Seaford school budget passes, Whidden elected to board of education

The Seaford School District's $83.5 million budget for the upcoming year passed on Tuesday, with voting held at Harbor and Manor schools.

Of the 1,522 voters, 1,022 said yes to the budget, which represents a 3.73% increase over the current spending plan and includes a 2.27% tax levy increase, focuses on several key capital projects. These projects include district-wide security upgrades, restroom renovations, and improvements to the high school football field’s press box and sound system.

Voters also considered two propositions aimed at addressing long-term infrastructure needs. Proposition 2, which proposed utilizing $4.5 million from the capital reserve for roof replacement and gymnasium ceiling upgrades at Seaford Middle School, passed. The roof, which is at least 60 years old, has only had temporary repairs over the years.

Proposition 3 sought to establish a new 10-year, $30 million capital reserve fund for future projects. These projects include roof and masonry repairs, and district-wide facility upgrades such as asphalt, sidewalks, fencing, restrooms, floors, ceilings, and heating systems. This proposition also passed.

According to the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Andrew Casale, passing both propositions would save the district and taxpayers around $7.9 million in interest by eliminating the necessity of borrowing money through a bond.

The results of the vote are as follows: the budget passed with 1,022 saying yes to it, 1,118 said yes to Proposition 2, and 1,027 said yes to Proposition 3.

In addition to the budget and propositions, the election also saw Melissa Whidden win a seat on the Seaford Board of Education against incumbent Andrea Parisi. Whidden received 732 votes, and Parisi earned 618 votes.

Whidden, 39, a longtime Seaford resident, aims to enhance open communication, ensure fair representation for all community members, and advance enrichment programs.

In addition, Levittown Public School’s budget of around $261.6 million passed Tuesday night with 1,345 voters saying yes to approve it. As for the Board of Education results, two seats were open and won by incumbents James Moran and Marianne Adrian. Moran received 1,192 votes and Adrian earned 1,207. Challenger Steve Belmonte received 823 votes.