Board Presents Budget Considerations; Special Education Initiatives Are Priority

The Board of Education presented an overview of budgetary considerations for 2012-13 at its meeting on Monday, January 23. A detailed presentation on the 2012-13 budget will be offered at the Board's meeting on February 13. The Board also presented a mid-year review of the 2011-12 budget.

Among the Board's additional priorities for 2012-13 funds are curriculum and writing initiatives, staff adjustments and facility improvements. During the meeting, the Board members held an extended discussion about one of its most pressing considerations for next year: new special education initiatives and benefits.

Keeping students with disabilities in district has become a high-priority issue with the Livingston Board of Education. New autism programs will be instituted for students in kindergarten through middle school. The transitional K-1program will be held at Burnet Hill School, which houses the Pride program and has space to accommodate the new program. Superintendent of schools Dr. Brad Draeger also noted that Burnet Hill principal Lisa Capone-Steiger has special education knowledge and experience.