Residents expressed few concerns during a public hearing regarding the 2002-03 board of education budget and the vote set to take place Tuesday. However, a contract between the school district and the Levittown United Teachers (LUT) remains unsigned due to a disagreement on the sick abuse policy.

During the May 14 board of education meeting, only four people discussed the budget. The $127 million budget, unanimously approved by board members last month, calls for a 7 percent increase compared to the 2001-02 budget. The budget, if approved by voters, would keep all school programs intact. The average homeowner can expect to pay $382 more annually than their current rate. Resident Noreen Meyer said increasing the budget each year has caused financial strain.

"Families will start moving out," she said. "I can't afford it much longer."

"I feel for her," said Board President Ronald Kinberg. "We do not spend a lot of money without a great deal of thought. Worker and supplier costs are going up."

Poor funding from state aid is a major reason for a budget increase, added Paul Granger, board member. Even if voters turn down the budget, taxpayers will face a budget increase, said fellow board trustee Gina Interdonato. If the budget is rejected, a 6.7 percent budget increase, or about $300,000 less than the approved budget - a level allowed by state law - will go into effect. Voters rejecting the budget could cause the elimination of some programs including the middle school enrichment program, courses designed for gifted students. Three residents asked the board to keep the enrichment program and consider other cuts if the budget were turned down. However, Superintendent Dr. Herman A. Sirois said there are few places left to cut the budget.

Other than comments from the four residents, no displeasure was expressed with the budget. The boardroom was nearly full of residents and members of the LUT. The LUT fully supported the budget, said President Martha Martin. While she applauded the budget, Martin was displeased with contract negotiations.

Kinberg announced at the meeting that the board had just reached a four-year pact with the Association of Levittown School Administrators (ALSA) and a five-year extension with the Civil Service Employers' Association (CSEA). According to Kinberg, both unions accepted the board's sick leave proposals, with the CSEA wanting a more stringent policy.

However, a deal between the board and the LUT does not appear imminent. In the past, Martin has said she didn't want to penalize all teachers for the few that violate sick leave policies.

"We all know who the sick leave abusers are," she said. "The people sitting on a beach in Puerto Rico. Or the people going in to work at another job."

"I know to trust my children at school with the teachers," resident Kathy D'Argenio said to the board. "Trust the teachers."

Dr. Sirois had few comments about contract discussions. But he said he applauded the work of teachers and hoped a deal would be inked soon. The two parties were scheduled to meet last night and are expected to get together again in the near future.