The Levittown Property Owners Association met on June 10, the last regular meeting before the summer two-month break.

The approved school budget vote was discussed. The outcome surprised some members as the district mailed an informational circular after the vote was held; the LPOA executive board had disapproved the budget as presented. With reassessment impacting homeowners negatively, many expect increased school taxes in October of approximately $800-$1,000, combined with similar increases likely in Nassau County taxes, per homeowner. The average Levittown homeowner now pays around $3,500 in school taxes. The STAR contribution will remain frozen at last year's rate. In light of ever-increasing taxes, the 15 percent raise awarded our superintendent came under questioning.

In regards to the North Village Green case, Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes announced that the Town has hired an outside legal firm to represent it in the contested zoning battle. Attorney Peter Sullivan is experienced in cases dealing with churches and public property. He will defend the town's decision denying variances for parking spaces in public parking fields requested by the Malankara church. The Town's position is that the community's needs come first.

Councilman Hudes said that in response to complaints about Hempstead Turnpike's median maintenance, he had met with the Department of Transportation's new acting director and contracts are being activated to address this. Also, he noted that the section of Levittown Parkway included in the Town of Hempstead will be repaved with new curbing installed during the summer.

Member Andy Booth, LPOA representative at school board meetings, questioned plans the board is considering for a new course offering for emergency medical technicians. He questions the money spent on the program, as it is given free by the fire department throughout the state. He asks if the course is for adult education or vocational education, pointing out that students must be 18 years of age to take the state test. He added that a minor under 18 cannot be fingerprinted (a requirement) without parents' permission. "Isn't this a waste of time and school tax dollars?" he asked. The Board of Health sets rules and regulations for the program. The LPOA will write a letter on the issue to the board.

The membership approved a motion offered by Booth to ask the board of education to rearrange their meetings so that students perform at planning sessions, not at general sessions to allow more time for comments from the general public. This was seconded by Joe Towell.

Also, a vote was approved to send a letter to an upstate school district supporting them in their stand against state-mandated programs.

The LPOA will invite Police Inspector George Gudmundsen, commanding officer of the 8th Precinct to speak at its Oct. 14 meeting. When calling the police, we suggested that members identify themselves as LPOA members, also, make note of the day and time of response and the officer's name.

The next meeting of the LPOA will be on Sept. 9 in the Levittown Public Library at 7:30 p.m.