Combining the seventh- and eight-grade sports teams and cutting up to 20 percent of extracurricular activities district-wide were also proposed as cost-savings options. But parents and students at the meeting expressed their outrage that those options, which would save another $108,000, were even considered.

“This is where we possibly find our passion and talents,” said one West School fifth-grader. “And a lot of kids don’t have someplace to go after school that will keep them out of trouble. It is not fair to take these opportunities away.”

“Give them the competitive edge they need, let them have the fun they deserve,” said one parent. “If that means we have to pay an extra $200 in taxes, then so be it. Hurt us, not them.”

The board also opposed those two measures, and neither was included in the budget.

Board trustees were given the option to maximize the allowable tax levy increase, which was recommended by the administration, or extend the savings from the cuts to taxpayers and decrease the levy increase, and make up the difference with reserve funds. Administrators cautioned, however, that this option would leave the reserve funds close to depleted in two years.

“I’m not in favor of going out to the community with the highest tax rate increase in Nassau County,” said Trustee Roy Lester. “The whole purpose of the cutting was the save taxpayers some money.”

The board voted unanimously against the maximum allowable levy increase of 3.75 percent, and instead approved, again unanimously, an increase of 3.24 percent, to $96.25 million.

The budget vote will be held on May 20.

To view the full budget presentation, visit www.lbeach.org/school_board/presentations_and_letters