Empowering all to learn, create, contribute and grow

1. Empowering all to learn, create, contribute and grow Proposed Budget for 2009 - 2010

2. 2008-2009 LPS District Accomplishments • In its preliminary scoring, LPS scored above 95% in all areas of NJQSAC including Governance, Fiscal Management, Personnel, Operations, and Instruction & Program. • New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group (NJSBAIG) Awards Livingston Public Schools its 2008 Safety Award. • For the fourth year in a row, LPS won the William M. Roesch Award for our commitment to, attendance in, and participation on the Diversity Council of Kean University.

3. 2008-2009 LPS District Accomplishments (Cont’d) • Middle School Sports Program: The Middle School Sports Review Committee worked with LHS and the community to revamp the middle school sports program. • Boys and Girls Track and Field • Nine Intramural sports and increased participation in as many as possible • Improved communication with community via e-mail blasts, websites, and Heritage Athletic Hotline • Meet the Coaches Night three times per year • Awards Night three times per year • Increase game/meet/match schedules • All coaches are now evaluated each season with a written evaluation • All coaches are required to be CPR/AED certified

4. 2008-2009 Staff Accomplishments • Elementary teacher, Sharon Yasner, received the Star Ledger Teacher of the Year award for most creative implementation of classroom newspapers. • Kenneth Zushma was named Executive Director of the New Jersey Technology Association. • Bill Tracy was named Essex County Star Ledger Coach of the Year. • David Richards was selected for the 2008 NJ Technology Education Association’s Middle School Excellence award. • Principal Deb Cook coordinated an after school project with The Children’s Institute in Verona for third, fourth and fifth grade students to meet with children from TCI for art, exercise, and social fun.

5. 2008-2009 Staff Accomplishments (cont’d) • Lenore Argen is an elected Trustee of the NJ Association for Gifted Children and has received a $500.00 grant which is used for the Forensics program. • Maryann Anderson, was named Essex County Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education. • H.O.P.E. was started by members of the Livingston educational community to assist Livingston individuals/families with non-traditional expenses incurred as a result of a traumatic or catastrophic event, illness or death which will not be reimbursed through other resources.

6. Student Accomplishments2008-2009 • 38 Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars • 9 National Merit Scholar Semi-finalists • More than 120 AP Scholars • NJSIAA Sectional State Champions: Lancer Varsity Football and Girls Tennis • LHS Academic Team takes 1st Place at the Northern Jersey Academic Championship • Radomir Kratchmarov and Cathy Yu were both named Intel National Science Talent Search Semi-finalists • Fourth and fifth grade students served as a sports reporters for the Star Ledger and interviewed professional football players.

7. Student Accomplishments (cont’d)2008-2009 • High Notes Festival (MPM) • Showstoppers 2008: 25 students received “Superior” rating • Advanced Strings 2008: 30 students received “Superior” rating • Jazz Band 2008: 25 students received “Superior” rating • 6th Grade GT Accomplishments • “Knowledge Master Open” team was the Division International Champions in 2008. • Students achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the New Jersey Consortium Interpretive Reading Forensics Tournament • HMS students participating in the National Science League contest and placed 1st in the State and 5th in the nation. • Continental Math League: Five students in both 7th and 8th Grade had the highest scores in the State and in the nation.

8. Student Accomplishments (cont’d)2008-2009 • In June of 2008, Livingston High School graduated 383 students. Of the graduates of the Class of 2008, all but one reported that they will be attending an institution of higher learning. • 343 LHS graduates reportedly attending a 4 year college or university • 37 LHS graduates reportedly attending a county college • 2 LHS graduates reportedly attending a trade school • There are eight designated universities in the Ivy League, including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Yale. • 1 student reported that they would be attending Brown • 4 students reported that they would be attending Columbia • 5 students reported that they would be attending Cornell • 1 student reported that they would be attending University of Pennsylvania • Other highly selective schools reportedly attended by graduates of the Class of 2008 include: Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, etc.

