By Nicole Falco
Proposition 3, which called for the creation of a capital reserve fund in the high school district, also passed.
In fact, after two straight years in which a record number of fiscal plans were voted down on the first try, including District 13's, budgets passed in nearly 90 percent of the county's 56 school districts on Tuesday.
High School District
The majority of voters in all three elementary districts cast ballots in favor of the high school district's $86.8 million budget, an increase of almost 6 percent over the current spending plan. Of 4,490 ballots cast, 56 percent supported the budget.
Dr. Marc Bernstein, the high school superintendent, couldn't have been happier with the results. He attributed the budget's success to a $1.4 million, or 10 percent, state aid increase, which helped reduce the tax rate, a prudent spending plan and increased community outreach: District officials attended about a dozen community meetings to explain the budget and the capital reserve fund.
And that outreach wasn't only about the budget. In the two weeks leading up to the vote, more than 800 residents turned out at North High School for District 13's Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society, raising nearly $90,000. And the Keller Auditorium at Central High School was filled to capacity for last Thursday's community forum, "Think Globally, Act Locally."
"The bottom line is, I think, people are generally happy with our schools in Valley Stream," Bernstein said. "When people are getting a good shake, I think they tend to be more supportive."
The district can now go ahead with plans to create five new teaching positions, expand its science research program, buy new textbooks and complete capital improvements, including audio system upgrades and a partial roof replacement at Central High School.
As for the effect on their wallets, the average District 13 homeowner will see a tax decrease of $205 on the high school portion of his or her tax bill. The average District 24 homeowner will see a $125 increase, and the average District 30 homeowner will see a $274 increase.
Voters also approved the creation of a capital reserve fund. Fifty-seven percent - or 2,552 - votes were cast in favor of the fund, which will be used to finance major projects that might otherwise have required bond referendums. The district can now add year-end budget surpluses or unexpected increases in revenue to the reserve fund, up to a total of $7 million, plus interest, over the next seven years. Voter approval is required for the money to be spent. After seven years, any leftover money can be used to offset a tax levy increase, or the district can ask the community to establish another reserve fund.
District 13
There is no need for a revote or contingency plans this year in District 13. Fifty-five percent, or 1,511, votes were cast in favor of the budget. It calls for $36.27 million in expenditures, an increase of 6.5 percent over this year's budget.
Though residents may be feeling the pinch of Long Island's high tax burden and ever-increasing gas prices, most felt that their children's education was worth the price. "I'm voting yes," said Chris Casalo, who was at James A. Dever School on Tuesday evening to support the budget. "My kids are in Valley Stream schools, and I have some who will be going soon, so why should they be penalized for high taxes? That's the price you pay to live on Long Island."
Also voting at Dever, Jane Bader said she approaches the voting booth with the insight of both a resident and school employee. "I've been on both sides of the fence, as a teacher and a taxpayer," said Bader. "I worked in a district that had to go on austerity, and it's terrible."
For the average home in District 13, there will be a $187 increase on the elementary portion of its tax bill. The district plans to add three new teaching positions next year as well as a part-time custodial position at Howell Road.
There are also several capital projects planned throughout the district, including phase II of the three-phase parking lot renovation at Howell Road, a partial roof replacement at Dever, and new tile flooring for the Wheeler Avenue music room.
Trustee election results
The two candidates for District 13 school board ran unopposed.Trustees Bill Stris and Jeanne Greco Jacobs were re-elected to three-year terms with 1,455 and 1,782 votes, respectively.
