On May 18, Hicksville residents voted 1,665 to 1,263 in favor of the school district's 2004-2005 spending plan of $84,648,982. As a result of the 8.05 percent budget-to-budget increase, the district's tax rate is expected to increase by $13.22 per $100 of assessed valuation for an average tax bill of approximately $3,221 for a Class I homeowner, a $335 increase of the current year.

In addition to voting on the budget, residents were also asked to vote on a second proposition allowing the district to establish a capital reserve fund to take $1,150,000 in unexpended funds from the 2003-2004 budget for construction/expansion at the Woodland School. A total of 1,551 people voted in favor of Proposition #2 and 1,228 voted against.

As a result, there will be no additional cost to the taxpayers for this proposition as the funds are from the 2003-2004 budget. Construction at the Woodland school will include two classrooms and two storage areas at the end of the north corridor. The work will be permanent, on-site construction consistent with the style and architecture of the current building.

As it stands now, the plans, created by district architects, will be sent to the State Education Department for approval. If approved by the state, the project would be put out to bid and contractors will be subject to board approval before construction would begin. Work would be completed for the opening of the 2005-2006 school year.

Proposition #3, as in previous years, pertained to allocation of $50,000 to the Hicksville Gregory Museum for educational services associated with its programs. This represents two dollars and change from each family per year, well under the $5 admission fee charged to non-Hicksville residents for just one adult visit to the museum. A total of 1,575 people voted in favor of Proposition #3 while 1,081 voted against it.

Hicksville residents took to the polls on Tuesday, May 18 to cast their vote for board of education trustee. Incumbent Alesia Sommers, who ran unopposed for her seat, received 1,579 votes. In a contested race, newcomer Susan Powell received 1,384 votes to unseat incumbent Richard Pfaender. Pfaender, who has served on the board since 1991, received 1,125 votes. Trustee positions are for three-year terms. Powell and Sommers will be installed during the Hicksville School District's reorganization meeting in July.

- Victoria A. Caruso