9. Strategic Plan • Strand 1 – Curriculum: What Students Learn • Strand 2 – Instruction: How Students Learn • Strand 3 – Professional Growth • Strand 4 – Technology • Strand 5 – Assets, Resources and Financial Support • Strand 6 – Facilities • Strand 7 – Parent/Community Partnerships • Strand 8 – Policies and Procedures

10. Strands 1 and 2 Curriculum and Instruction • Understanding By Design (UbD) template for designing curriculum, instruction and assessment • Middle School Science Curriculum • Grade 6 Earth Science • Grade 7 Life Science • Grade 8 Physical Science • Environmental Science Grade 9 • Biology College Prep • General Biology 1 and 2 • Replaced spelling program with Words Their Way: Word Study for Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling Instruction for Grades 1-5

11. Curricular Initiatives for 2009-2010 • Understanding By Design (UbD) template for designing curriculum, instruction and assessment • Art • Dance Grades 9-12 (Year 1) • Business • Global Business Honors (Year 2) • AP Economics (Year 3) • English • English Grades 9-12 (Year 1) • IRLA • Classroom Libraries Grades K-5

12. Curricular Initiatives for 2009-2010 (cont’d) • Gifted and Talented • Ancient Civilizations Cluster Grades 2-5 (Year 1) • Guidance • Elementary and Middle School Counseling (Year 1) • Math • Math Grade 8 (Year 1) • Algebra Grade 8 (Year 1) • Geometry CP1 (Year 1) • Algebra 2 CP1 (Year 1) • Media • Library Media Skills K-5 (Year 1) • Music • General Music K-5 (Year 1) • General Music Grade 6 (Year 2)

13. Curricular Initiatives for 2009-2010 (cont’d) • Science • Grades 6, 7 and 8 (Year 3) • Environmental Science Grade 9 (Year 3) • General Biology (Year 2) • Biology CP (Year 2) • Chemistry CP (Year 1) • Chemistry Honors (Year 2) • Social Studies • Grades 1-5 Scope and Sequence (Year 1) • Grade 6 (Year 1) • US History 1 (Year 1)

14. Curricular Initiatives for 2009-2010 • Student Services • PRIDE Program Grades 3 and 4 (Year 2) • Career Internship Program Grades 6-12 (Year 2) • Technology • Family Consumer Science and Technology Education (Year 2) • Technology and Design 2 (Year 1) • Robotic Systems (Year 1) • World Languages • Intro for Spanish 7-8 (Year 2) • Spanish 1 (Year 1) • Spanish 2 (Year 1) • Italian 4 Honors (Year 2)

15. New Courses for 2009-2010 • New Courses for 2009-2010 school year: • Ceramics 2 • Global Business Honors • Italian 4 Honors

16. Student Services for 2009-2010 • Transitional Autism program, implemented under a state grant, will continue next year at Mount Pleasant Elementary School. • As a result, more students are educated in Livingston where they interact with their peers • Anticipate a decrease in the number of out-of-district students • The award winning Livingston High School CIP (Career Internship Program), will be expanded to include grades 6-12 and job coaching/sampling. This will allow more students to be educated within the district. • The district’s classification rate is below the state average while testing scores are well above the state average. • The student services staff in each building will assist in developing general education interventions and strategies to educate more students within their classroom setting.

17. 2008 HSPA (LAL) – State and DFG Comparisons

18. 2008 HSPA (MATH) – State and DFG Comparisons

19. 2006-2007 SAT Results Source: NJ Report Card (2006-2007)

20. 3-Year SAT Comparison

21. Strand 3: Professional Growth • Teachers College Partnership • On-Site Summer Institute: The Writing Process • Off-Site Advanced Training at Teachers College • Teachers College Lab Site Training throughout the school year: The Writing Process(Six Elementary Schools and MPM) • New Staff Induction Program • Mentoring Program • Computer Training for New Technology Initiatives • Three District-Wide In-Service Days

22. Strand 3: Professional Growth (cont’d) • Grading and Assessment Workshops • Praxis Review Sessions in Four Content Areas • Microsoft Office Application Specialist Certification Training • Administrator/Supervisor In-Service Days • 115 staff members received CPR/AED Training • Staff Development Needs Assessment currently being developed by committee

