Budget votes are Tuesday

Wantagh and Seaford residents will have their say on May 19 on more than $340 million worth of spending in three local districts for the 2015-16 school year.

The largest proposed budget by far belongs to the Levittown School District, which serves North Wantagh and part of northern Seaford. One of the biggest districts in Nassau County, Levittown is looking to spend $201.8 million next year.

“I think it’s a great budget,” Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald said. “We worked very hard to make sure it was compliant with the tax cap and yet maintain and enhance our programs.”

The tax levy would rise by 1.82 percent, to $135.7 million. New initiatives for next year include the creation of an Outdoor Learning Center for hands-on science instruction at the Levittown Memorial Education Center, the restoration of third-grade band, the purchase of tablets for ninth-grade students and an elementary keyboarding program.

McDonald said the program enhancement she is most proud of is a change to the special education program that will ensure there are inclusion classes at each elementary school in kindergarten and first grade. Previously, the classes rotated each year. “I believe that kids learn best when they’re in their home school,” she said.

No tax hike in Wantagh

Wantagh is proposing a budget that would lower the tax levy. The $75.7 million budget would raise spending by .3 percent, while maintaining all programs and class sizes.

The tax levy accounts for 75 percent of the district’s revenue. Total tax collections would drop for next year by about $7,000, though the average tax bill is expected to increase by $9 annually due to changes in assessments, according to school officials.

“That is not something we have presented to the voters in over 20 years,” Superintendent Maureen Goldberg said of having no increase in the tax levy. She added that the district’s allowable increase under the tax cap was 1.8 percent. The district is more than $1 million below its limit, she said.