It was a smooth election night in Mineola, as residents approved the $91,214,512 Mineola School District budget, with a .012 percent tax levy decrease. Cheryl Lampasona, who ran unopposed for board of education vice president Patricia Navarra’s trustee seat, received 806 votes.
The budget was approved with 863 yes votes (to 205 no votes) and includes all current programs, extracurricular activities and athletics, as well as comprehensive staff and professional development opportunities. That includes continuation of the pre-K and dual language programs, as well as STEAM initiatives. The budget will also allow for expansion of the district’s iPad and technology initiatives and numerous facility upgrades. That includes a bus loop at the middle school, a pre-K wing and playground at Meadow Drive, exterior painting and cupola repair at Jackson Avenue and creation of a Fab Lab at the middle school. Capital work, such as the installation of air conditioning in instructional spaces at Jackson Avenue, creation of a district storage facility at Hampton Field, renovation and construction of three music rooms that the high school, is also included.
New equipment for the high school, including Fab Lab equipment and 1,700 student lockers, library furniture, iHub creation, 21st century classroom furniture, science research lab equipment, Fab Lab furniture at the middle school, and art room cabinetry for Jackson Avenue are also included. The district also plans to get new musical instruments, football and lacrosse helmets and fitness room equipment.
The budget represents a 1.73 percent increase over last year, and though the tax levy decreased, the district saw an increase in state aid which helped offset the tax levy decrease.
“Thank you for the continued support of our school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Nagler to the community.
