome improvement, Hernandez said.
“I think it’s a positive thing,” Hernandez said of the budget.
The public will have a chance to vote on the proposed budget April 17.