Residents in the Massapequan and Plainedge school districts came out and voted to pass the proposed 2014-15 school budgets.
In Massapequa, the $189,746,159 budget, a 2.12 percent change from last year, passed 3,101 to 1,206. In Plainedge, the $88,463,342, a 2.75 percent change over last year, passed 1,294 to 575.
Beyond the budget, Massapequa saw a change on the school board, with former President Gary Bennett falling short in the election. Jane Ryan and Gary Baldinger were elected to the board, and Massapequa official said positions will be determined at a reorganization meeting July 3. In Plainedge, Catherine Flanagan and Debra Grieci were declared winners on the school board.
Massapequa Superintendent of Schools Lucille Iconis sent a letter to community members thanking them for their participation.
Dear Members of the Massapequa Community,
On behalf of the Massapequa Board of Education and administration, I extend my sincerest gratitude to the registered voters of our community for approving the 2014-15 school budget; a budget that passed with a resounding approval rating of 72% — the largest in district history.
Your affirmation is the fuel that drives our students, and our district as a whole, to greater success. I commend you for supporting our high caliber academic, athletic and arts programs that are so vital to students’ success and for acknowledging our continued efforts to minimize the burden on our taxpayers as we enter the third year of the New York State imposed tax cap.
Because of you, our youngsters are part of a school district that applauds its students both inside and outside of the classroom as scholars, musicians, artists, scientists, athletes and volunteers. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments! Thank you for your confidence in us as we continue the legacy of excellence that Massapequa exemplifies.
With sincerest thanks,
Lucille F. Iconis
Superintendent of Schools, Massapequa UFSD
