by Mike Schnitzel
The new budget proposal is $25,868,786, which represents a 5.97 percent increase over the current year and is significantly lower than the 8.69 percent budget that was defeated. For the average homeowner, that means a $352 increase in their school taxes for the coming year.
"I think the Board [of Education] made a good faith effort to maintain programs and reduce spending [with this budget proposal], so I'm optimistic," said Superintendent Dr. Arnold Dodge.
Administrative and faculty positions were cut, and there were some eliminations and funding reductions to several school programs and athletic teams to formulate the new budget proposal. Program cuts and staff reductions have been made at each of the three district schools [see sidebar].
In a telephone interview, board President Mary Boccuzzi said she believed the board did a good job with the budget.
Long-time East Rockaway resident Umberto Postiglione is not as convinced that the proposed budget should be passed. "I voted no on the first count and I'm reading this and wondering why I should vote yes on this. We want to support the schools, but I'm already paying a lot of taxes," he said. "I'm on a fixed income, I'm retired and so is my wife and we're hurting. It's a tough decision," he added.
Chuck McAnulla, president of the East Rockaway Teachers Association, understands the skepticism of some residents toward the new budget, but feels it important for people to understand the ramifications of an austerity budget, which would go into effect should the re-vote fail.
New York state law mandates that the school district adopt a contingency plan that would be 3.26 percent over last year's budget. For East Rockaway, a contingency budget would mean another $662,000 would have to be taken from the proposed budget.
"It would take us a long time to get back from an austerity budget," said Boccuzzi.
In a flyer sent to all East Rockaway residents, the board details where additional cuts may have to be implemented under such a plan. Subject to elimination would be curriculum development, building monitors, driver's education, elementary-level art and music, full-day kindergarten and the After-School program.
Nancy Landerer was raised in East Rockaway and now has children of her own in the district. Danny is a sophomore, Jason an eighth-grader and Michelle is three-years-old. Landerer said that it is important for the budget to pass.
"I would rather pay extra in taxes than tuition for a private school to get my children what they deserve academically," she said. "I also want my daughter to receive the same, full education that my sons have."
Art teacher John Bishop, who grew up in East Rockaway and has taught at the junior/senior high school for 27 years, feels that the upcoming budget vote is critical for the school district and the community as a whole.
"School is a reflection on the whole community," said Bishop. "We are at the juncture of great things for the district with the bond having passed, and to enter this new epoch on austerity would be regrettable for all."
"Obviously people on Long Island feel they are overtaxed," said McAnulla. "I went to this high school and the district has been like a second home to me, and I feel for people, especially those on fixed incomes. I think this system of taxation needs to be fixed, but if we go beyond what has been cut it will have a serious impact on the students."
Ninth-grader Tatiana Salazar agrees. "I want the budget to pass," she said. "It would be terrible to have anything cut."
As the Herald went to press, the district had a budget hearing scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Resident John Brennan, who attended East Rockaway High School, is undecided on the proposed budget, but is worried about escalating costs. "Everybody knows it costs more to run things today, but people on the board have to realize that not everyone in the village makes $150,000 a year," said Brennan. "There are lower-middle income people, people on fixed incomes, and people will have to move."
Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21 at East Rockaway High School. If you are not registered to vote, you can register at the district office, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until June 17. Home-owners, as well as renters, are eligible to vote.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516)569-4000 ext.265.
