Rockville Centre School Board candidates in their own words

Last week, the Herald presented some questions that the candidates for Board of Education answered in their own words. It is our hope that these questions will help give the voters a better idea of the candidates that they will be voting for.

On Tuesday, Gregg Spaulding, Mayda Kramer and Lynda Rubino will face off for the two open seats on the board. Residents will be able to vote for their two choices, as well as the budget, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at South Side High School.

The Tax Cap continues to be a concern for school districts. How do you think the tax cap will affect the district’s budget in upcoming years?

Gregg Spaulding: The Tax Cap as it is today will prevent school districts from trying new programs and has already caused some districts to lay off personnel and cancel existing programs. If the state and federal government continue to mandate programs and not provide funding (which is happening), districts will be forced to consider consolidation and/or county or regional districts. Our administration and our staff continue to negotiate contracts, review our programs for cost savings and/or replace a program with one that will save money. The Tax Cap has produced some of the lowest percent increases to our budget in more than 30 years; however, the state should make some future changes to allow for cost of living increases and items that are not under our control.