Huntington Residents Go to the Polls on Tuesday
Voters will head to the polls in the Huntington School District on Tuesday (May 18) to decide the fate of the proposed school budget and to elect two candidates to the School Board. Polls will be open in the Huntington High School lobby from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The proposed spending plan, which totals $108,786,539, carries an estimated tax rate increase of 3.54 percent. In an effort to hold down taxes, the budget approved by trustees eliminates more than 28 full time equivalent positions and includes various other reductions to many aspects of district operations.
While the budget is a tight one, school officials said it does provide funding for dozens of popular programs and retains the essential core of what makes the district special.
District officials worked for months to contain a growth in costs. “What is most impressive is that in spite of these economic constraints, we continue to offer the outstanding educational program expected by our community,” School Board President Bill Dwyer said.
If the plan is passed, the tax rate is projected to increase from $193.97 per $100 of assessed valuation to $200.84. An average home assessed at $4,000 would see a $275 tax increase before STAR program savings are applied.
School officials believe the proposed budget will keep in place a well-rounded educational program for all students. It allocates $668,218 for new textbooks and workbooks and $55,414 for additional library books. Another $90,000 is provided for new computer software, $66,472 is devoted to new instructional equipment, including computers.
The budget adopted by trustees funds 64 athletic teams and 94 coaching positions and about more than five dozen extracurricular clubs for students in grades 4-12. It provides for marching bands and drama clubs at the middle school and high school, a science research program, college counseling center, specialized art classes, an array of Regents, honors and Advancement Placement courses, a full program for students with special needs, funding for academic competitions, an arts-in-education program, student council organizations and continuation of the district’s full-day kindergarten program.
The budget also allows for authorized community groups to continue utilizing district buildings and facilities for practices, games, meetings and performances.
During initial budget planning $3.1 million in reductions were made. Despite these efforts, the district expects significant increases for mandated retirement system costs ($1,350,000), student transportation ($264,598), employee health insurance ($247,347) and programs for students with disabilities ($481,645).
Mr. Dwyer said the budget “maintains our historically strong academic program and a broad range of extra-curricular offerings to benefit all students.”
“The budget is a conservative fiscal plan that recognizes we are in challenging economic times,” Superintendent John J. Finello said. “While real reductions have been made, programs long cherished by the community will continue.”
The plan assumes the total assessed property value will remain flat at $46,128,234. If the tax base grows or if a portion of the expected reduction in state aid is restored by the legislature, trustees will be in a position to lower the projected tax increase when they enact the final levy early next fall.
School Board
Richard McGrath, John P. Paci III and Adam Spector are on the ballot for seats on the Huntington School Board. The top two finishers will be elected and serve three-year terms stretching from July 1 through June 30, 2013.
Voter Eligibility
To vote in the election, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, a resident of the Huntington School District for at least 30 days and registered to vote in a general election or with the school district.
Absentee Ballots
Applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the District Clerk’s office at the Administrative Offices, 50 Tower Street, Huntington Station, at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or up to the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be returned by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18 for them to be counted in the 2010 election and budget vote.
For information on voter eligibility or absentee ballots contact District Clerk Elizabeth Troffa at 673-2126.
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