West Hempstead School District: Budget Facts and Context
Addressing Recent Budget Claims
Our community must have accurate information as we approach the May 20th budget vote. A flyer circulating contains several claims about our district's financial management that require clarification.
Enrollment and Budget Trends
CLAIM: Declining enrollment of over 30% in the last 15 years, yet taxes have been raised to the maximum allowed almost every year.
FACTS:
- Yes, our district has experienced enrollment changes, reflecting broader demographic trends across Long Island.
- The district had a long-term study conducted, and it indicated enrollment will remain steady or slightly increase over the next decade.
- However, fixed costs do not decrease proportionally with enrollment. Many of our expenses remain constant regardless of student population. We have experienced double-digit increases in transportation again this year.
- The tax levy increases have stayed within the state-mandated tax cap to fund essential educational services.
- The West Hempstead tax levy is once AGAIN below the Nassau County average.
- The West Hempstead budget is once AGAIN below the average for Nassau County average.
Financial Management
CLAIM: The district is "mismanaging community funds" and "running out of money."
FACTS:
- The claim that "the district took too much money and hid it from taxpayers" is false. All district finances are transparent, audited annually, and publicly reported.
- Our district has received clean audits and maintained strong bond ratings, indicating sound financial management.
- Budget information is presented at multiple public meetings and detailed documentation is available on our website.
Future Tax Planning
CLAIM: A large tax increase is coming, and the district will likely pierce the tax cap soon.
FACTS:
- This is an absolute falsehood. Neither the administration nor the Board has discussed exceeding the tax cap this year or any year prior.
- The district has consistently operated within the tax cap and intends to continue doing so.
- Our long-term financial planning is designed specifically to avoid such situations.
- The Board remains committed to fiscal responsibility while meeting educational needs.
Budget Purpose
CLAIM: A "YES" vote is "effectively a donation" for mismanagement.
FACTS:
- Funds levied through school taxes directly support student learning, programs, and the dedicated staff who teach our children.
- The budget supports:
- Transportation services
- Academic programs and curriculum
- Student support services
- Extracurricular activities and athletics
- Maintenance of safe, modern facilities
Transportation Costs
An important factor not mentioned in the circulating materials is the significant increase in transportation costs our district has faced. Like many districts across the region, transportation expenses have risen substantially due to:
- Driver shortages leading to higher wages
- Fuel cost increases
- Aging bus fleet maintenance
- Private school transportation requirements
- Special education transportation services
- A failed budget will lead to substantial changes in the way we transport students.
These transportation costs are largely mandated and outside the district's direct control.
Our Commitment
The West Hempstead School District remains committed to:
- Financial transparency
- Fiscal responsibility
- Educational excellence
- Ongoing community dialogue
We encourage all eligible voters to participate in the May 20th budget vote based on accurate, complete information about our district's finances and educational priorities.
Thank you,
Dan Rehman
Superintendent of Schools