Residents Give Final Reactions Before Budget Vote

Syosset residents gave their final input on the 2012-13 school district budget before the community vote on May 15. Two Board of Education nominees, a PTA council president, and a concerned citizen stood in front of the board at the budget hearing at offering praise, asking questions, and giving warnings for the future.

Board nominees and specifically questioned aspects of the budget, which exactly makes the New York State assigned tax levy cap of 2.2563 percent.

DiFilippo, after requesting an update on the whereabouts of answers to last month's board of education meeting questions, referred to an increase in gifted student spending. The approximate increase of $530,000 was explained as part of a reallocation of four teaching positions.

Moore, who is campaigning with board incumbents and asked about the curriculum budget.

"Specifically, how is it going to affect the non-core courses and are we going to have to cancel non-core courses because of that curriculum?"

"They have been incorporated into the budget with no reduction in courses as a result," answered Assistant Superintendent Patricia Rufo.

While some had questions and particulars to cover, others commented on the big picture.

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"I am very proud to be here tonight to say that…the Syosset Council of PTAs have unanimously voted to support the 2012-13 school budget," announced PTA Council President Roberta Dochter, commending the tax cap-friendly budget for maintaining all courses, clubs, sports, and other programs from this year. She was given a standing ovation as she left the podium.

Fred Gang, determined to get his thoughts on record, spoke for more than 10 minutes on the past, present, and future of Syosset.

"This budget is not just a plan for next year's spending, but it's the basis for all future budgets," Gang said.

"[The 2002-03] budget was $115 million. This budget is $198 million, approximately $8 million per year and a 7 percent annual increase in a decade that had very little inflation," he said. Gang also brought up issues with transparency, comparing this year's budget summary sheet to last year's line by line budget booklet.

Gang continued speaking despite being told to wrap up his comments and was almost escorted away from the microphone by personnel. He was however permitted to speak for another three minutes after the incident.

"The next few years will be tough but we can succeed," said Gang, adding Herman's routine parting words for board meetings, "'Together, we can make a difference'…But it's up to you [the board]…to set the stage for this district."

After the hearing was over, Superintendent Carole Hankin gave an impromptu speech, commending the district on being able to challenge students to reach new heights, like in their nanotechnology courses.

"Now I can hear someone saying, 'Well that's ridiculous.' Yeah, maybe…except we've gotten kids into college already…We're the only district in America that teaches it…I think we were the first district to offer foreign language in elementary school."

Hankin explained the calculated plans for certain courses and how each one contributes to students' abilities to do better when they leave Syosset schools.

"You can say it's unimportant…but different boards have determined they want Syosset to have what the children need, not what everyone else needs."

Syosset residents vote on the budget and elect school board candidates May 15.

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