HERALD ENDORSEMENT

Vote ‘yes’ on the North Shore budget

Posted

It’s an easy choice to endorse the North Shore School District’s $107.8 million budget. The district has earned its reputation as one of Nassau County’s best. Voters should support the budget and support the schools that produce outstanding graduates, year in and year out.

North Shore High School is considered among Nassau’s most rigorous — one of only a handful locally to offer the International Baccalaureate program, which is intended to offer students a view of the world beyond the walls of their high school.

Ninety-nine percent of North Shore students graduate, and three-quarters of them are accepted to the “Mostly Highly Competitive” or “Highly Competitive” colleges and universities. And 94 percent of North Shore students pass the eight Regents exams, with more than half achieving mastery level — that is, they have scored an 85 or above on the exams.

North Shore Middle School is both a state and national “School to Watch,” meaning that it serves as an example for schools across the country. And all three elementary schools are ranked among the Top 100 in New York state by niche.com. On state exams, North Shore youngsters consistently outpace their peers in other districts. On top of it all, the North Shore School District has consistently made character and citizenship education a priority through its Shared Value Outcomes.

Next year’s budget, if passed by voters, will rise by 3 percent over the current spending plan. Many line items in the adopted budget support the district’s strategic five-year plan, which aims to enhance social emotional learning, build a more contemporary teaching and learning environment, and address achievement gaps to improve equity and diversity district-wide. Further, the increase adds to the educational program and improvements in safety and security rather than administrative costs.

We believe the budget represents an investment in an already outstanding district. North Shore residents have much to be proud of in their schools, and we encourage voters to vote “yes” on May 21.