Changes made by Governor David Paterson to the proposed state aid package for Long Island School Districts will result in additional revenue for the Farmingdale School District, lowering the district's projected tax levy. Currently, the proposed tax levy increase is at its lowest level in the last 15 years at 2.64 percent. With the anticipated adjustment in state aid, the tax levy increase may go below 2 percent.

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino said he was instrumental in securing the 14.96 percent increase, which represents an additional $3,472,402 for Farmingdale Schools.

"These monies are designed to protect our children's education and protect property taxpayers," he added. "It is my hope that schools will keep spending in check so that all of this relief may translate to easing the burden on over-taxed property owners."

He also credited Senators Charles Fuschillo and Kemp Hannon and Assemblyman James Conte for their help in delivering the state aid increase.

According to Saladino, the Farmingdale School District will receive a total of $26,680,926 for the 2008/09 school year.

On Tuesday, May 20, residents of the Farmingdale School District will vote on two propositions. Proposition 1, as it is every year, is the proposed annual school district budget. Proposition 2 on the ballot asks voters to decide whether the district can utilize the balance from past projects that came in under budget for the purpose of boiler, HVAC and window replacement at the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools of the District. Approval of this proposition will have no tax impact on residents.

Board of Education meetings have been held over the last several weeks to inform community members about the annual school budget and the continuing process to finalize details. The annual budget vote including propositions 1 and 2 will be held on Tuesday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Howitt Middle School East Gymnasium.

(Jaime L. Tomeo contributed to this article.)