By Andrew Coen
The defeated $81.8 million budget, a 9.57 percent increase over the current budget and a 10.93 percent tax levy hike, failed by a vote of 2,334 to 1,523. It marked the first budget defeat for the district since 1995, when the budget passed on a re-vote.
The school board and administrators now must decide whether to put the plan up for a re-vote, which would probably be Tuesday, June 21.
If the budget were to fail on the second try, the district would be forced to operate on a contingency budget, which allows an increase of no more than 3.5 percent and could result in staff reductions, increased class sizes and scaled-back programs, according to district officials.
"The board and administration will work with the community to determine where to go from here," said school board President Howard Weinick.
Superintendent Dr. Les Omotani added, "The board will meet and give direction on how they want to respond to the community's vote."
Weinick and Trustee Teena Ditchek Korman were re-elected in uncontested races.Weinick received 2,409 votes, and Korman, 2,344.
District officials attributed the budget increases mainly to mandated costs beyond their control, including hikes in the teachers' retirement system, health insurance, special education and utilities.
After casting his ballot, Woodmere resident Steve Gormley, a registered nurse, said that the proposed budget was too high. "I think it's irresponsible," said Gormley. "It's just too much."
Comments about this story? ACoen@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
