East Meadow school budget preserves programs

The East Meadow Board of Education unanimously adopted its $184 million proposed budget on April 29, an increase in spending of $3.57 million, or 1.97 percent, over the current year.

The budget stays below the 2 percent tax-levy-increase cap signed into law by Governor Cuomo last June while preserving all of the district’s academic programs, sports, music and extracurricular activities as well as staff levels. It also maintains funding for capital projects.

According to Superintendent Louis DeAngelo, the maximum allowable tax levy may have been higher than 2 percent, but the board and administration decided it was imperative to maintain it at or below the benchmark next year. The budget’s tax levy is $127 million.

“We recognize the need to limit our tax levy increase to 2 percent given the tight economic times we are in,” DeAngelo said. “We want to be mindful of the taxpayers, and at the same time preserve programs for our students.” The district will be able to maintain current instructional programs as well as class sizes, avoid staff reductions, continue to implement the use of Smart Board technology, and preserve music programs and interscholastic and varsity athletic programs.

The district expects to receive $26.09 million in state aid, an increase of more than $155,000 over the current school year.

If the budget is voted down by residents, the district could either offer it again in a second vote, make changes and put the modified spending plan to a vote or adopt a contingency budget, which would require cutting approximately $2.5 million. Such cuts would seriously impact programs and services, according to the school board. Instructional programs, class sizes, music and fine art, interscholastic athletics and club and field trips are just some items that would be in jeopardy. If the budget were rejected twice, the district would be required to adopt a contingency plan.

The spending plan needs only a simple majority to pass because it stays under the tax-levy cap.

A budget presentation meeting was scheduled for May 3, at 7:30 p.m., at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center. All residents are invited to attend to learn more about the proposal.

The vote will take place on Tuesday, May 15, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., at all district elementary schools. Voters can register at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center, 718 The Plain Road in Westbury, until May 7. For more information, visit www.eastmeadow.k12.ny.us.