By:Anthony Rifilato
The budget passed by 907 votes, with 651 residents opposing the measure. The approval means the property tax levy--the amount of the budget raised through property taxes-- will increase 9.7 percent to $67.2 million.
Baldwin's budget passes as residents in other districts were less enthusiastic about the numbers. Twenty-two of the 56 school districts in Nassau County saw their proposals fall.
School officials have explained that increased retirement and health costs have risen dramatically and are the most significant impacts on the budget. Teachers also received a 3.5 percent base salary increase in Baldwin.
School officials have also said that the budget, which will increase 8.16 percent from last year, is conservative and "fiscally prudent" by maintaining programs and adding very few programs and services.
If state education aid is increased to Baldwin, estimated to be $17.6 million, it will be used to lower the tax levy.
Incumbents stay put
Voters also re-elected School Board President James T. Scannell, who received 1,098 votes, and board member Mary Clark, who snagged 801 votes, allowing both to hang onto their three-year seats. The challenger, Joseph Carroll, received 655 votes.
