After the failed budget, Herricks Superintendent Dr. Jack Bierwirth met with his staff and brought back to the Herricks Board a list of cuts that were, for the most part, approved. The cuts brought the budget amount to $61,114,727 or a budget increase of 4.64 percent and a tax increase of 7.25 percent. For homeowners with homes assessed at $5,000 the yearly increase will be $228.15; monthly increase $19.01. For homes assessed at $7,500 the yearly increase will be $342.22; monthly increase $28.52 and for homes assessed at $10,000 the yearly increase will be $456.30; monthly increase $38.02.

The revote was set for June 20, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Community Center, 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park. A budget hearing will be held on June 6 at 7:15 p.m. at the Community Center. Revised copies of the entire budget book may be obtained at the administration office or at any of the schools.

Prior to the meeting the board received a letter from the organization, Brower's Hill Civic Association, that petitioned to put the transportation proposition on the ballot. They said, "After careful consideration of the alternatives we have decided not to exercise the option to re-petition the board with a revised busing proposition. Our decision is in the interests of not drawing anymore negative votes that are counter productive to the board's efforts to revise the budget, as favorably as possible, with the interest of the district's children in mind."

The letter added that the group was still concerned about the ever-increasing dangers surrounding the school as a result of the vehicular traffic and they asked the board to be mindful of any increased dangers that might occur. The letter also said, "The BHCA respectfully appreciates the attention that the board and Dr. Bierwirth have given to our association and the community in connection with this issue.

The following are the cuts proposed:

1. Net effect of changed assessed valuation from original projection and change in base proportions. Proposed cut was $519,000 but the board voted not to eliminate that cost.

2. Revised estimated state aid was proposed at $572,408 and it was approved.

3. Adjustment to Adult Education, Saturday, Recreation and Summer Recreation to make estimated revenues match estimated direct expenditures. $52,582-approved.

4. Revenue change subtotal of $106, 990-approved.

Expenditures

1. Eliminate purchase of new bus $83,862-approved

2. Reduce technology equipment purchase $54,000-approved.

3. Adjustment for delay in implementing autism class until 2003-04-$54,000

4. Elimination of one psychologist at high school-$104,000-approved.

5. Adjustment for certified social worker-$10,000.

6. Suspend Frost Valley and Boston Trips- Frost Valley Trip was eliminated, but not Boston Trip-$56,000 to $30,425.

7. Eliminate elementary field trips-$7,500-not approved.

8. Eliminate high school field trips-$3,000-not approved.

9. Postpone purchase of field maintenance vehicle $10,890-approved.

10. Postpone purchase of auto scrubber-$8,160-approved.

11. Reduction of estimated salary and fringes. $141,016-approved.

12. Postpone contribution to capital fund. $250,000-approved.

13. Eliminate part-time Community Center Director-$30,000 to $15,000-approved.

14. Reduce contribution to Teacher Center. $11,000-approved.

15. Reduce estimate of cost of borrowing for TAN. $25,000 approved. (Due to continuation of low interest rates.

Net expense reduction $720,428

Net expense reduction $720,428 plus revenue increase $827,418.

Elimination of lead teacher positions at elementary level

$10,000-not approved.

Reduce allocation of summer workshops-$8,000 approved

Reduce conferences district-wide-$5,000-approved.

Reduce Gemini and STAC consultants-not approved.

Eliminate bus mechanic-not approved.

Reduce Board of Education codes-$2,000-approved.

Total: $684,353.

In other matters the board approved a resolution to be submitted to the New York State School Boards Association to be considered at its Annual Convention. The resolution is as follows: "Be it resolved that the staff of the new York State School Boards Association be directed to research the propriety of maintaining a lawsuit against the State of New York and all appropriate state agencies and officers for its consistent failure (18 years to present) to adopt a state budget on time and that if such research demonstrates that the consistent failure on the part of the State of New York to adopt an on-line budget is legally in violation of the state constitution, the association will initiate legal proceedings."

Residents are urged to attend the budget hearing on June 6 at 7:15 p.m. at the Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park.