After careful deliberation and public clamoring, Levittown Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Herman Sirois, has authorized the change order in the electrical contract with Gordon L. Seaman, Inc. at Lee Road School. In a consensus vote, the board of education decided that the contractor should relocate the 800-amp transformer, with an increase in contract not to exceed $15,021.98.

Last Wednesday night, approximately 30 residents from the community came down to the Levittown School Board meeting to support their fellow friends and neighbors in the public be heard section of the meeting. Area residents were upset that the transformer was too close to the property of their houses. In warranting the move, they felt that danger exists and it was not the aesthetics.

"My concern is with the potential danger that this transformer might have," said Valerie Forte, who had over 500 names in a petition against the transformer.

Begging the board to move the transformer, Forte said, "No one can predict what will happen and no one knows the answers, but I don't want to have to worry about cancer and other dangers."

Several other residents against the "6-ft. x 6-ft. x 6-ft. box" said that the transformer could potentially cause fires and other mishaps. There were also concerns raised about cancer, electromagnetic fields and the cost.

Joseph Ewald, maintenance supervisor, said that the purpose of a transformer is to drop the voltage down to the usability of the building. Yet, there are dangers, such as fires, he said.

According to Jeffrey Carlson, two-thirds of the cost of relocating the transformer will be aided, leaving approximately $5,000, or one-third, left for the district to pay.

John Crew asked the board to keep in mind the best interest of the community. "Do the right thing," he said. "You have the chance to fix it and pay the $5,000, which is not a lot of money. Have a little compassion for everyone in the room."

Rose Simone did not want to feel unsafe in her own home. "The decision affects everybody," she said. "You hear all these cancer stories. Even my son, who is 13, asked, 'Will I get cancer?'"

Vice President Diane Shapiro said that to move a transformer to an area by the parkway is a small move. "For safety issues, it should be moved by the parkway so that it is away from the children," she said. "We have a million-dollar budget, and this is only $5,000."

In other business, the Board of Education:

Accepted the Free and Reduced Price Meal Program policy;

Approved an increase in the musical instrument rental fee for the 2003-2004 school year from $65 to $70;

Expressed its regrets and sorrow at the untimely death of an employee, Patricia Ulbin, who was employed by the district in the Transportation Department for 16 years;

Appointed Kenneth Auer and Diane Shapiro (with James Moran as an alternate) representatives of the Levittown Board of Education to the Levittown Teacher's Center Policy Board for the 2003-2004 school year.

The next board meeting will be Wednesday, August 27 at 8 p.m.