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Superintendent's Message
Michael J. Romagnino
While constructing the 2008-2009 School Budget, the Board of Education members, our Business Administrator and I had two guiding convictions; 1) ensure that Cliffside Park’s children would continue to have access to the best opportunities and 2) consider the taxpayer’s burden at every turn. As a result, we are proud to say that, even with anticipated decreases in state aid, no existing programs or personnel will have to be sacrificed in this upcoming school year. Our children will continue to have access to an exceptional education to prepare them for the global economy of tomorrow. Your school leaders have been proactively seeking alternative means of keeping the 2009 budget increase within the state-mandated 4% cap. As a result of these efforts, we are in the process of planning exciting new initiatives that will save taxpayers money, but still meet student needs. For example, I have been collaborating with the administrators of the Fairview Public School District to implement a shared summer school program beginning in 2008. Meanwhile, the 2009 budget reflects the addition of a new primary grade class for children with autism. Rather than sending children with autism out of district to be educated, this class will allow more students access to a quality program in their home district. This initiative will contribute to a decrease in out-of-district tuition and transportation costs in the near future. Despite the overwhelming fiscal challenges that we are all facing, your board of education will still be responsive to your feedback. On a weekly basis, we are continuing our efforts to upgrade the school cafeteria menus and offerings as requested in recent parent meetings. These efforts include the practical requests that affect the comfort of students, such as adding pizza one day per week, and additional healthy salad bar choices. We are also tackling efficiency and accountability issues through the planned computerization of all school cafeterias. At the same time, your school district continues to aggressively pursue state, federal and foundation grants to ease the financial burden of educational innovation. Our extremely successful 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant is scheduled to end in June of 2008. This has been the funding source for after school and summer programs for the past five years. While, we are in the process of reapplying and hope to win a new round of grant funds, all of us are aware that budgets are stretched for individuals and for our government. Therefore, we are creating a contingency plan to utilize local funds to offer a limited homework club program in all elementary schools next year. Remember, a school district with exceptional schools can only elevate both property values and the quality of life for all citizens. Your continued support is appreciated. I am deeply committed to exploring all resources to not only maintain, but to exceed the high caliber of programs we are currently proud to offer.
Michael Romagnino Superintendent
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