23. Strand 4: Technology2008-2009 Accomplishments • Continued Implementing Initiatives stated in NJDOE Three-Year LPS Technology Plan • Replaced aging desktops per district technology hardware retirement policy (total for year 285) • Elementary Classrooms (2 years to complete) • Media Centers – all schools (completed) • Computer Labs (2 @ HMS; 2 @ LHS) • Middle and HS classrooms (2 years to complete) • Upgraded network infrastructure hardware • Improve safety features by replacing end-of-lifecycle routers in all schools (VOIP 911)

24. Strand 4: Technology2008-2009 Accomplishments (cont’d) • Developed and rolled out STARs system to parents/guardians: • Update contact information (phone, email, etc.) • Dismissal preferences • Publicity authorization • Deployed first phase of Genesis Parent Connect module allowing parents/guardians to view student attendance records. • Completed first phase of district wide wireless network (to be completed by 2010). • Continued with district information systems integration.

25. Replace computers as outlined in technology hardware retirement policy: Elementary classrooms HS Computer lab MPM computer labs Various other >7 year old desktops throughout district Replace critical core network infrastructure components: Year 2 of 3 year replacement plan Target non-redundant components that are end of lifecycle and out of warranty (routers, switches, servers, etc.) Strand 4: Technology Initiatives for 2009-2010

26. Strand 4: Technology Initiatives for 2009-2010 • Explore LPS Private Fiber Network • Offer Township opportunity for town/shared network • Continue wireless deployment • Year 2 of 3-year implementation plan • Continue with software development and deployment • Data warehouse, resulting in data driven decision making • Increase parent access to student information • Systems Integration

27. Strand 6: FacilitiesManaging Our Buildings • Currently operate approximately 900,000 square feet in 9 buildings. • Capital Improvements included in 2009-2010 Budget: • At Multiple Schools: asbestos tile replacement, ceiling replacement, replace time clock system with wireless system, mill and resurface parking lots and playgrounds

28. Strand 6: FacilitiesManaging Our Buildings (cont’d) • HMS: replace bleachers in main gym, install permanent partitions between three pairs of rooms, replace interior wind breaker doors near room 229 • MPMS: remove old domestic water storage tank, replace floor tile, locker replacement • BH: ADA automatic door access, extend asphalt playground • COL: ADA automatic door access, upgrade heat detectors in classrooms, resurface sidewalk across oval • HAR: doors for kindergarten wing classrooms, install rubber treads in two stairwells • HIL: cafeteria wall unit tables, refinish two gym floors, upgrade lighting in lower gym • RH: asphalt sidewalk in rear parking area and road, install fencing around balance of playground

29. Strand 7: Parent/Community Partnerships for 2009-2010 • Continue to make enhancements to the district and school websites • Continue to Grow LPS e-News; Currently 8,602 Subscribers • Partner with HCHY for mentoring and other activities • Intergenerational Prom (since 1988) • Senior citizen luncheons • Parent Academies for community • Supportive Parenting Seminars for elementary parents • Township Committees – Health, Safety, etc. • Livingston Education Foundation • Free Adult School classes for senior citizens

30. Strand 7: Parent/Community Partnerships: Array of Community Service Pursuits Students • Sandwiches for the hungry • Coats for the homeless • Toys for children in outreach centers • Cheer for families in St. Barnabas • Toys for Tots • Hoops for Hearts • Hugs from Home • Created reading and coloring books to send to a school in the Dominican Republic Staff • H.O.P.E. to assist Livingston residents in need; on January 26th gave the Township of Livingston a check for $6,200.00 to carry out H.O.P.E.’s mission.

31. Strand 7: Parent/Community PartnershipsStaff Survey (cont’d) A web based staff survey was circulated to staff in the Fall of 2008. The survey consisted of 17 structured questions and two open-ended questions. The survey resulted in a 58% response rate. “How satisfied are you with LPS as a place to work?” • 70.7% of respondents agree/are satisfied or strongly agree/are extremely satisfied. • 16.8% of respondents are neutral. • 12.5% of respondents disagree/are dissatisfied or strongly disagree/are extremely dissatisfied.

