Incumbents Re-elected to Board
On Tuesday, May 17 residents approved the Farmingdale School District’s budget with a 2.52 percent tax levy, a 2.30 levy increase from last year’s budget. The total budget for the 2011/12 school year will be $147,878,484. The budget received 1,988 yes votes and 1,181 no votes.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo originally proposed a loss of $2,713,158 or 10 percent in state aid as compared to the 2010/11 budget. A restoration of $489,194 was made, enabling the district to reduce the original tax levy increase from 2.96 percent.
This year’s budget takes into account for a loss of $1,100,093 in federal funding (ARRA), an increase of 35 percent in retirement system contributions, an increase of 15 percent in major medical premiums, a continued requirement to pay for MTA tax, new requirements to pay for Nassau County Sewer Tax, and for Nassau County Tax Certiorari reimbursements.
Staff reduction and fewer class selections will be evident with the budget reduction.
Last year’s budget, 2010/11, was $148,954,370, with a 1.96 percent tax levy. The District has consistently had the adopted budgets approved by the voters since 2006/07 school year.
The Board and Administration said unprecedented economic circumstances made this a particularly difficult year to create a budget. The Board stated they are proud that the administration, teachers, staff and the community all put the interests and education of the students first.
“We thank each and every one who came to vote on the budget,” said Superintendent John Lorentz. “Our success is in providing information to the Farmingdale community so that they can cast an informed vote. Our students receive a solid education because we are very careful and efficient with our resources. We will continue to do all we can to provide our students the best possible education, while keeping educational cost increases to a minimum.”
Residents also passed Proposition Two for the Farmingdale Youth Council budget. The proposition received 2,044 votes in support, and 1,015 votes against.
Incumbents, Board of Education Vice President Stephen Wilson and Trustee John Capobianco ran unopposed. Both were re-elected for three-year terms to expire in 2014. Wilson received 1,966 favorable votes, while Capobianco received 2,167 votes.
