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Lindenhurst and other school budgets get big okay from the public Edward Langone, Robert Vitiello and Ray Doran were elected to the Lindenhurst School Board on Super Tuesday, May 15. In addition, Lindenhurst voters approved their school budget, 1987-1689, and according to Superintendent Neil Lederer, everybody was pleased. "It was expected and not a surprise," Lederer said. "This will ensure that the children will get good instructional curriculum and it reflects a true community support." This year, the district proposed a budget of $126.8 million in district expenditures, $7.4 million more than last years. Property taxpayers in Lindenhurst pay $154.23 per 100 of assessed value. Under the passed budget, the rate increases from $9.90 to $164.13. The annual cost for school taxes on a home is $5,744.55 for the year. Aside from the $41 million in teacher's salaries and $16 million for health and dental insurance, the next highest expenditures are for the state program with dis- ability, which runs $14 million, the operation of the plant ($7.3 million) and contracted bus transportation ($7.2 million). "We do all we can to save money," Lederer said. The district is expected to have $52.9 million in revenues, up $3 million from last year. State aid makes up for $46.4 million of that. Other high expenditures include maintenance of the plant ($3 million), supervision of regular school ($5.7 million), social security ($5 million), the New York State teacher's retirement fund ($4.8 million) and the athletic budget ($1 million). On a personal basis, Lederer was disappointed with the total number of votes. "People become apathetic about the budget instead of being involved," he said. "The margin of victory was small because of the low voter turnout. We were hoping for about 4,500 votes." Lederer held budget presentations to inform the community about the programs they're paying for and answer any questions. He said if he didn't do that then the budget may not have passed. What's next? "We have a sigh of relief, but we continue analyzing and pretty quickly start looking at next year," Lederer said. Budget to budget expenditures went up less than five percent since last year and Lederer said he wants to keep it as close to the consumer price index as possible. Notes and quotes: When asked what the most important part of the budget is Lederer said the instructional program. "We won't compromise that. That's what we're all about. We'll maintain class sizes within reason and it's important to have effective teachers." Lederer also said the district is taking note of changes in the economy as far as fuel costs and energy conservation. They've installed solar panels in the elementary schools, replaced some boilers and lighting systems, "and hopefully it stabilizes a little bit," he said. Trustee Elections: Two Lindenhurst School Board trustees were reelected and another was voted in for the first time. Robert Vitiello and Ed Langone return for another three year post, while Ray Doran, who will take Jim Westfall's post because he didn't seek reelection, makes his debut with the board of education. Jim Westfall also resigned from his position. "These are hard working, dedicated people," said Lindenhurst Superintendent Neil Lederer. "Mr. Doran will fit right into that. Next year will be a very productive one." In other districts: +North Babylon residents passed their $102.2 million budget that raises spending 5.95 percent. The vote was 1,697 to 1,234. The tax rate increase is expected to be approximately 3.98 percent and raise the rate $5.73. In a separate ballot, 1,776 residents voted to have the district spend $200,000 over five years to lease new buses. Those opposed were 1,107. Incumbent trustees John Sparacio was reelected with 1,472 votes, defeating Alice Cone with 856 votes. James Shinnick received 1,266 votes and will replace Trustee Jim Newman who did not seek reelection. +West Islip voters passed their $97.8 million budget 2,923 to 870. It calls for 5.52 percent increase in spending and a 3.44 percent increase in the tax rate. Incumbent Trustee George Smith was reelected 1,981 votes and first-time candidates Eliot Bloom and Annmarie LaRosa will fill the seats held by Kevin Micucci and Barbara McAteer who did not seek reelection. Bloom and LaRosa received 1,800 and 1,981 votes respectively. "I look forward to working with the other board members," said Bloom, an attorney. "Its hard o fill Barbara McAteer's shoes, but I will try my best." Smith said he appreciated those who supported him. "I think that the fact that I did not have an opponent is indicative of how things have gone over the course of the year," said Smith, who added that he will miss Micucci and McAteer who had 21 years of experience between them, but that he looks forward to working with the new board members.
"I will miss Kevin and Barbara but if they had to go, our new board members are great additions."
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