Why does the school district's budget include an increase of $2 million?

I received the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District's budget brochure and am livid that our school board members had the audacity to present an increase of over $2 million from last year, especially in these trying economic times when people are struggling to put food on the table, pay for medical costs and so much more. 

I called the district to inquire of the present enrollment, which was even more shocking. The total enrollment in all grades from K to 12 is 1,394 students, which is quite a decrease from roughly 1,500 students a few years ago. How do board members justify this huge increase when enrollment has decreased? Obviously their priorities do not take into consideration the seniors still paying school taxes without having students in attendance. 

I have lived in this district for 56 years and my two daughters both attended all three schools. I am also a past member of the school board. It is the obligation of our board members to keep costs in line for all concerned, not for just the students. There are many areas to provide quality education, which includes looking for areas that require cost cutting.

It is shameful that they presented this outlandish budget of $64,414,491 for only a total of 1,394 students. Does the increased budget increase the success of the students or increase the amount of the highly paid staff?

Grace A. Searby, Oyster Bay