32. Strand 7: Parent/Community PartnershipsStaff Survey The two open-ended questions resulted in nearly 1,500 responses, all of which portrayed obvious similarities. • A majority of respondents acknowledge communication, curriculum and technology as areas in need of growth and improvement. • A majority of the respondents acknowledged students, colleagues, and resources as positive attributes of the Livingston School District.

33. Strategic Strand 8: Policies and Procedures • Organizational Structure Changes • Full K-12 Supervisory Structure to be implemented in 2009-2010 school year in four content areas (English, Math, Science and Social Studies) • Introduced Intervention/Enrichment position • Refined technology department structure • Code of Conduct – revised and readopted • Created and/or rewrote 16 Job Descriptions in 2008, 8 of which have gone before the BOE for approval • Rewrote and/or Revised 36 Policies in 2008 • Underwent NJQSAC audit in December 2008

34. Strand 5: Assets, Resources and Financial Support

35. Why Costs Go Up • Cost of living • Enrollment • Utilities • Out of district tuition • Wages

36. Full Day Kindergarten Nurses in Every School Assistant Principals Co-Curriculars Intervention Enrichment Literacy Coaches Reading Specialists Supervisory Structure Kindergarten & Early Arrival Aides Media Specialists Elementary Guidance Counselors Individual and Group Instrumental Music Lessons Beginning in Grade 4 Non-State Funded Initiatives Livingston Excellence

37. Changing Enrollment in the Livingston Public Schools LPS serves 5,650 students in Pre-K–12 in district, a 26% increase of about 1,210 students over 10 years

38. Containing Costs in Difficult Economic Times • Contain costs in transportation: • Livingston budget 08-09 equals $2.99 million for 5,650 students ($529 per child) • West Orange budget 08-09 equals $8. 3 million for 6,500 students ($1,277 per child) • Health insurance opt-out program saves over $1 million annually. • Health insurance cost containment measures

39. Containing Costs in Difficult Economic Times (cont’d) • Containing building budgets below CPI • 2007-2008 - Flat • 2008-2009 - 2% increase • 2009-2010 - 2% increase • Governor’s Initiative on Autism grant, we earn rental income and save on the cost of transportation. The savings equals about $100,000. • Reduction in staff due to efficiencies in scheduling, while maintaining class sizes according to guidelines.

40. Livingston Compared to Other Districts Source: 2008 State of NJ Comparative Spending Guide

41. Proposed 2009 – 2010 Budget

42. State Scrutiny of School Budgets School budgets face tremendous scrutiny from the State of New Jersey before they are finalized and put before the voters. Annual school budgets must meet the following: • Be within the tax levy cap of no more than 4%, pursuant to New Jersey Statute. • Undergo Executive County Superintendent review and approval of proposed budget and accompanying supportive materials. • Must be within the administrative cap. First draft of the budget is $253,000 under cap.

43. Considerations for Further Budget Reductions • Eliminate/or fee structure for Outdoor Education Program = savings of $110,000 • Institute a $50 middle and high school athletic participation fee = savings of $80,000 • Reduction from 11 district nurses to 10 = savings of $70,000 • Convert three 40 hour/10 month bus driver/custodians to three 30 hour/10 month bus drivers = savings of $30,000 • Limit free transportation to state mandates • Implement a fee for allocated spots for regular education preschool program

44. Where the Money Comes From

45. Where the Money Goes

46. Tax Impact • The tax impact is incomplete as we await the following information: • State aid numbers • Ratables

47. VOTE on April 21 • Registered Voters in Livingston: 18,836 • How many voted in the last 3 school elections? • 2008: 2,551 (13.54%) • 2007: 2,523 (13.24%) • 2006: 3,342 (17.75%)

48. Tentative Election Calendar • March 2 – Approval of Tentative Budget • March 18 – Candidates’ Night (sponsored by Livingston League of Women Voters) • March 23 – Public Hearing on Budget • March 31– Last Day to Register to Vote • April 14 – Deadline for Absentee Ballots by Mail • April 20 – Deadline for Absentee Ballot in Person by 3 p.m. • April 21 – School Election (polls open 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.)