First test of tax cap law in District 13

District 13 is in a unique position among the four Valley Stream school districts, as it will need 60 percent of voters to say “yes” to its proposed budget on Tuesday for it to pass. If not, the Board of Education could offer it for a second vote in June.

While the budget proposal meets the requirements of the state’s new tax-cap legislation, a separate referendum for transportation, requested by residents, puts the total tax levy increase over the allowable limit.

“It does concern me,” Wheeler Avenue School parent Christina Picarella said of the budget’s ability to pass.

Picarella serves as one of District 13’s “budget ambassadors,” community volunteers who are charged with spreading the word about the proposed spending plan and relaying concerns from community members back to district leaders. She said she and other parents are trying hard to generate support for the budget, especially among residents who have no involvement with the district.

District 13’s proposed $43.2 million spending plan is 1.6 percent larger than the current budget, growth that Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Robb-Fund said is lower than inflation. The tax levy from the budget alone would rise 3.51 percent, which, due to several allowable exemptions, falls just below the tax cap.

Average taxpayers should see their elementary tax bills rise by $114 next year if the budget is approved, based on preliminary assessment information. Board President Frank Chiachiere said he recognizes that this could be a large increase for some, but noted that it is a reality, given the district’s lack of commercial property. “In my view, that really hurts us,” he said. “I’d love to have Green Acres in my tax base.”

Robb-Fund said that the budget maintains all student services and funds the implementation of the new Common Core Learning Standards next year. “There are no cuts in programs,” she said.