(MAY 2022)—In developing the Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen proposed 2022-2023 budget, the Board of Education and District Administration worked with stakeholders to present a fiscally responsible budget that is once again below the District’s tax levy limit as established by New York State. The proposed budget maintains all District programs to support the academic, social, and emotional success of all students.

In crafting the annual budget, the Board of Education and District Administration had four main goals: 

• Support core educational values and goals and maintain a comprehensive  educational program for all students
• Support the goals of the District technology plan and infrastructure
• Provide funding for ongoing maintenance and improvement of facilities
• Ensure community understanding of the budget process, the tax levy, mandates, and the financial requirements of a high-quality educational program

“Despite the challenges of the past two years, Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen has continued to deliver a top-tier educational program while ensuring students and staff have a safe place to learn and work,” said Dr. Frank Chiachiere, Board of Education President. “Our students come first in our District where we provide a wide variety of core and special education programs, mental health supports, and clubs and trips that serve the whole child. This budget ensures that every child’s needs are met as we move forward out of the pandemic.”

The 2022-2023 proposed budget maintains all learning opportunities for students by investing in new core curriculum materials and learning tools, robust STEAM and technology programs, pre-kindergarten, early literacy initiatives, and 21st-century facilities. Some of the new components of the budget are special area SmartBoards in libraries, music, and innovation labs; 2.4 full-time equivalent (FTE) special education teachers; .2 FTE speech teachers; ParentSquare to enhance parent/guardian communications; expanded eSports teams; K-6 computer programming curriculum; and 3-6 Math-in-Focus curriculum upgrades.

Please remember to vote on the 2022-2023 proposed budget on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at your local Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen elementary school. Click here to find your polling location: https://nb.findmypollplace.com/valleystream13. To learn more about the proposed 2022-2023 school budget, please visit https://valleystream13.com/budget-information.