Homeowners could face up to a 10 percent school tax increase if Gov. George Pataki's 2003-04 budget is passed as is. The governor proposes to slash state aid to the Levittown School District by $5.6 million, said School Superintendent Dr. Herman Sirois at the February meeting of the board of education.

In response to the proposed cuts, the board encouraged residents to reach out to their local legislators. Dr. Sirois handed out letters to all those in attendance, and said letters would be mailed home. The letter gives names and addresses of legislators and calls for no reductions in state aid, as well as a repeal of individual and business tax breaks being offered to the wealthy.

"The cuts in state aid would be devastating for the community," Dr. Sirois said. "We shouldn't get cut at all. We must contact our legislators. We should do this immediately."

"The governor's package is disappointing," added Board President Paul Granger. "It's going to take a lot of hard work (to avoid the budget cuts). We need to hear from you."

Also during the meeting, eight students and residents pleaded with the board not to eliminate the daycare portion of a vocational program offered by the district.

"I went through the program," said Veronica Zimberlin. "I am a teacher (now) and I'm there due to the program. And I've talked to a lot of parents. They love the program."

"The program gave me a reason to go to school," Jennifer Chiddo said. "The benefits of the program far outweigh the economic concerns."

Parents expressed concerns that if the program were canceled, they would be unable to find another daycare provider without paying much higher fees. However, Dr. Sirois said the program was a vocational program intended to benefit students, not necessarily the community, and would be continued at least through next year, so parents could find economical daycare replacements.

"We will review the concerns and get back to people," he said.

In other news, the board extended Dr. Sirois' contract through the 2007-08 school year. Board member John Garvey was concerned about the contract because of lifetime benefits the superintendent receives even if he leaves the school district. He also said the superintendent's salary would rise to $324,000 in 2007-08, and taxpayers would have to shoulder the costs. But other board members disagreed with Garvey's assessment.

"When you're looking at Dr. Sirois' salary, it's maybe two-tenths of one percent of the budget," said Granger. "I grew up in this school district. And I saw the reputation it had in the late '70s. I've seen a renaissance here in the past 11 years. That's why I wanted to raise my family here. The superintendent is a reason for the renaissance."

Garvey responded that while the superintendent's work has been valuable, all school personnel must be credited for the improved district image, and teachers should receive a large portion of the credit.

However, board member Michael Moriarity said: "A ship is only as good as its captain."

On a somber note, the board expressed its regret about the passing of high school student Danielle Lyons. There was a moment of silence in her memory.

Finally, Adult Education Director Kenneth Walden gave a presentation about the program he runs. He said he hopes to offer online courses in the future. This year, 927 people have signed up for the adult education program. Last year, 1,403 attended the 60 courses offered during the year and 30 during the summer. Last year's figure included 111 seniors and 156 out-of-town residents.