I am writing to you today to discuss the school budget vote scheduled for May 15. I have been working with the administration and the Levittown School Board over the last several years in an effort to help improve our Athletic facilities throughout the School District.

The Levittown Seaford Wantagh Athletic Association (LSWAA) received approval to install and donate a turf field, from the school board in 2006. We have worked with professionals in the industry of artificial surfaces, while completing our due diligence process. We were able to compile data from qualified institutions that support the use of the product we selected. The new turf field was completed in January. LSWAA continues to support and speaks in favor of additional artificial surfaces for the school district.

The Levittown School Board approved as part of the 2007-08 school budget, the addition of new turf fields and lighting for the MacArthur and Division High School football fields. I believe this is a tremendous leap forward for the children in our community! These fields will be used by the football, lacrosse, soccer, band, cheerleading and track programs for both boys and girls. I may have left out a few, and for that I apologize. I hope that the very next step will include baseball and softball.

I participated in the school board budget meeting this past March. I was very impressed by the level of professionalism and detail that Superintendent Dr. Herman Sirois and his administration place upon this process. Their use of a multi-year budget format has proven to keep increases at manageable levels and amongst the lowest in Nassau County. While it is very critical that the administration and the Levittown School Board consider all the programs for our children, whether academic or athletic, it is also prudent that a large percentage of the enrollment benefit from a capitalization of this size. I support the direction the administration and school board has taken and will definitely vote, yes, on May 15. I urge all Levittown School District members to vote yes as well on May 15 so that we can continue the success of our athletic programs.

Rich Barry

Executive Vice President

Levittown Seaford Wantagh Athletic Association