The Levittown Board of Education decided against taking action about possible overcrowding problems and a full-day kindergarten - mostly due to a poor economy - but members said it is vital to keep both issues on the "radar screen."

Board member John Garvey not only expressed concerns about overcrowding, but inequity as well. "What do we do to make the education equal?" he said. "At Abbey [Lane], students attend a computer lab every two weeks. At Lee Road, they go every week."

"Equitability in staff is the same," replied Assistant Superintendent Dr. Alan Groveman. "Classrooms are not."

"I don't think anyone can deny the situation is tight," added School Superintendent Dr. Herman Sirois. "The issue is hard to deal with. Overcrowding is an emotional word. We could use at least two rooms at every elementary school. But it's tough financially to do everything."

The school district conducted a space/cost analysis to determine what are the least financially straining ways to add classroom space. Dr. Sirois said adding classrooms onto existing buildings would be the most cost-effective choice.

Board member James Moran reluctantly mentioned the word "redistricting" as a way to ease overcrowding concerns. But other board members frowned at the idea. Dr. Sirois said adding classrooms to existing buildings would likely even be cheaper than redistricting.

Board President Paul Granger polled each board member on the issue. Board Vice President Diane Shapiro said she thought the "crunch was over," meaning that projections conclude that enrollment will decrease at district elementary schools in the near future. Gina Interdonato agreed and said the district has already begun to take steps to handle a predicted increased enrollment at the high school level.

Board member Kenneth Auer said a poor economy could easily translate into fewer dollars from the state government. "We're not doing as much as we should," he said. "But we're doing as much as we can."

Dr. Sirois made final remarks on possible overcrowding and inequity. "We must review inequities," he said. "We need to do research."

As for a full-day kindergarten, board members decided that there are clear academic advantages. But members also agreed the economy is too negative to approve a full-day kindergarten and they would revisit the topic in the future. "It's something to move toward," Garvey said. "But it is economically bad. We should hold off."

Board reports concluded a full-day kindergarten would cost somewhere between $13 and $37 million, depending on a number of factors. Two years ago, the district conducted a community survey to see if it would support a full-day kindergarten. Although residents weren't negative about the idea, they didn't enthusiastically support it either. The numbers were close to 50 percent for and 50 percent against the topic. "It's going to affect the pocket of everyone," Interdonato said.

"If the public is truly for it, then I will support it. But I have to see if that's the case first."

Shapiro thought the public has shown in indirect ways that they might support the idea. "The public is clamoring for smaller class size," she said. "Even if it isn't in the kindergarten. (But) increases in school taxes would be necessary due to economic problems. I can see this happening in the future, but not now."

"I'm for it," Granger said of a full-day kindergarten. "But it's prudent to take a wait-and-see approach. I think some school districts that have a full-day kindergarten may be cutting it."

In other news, Granger regretfully reported that board member Michael Moriarity had recently suffered a heart attack. He is expected to have full recovery, however. "We wish him the very best," said Granger. "We hope he will be back soon."

The MacArthur High School Wind Ensemble performed before the meeting. The Salk Vocal Ensemble performed two songs during the meeting. That was followed by the recognition of an art display and a discussion led by MacArthur students about paintings by Francisco Goya.

The board also recognized the MacArthur High School football team for winning the Nassau County Championship. The team will be honored at the January board meeting.