Cameras to Combat Vandalism Discussed at Budget Input Meeting

Residents had the opportunity to bring any ideas, comments or concerns to the East Meadow Board of Education on March 1 at the , although just one topic was discussed — cameras to help stop vandalism.

Helen Meittinis, the president of the Community Association of Stewart Avenue, said that the people responsible for defacing buildings in the district should be held accountable for their actions.

"We have vandalism, and unfortunately, it’s our home grown who are doing these things to our school buildings and properties," Meittinis said. "In light of that, if there is any kind of room in the budget for cameras on the buildings that create the most problems, I think that would be money wisely spent."

According to Board of Education President Joseph Parisi, the board, together with DeAngelo’s office, is working to keep all of the programs, services and staff intact in East Meadow.

According to Newsday, East Meadow is slated to received $833,873 in state aid for the 2012-13 school year – a 2.53 percent increase from a year ago.

"In these times, things are very tight, so the board is under pressure to keep within our two percent budget cap, and to do that is not easy," Superintendent Louis DeAngelo said. "The purpose of this meeting is to give our community members a chance to give their thoughts on things we should consider."

How do you think the district should approach this year's budget? Tell us in the comments.