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Brooklyn schools project year‑end surplus; board weighs $46,000–$126,000 classroom furniture options
Summary
Business Manager reported a small unexpended balance (about 0.89% or $210,000) and an expected Excess Cost reimbursement of roughly $233,000, raising projected year‑end balance to about $472,361 (or $275,929 including the generator project); administrators presented four classroom‑furniture quotes ranging from approximately $46,000 to $126,000.
Rebecca S. DiBenedetto, the district business manager, reviewed FY25 financial reports at the May 27 meeting and said roughly 0.89% of the budget (about $210,000) remained unexpended. She reported the district expects an Excess Cost reimbursement of approximately $233,000 the following week, about $107,000 more than previously anticipated; including that payment would increase the projected year‑end balance to approximately $472,361, or about $275,929 if the generator project is included.
Superintendent Raynor summarized a request from Brooklyn Elementary Principal Melissa Violette for new third‑ and fourth‑grade classroom furniture to support small‑group instruction. Raynor said existing pieces are damaged, outdated or not adjustable and that some student desks are oversized. Violette secured quotes from multiple vendors: Lakeshore (approximately $126,000), Worthington Direct (approximately $87,000 for full order; $77,000 for student desks only) and School Outfitters (approximately $46,000). Raynor said a sample from Worthington Direct was expected the following week.
Board members discussed instructional impact and budget timing. Mrs. Lyons said that if sufficient funds are available the purchase should proceed; Dr. Perkins‑Banas agreed, noting the furniture affects instruction directly. Raynor told trustees the administration would have a clearer budget picture by the next meeting and would return with recommended next steps; no purchase vote was taken at this meeting.
