Residents Approve East Meadow School, Library Budgets

East Meadow School District voters supported the 2012-13 school budget Tuesday, which includes no cuts to programs or staff.

The , which on April 4, includes a $3,579,051 increase in expenditures (or 1.97 percent), with increases in programming accounting for more than 77 percent of the money. It also includes a two percent increase in taxes. It received 2,033 yes votes as opposed to 790 no votes, a difference of 1,243.

“It’s a validation of all of the hard work that all of us at central administration have done together,” Board of Education President Joseph Parisi said. “I think a great budget was put forward that preserved programs and staff, and it also recognized our economic times.”

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The budget passed as well, as it received 1,937 yes votes and 753 no votes, a difference of 1,184.

Incumbents Brian O'Flaherty and Walter Skinner ran unopposed and were re-elected for new three-year terms as trustees for the school board. O'Flaherty received 1,951 votes, while Skinner received 1,845 votes.

“I’m glad that people came out and voted for the budget,” Skinner said. “It means a lot for the schools. We’re in great shape.”

“The overwhelming support for the budget is unbelievable,” O’Flaherty added. “Seventy-two percent is a great number.”

Michael Turner, who has been a part of the library board for 20 years, was reelected to serve another five-year term as trustee, as he ran unopposed as well.

“It’s a great feeling to be reelected,” Turner said. “I love doing this and I look forward to continuing.”

Year

Budget Increase (%)

Tax Increase (%)

2008-09

4.30

4.46

2009-10

2.20

3.50

2010-11

1.71

1.36

2011-12

1.73

1.62

2012-13

1.97

2.00

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