During his detailed budget presentations over the past few weeks, Farmingdale School District Assistant Superintendent for Business Paul Defendini expressed the hope that voters would not get complacent and consequently fail to show up for the district budget vote on May 17.
Yes, last year’s budget had been approved by about three-quarters of those who made it to the polls. Yes, the district had worked hard to keep the 2016-17 tax levy (amount raised from property owners) increase percentage under the state-mandated property tax cap. And yes, it had practiced strict economy in holding the budget-to-budget increase to less than 1 percent.
But still, the prospect of the budget being defeated by voters’ apathy weighed on Defendini’s mind. It would mean having to hold a second vote. And if that also went down, the district would be forced to go with a contingency budget for the 2016-17 school year.
Defendini warned that though the contingency budget is a shade under $200,000 less than the proposed $158.88 million spending plan, it creates difficulties and vexing decisions for district leaders. Perhaps most dramatically, it results in reductions in athletic, musical and other extra-curricular offerings that hold students’ interests and enhance their education.
“There are not hot button issues,” acknowledged Board of Education President Michael Goldberg. He noted that the board is actively trying to encourage people to vote, and has also reached out to high school seniors who will turn 18 on or before May 17. The last day to register is May 12, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the district clerk’s office. Qualifications to vote are being a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old and a resident of the district for at least 30 days.
Contact District Clerk Mary Rogers at 516-752-6552 for any questions about eligibility or absentee ballots.
Goldberg’s term expires June 30, and with trustee Russ Catanzaro not running for reelection, there are two openings on the board. Goldberg will be vying with Suzanne D’Amico and John Brienza for the seats.
“For the near future the district has done an amazing job and budgeted properly,” commented Goldberg, but noted that retirement and health care benefit expenses could spike dramatically—and as with many expenditures, the district has no control over them.
In addition, the current faculty contract expires next year.
“All of our unions have been very flexible in working with us,” said Goldberg.
The budget vote and election will be held on Tuesday, May 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, 70 Van Cott Ave. in Farmingdale.
