The Herald urges residents to cast "yes" votes on the proposed East Meadow school district budget, a spending plan that, despite a tumultuous economic climate, preserves instructional and co-curricular programs, avoids staffing cuts and maintains class sizes.
This carefully crafted budget also keeps the taxpayer in mind, calling for a slim 2.2 percent increase in spending and a relatively manageable anticipated rise in the tax levy of 3.5 percent. School officials say the tax increase is the smallest in years, and the increase in spending is the smallest in decades.
Because of the many questions surrounding the revenue side of the budget - final figures on state aid from a chaotic Albany, along with funds from the federal government, are yet to be determined - Superintendent Leon Campo and his talented staff put together a spending plan that utilizes funds set aside in recent years for the "rainy day" that is today's economy.
Though future school boards and administrators may not always have the benefit of a deep chest of reserves like this year's, district officials are confident that, with extra careful oversight and management of finances combined with an optimistic economic outlook, East Meadow taxpayers, students and educators will remain well-served in the years to come.
As long as the core of this all-star staff of district administrators remains intact in the future, we express our confidence, too. With this budget, East Meadow will stand firm as one of only a handful of Nassau County school districts that are able to preserve programs and jobs while loosening the grip on the taxpayer.
Support the school spending plan on Tuesday.
Say 'yes' to library budget
The East Meadow library board took a realistic approach to its proposed $6.2 million budget, emphasizing to residents that to keep costs manageable, there are no major initiatives planned for this year, but that there will be plenty of improvement projects in the coming years. There is a modest 2.45 percent increase in spending, along with a 2.5 percent expected rise in the tax levy.
In spite of major cuts to state funding for the arts, library officials still continue to offer residents world-class programming. Most recently, patrons enjoyed the "Soul of a People, Writing America's History" program, an initiative that only 30 libraries in the nation are hosting.
So that the library can continue such great programming and offer an array of research and media services, the Herald urges voters to approve the facility's budget on Tuesday.
Elect O'Flaherty, Skinner, Rubinstein
The need for a new superintendent, crucial economic decisions and an evident division on the Board of Education requires trustees with strong personalities and a sure grasp of management and finances.
These traits, among others, are why the Herald is endorsing incumbent board President Brian O'Flaherty, Vice President Walter Skinner and newcomer Marcee Rubinstein for three open trustee seats.
O'Flaherty, who is aiming for a third three-year term on the board, brings an accomplished management resume that has made him successful in business as well as on the board. He is a shining example of what makes East Meadow tick, a selfless man who gives back to his community in a variety of ways. Whatever the cause or the event, O'Flaherty is usually there.
Skinner, who seeks a second term, is part of a long line of family members who truly care for the community where they live, work and play. He is a visible figure in East Meadow who has his hand in many organizations. Most important, as a lifelong resident, Skinner is a key stakeholder who understands the issues that face students, parents and taxpaying residents and business owners.
Both O'Flaherty and Skinner served on the board through the intense, three-year contract negotiations with the East Meadow Teachers Association. With contracts soon expiring for teachers, administrators and all other staff groups, this district needs trustees who are familiar with union needs and will not shy away from the pressure and intensity of the collective bargaining process.
Though they have recently faced opposition from some of their fellow trustees, O'Flaherty and Skinner have vowed to help unite the board and help lead it to crucial decisions on a new superintendent and future spending.
Rubinstein may be new to voters, but she brings decades of experience in the educational field. She has dedicated many years to East Meadow's various PTAs, including the special education PTA (SEPTA), and several other volunteer efforts in the district and the community. She has been a tireless advocate for special education, and was a leader in establishing the district's Special Education Resource Center and Library.
These assets and skills, honed during Rubinstein's long career as a school speech therapist and complemented by her strong personality, will be welcome and needed for the educational mission of the board. We believe she will help re-unite a divided body, and bring education back to the forefront of discussions in the boardroom.
We applaud David Kullman and Anthony LaRosa, who ran together to challenge O'Flaherty and Skinner, respectively. And while we endorse Rubinstein for the third seat, we extend kudos to the two other candidates, Joseph Danenza and Thomas Kurian, for taking the time to run. Kullman, LaRosa, Danenza and Kurian have all displayed their love for East Meadow and strong commitments to the community. We encourage them to run again in the future.
In the meantime, we believe these times call for experience, knowledge and leadership strength, which O'Flaherty, Skinner and Rubinstein embody. We encourage voters to give these three candidates their votes on Tuesday.
