Chaos Erupts as Board Addresses Busing, Audit

The Levittown Board of Education held a special meeting at the Levittown Memorial Education Center on June 22 for the purpose of discussing a petition protesting its recent decision to alter the district’s student transportation eligibility policy.

IT Board Appoints New Superintendent

The Island Trees Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Charles Murphy as its new superintendent of schools. In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, June 24, Dr. Murphy was appointed with a start date of Aug. 17. The community members who were present provided a warm welcome for its new superintendent.

Town Announces Reconstruction of Levittown Parking Fields

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilman Gary Hudes have announced that the reconstruction of several parking fields in Levittown has commenced and is near completion.

State Comptroller: Poor Budgeting Practices at Levittown Led to $6M Deficit

District Agrees With Recommendations, Has Already Implemented Corrective Measures

Inaccurate estimates on revenue and spending over several years led to a $6 million budget gap and $15.9 million in excess reserve funds at Levittown Schools, according to an audit released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Island Trees Teacher Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

Currently Being Held Without Bail

An Island Trees Memorial Middle School teacher pleaded not guilty on June 12 to federal charges of downloading videos of child pornography.
According to U.S. District Court documents, between Oct. 1, 2008 and June 11, 2009, Richard Hartig, 42, “intentionally received visual depictions…involving the use of one or more minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.”

Levittown Board Holds First Regular Meeting Since Budget Vote

Bus Transportation Eligibility Reduction

Prompts Debate

On the evening of June 10, the Levittown Public School District’s Board of Education held a public meeting at the Levittown Memorial Education Center.
It was the board’s first regular meeting – that is, a meeting that was not a hearing or a planning session – since the 2009/10 budget was voted on and passed on May 19.

Rescue Ink Takes Fight Against Animal Abuse to a New Level

For nearly two years, Rescue Ink has been crusading to put an end to animal cruelty and neglect.

Rescue Ink, a nonprofit organization on Long Island, was formed in 2007 by several longtime friends who were united by their love and admiration of animals.

Government Consolidation Bill Passes Assembly, Senate

Gives Residents Power to Dissolve Special Taxing Districts

A bill that would streamline the process for local governments, including villages, towns and special districts to be dissolved has passed overwhelmingly in the New York State Assembly and Senate.
The bill, entitled the “New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act,” was unveiled by New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
The bill is designed to give residents the power to dissolve local governments such as special districts, towns and villages. School districts are not included. Proponents view the act as a way to streamline governments in favor of a more cost-effective way of delivering services to residents.

Suozzi Announces Bid to Run for Re-election

Says It’s Time for A Property Tax Revolution

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced his bid to run for re-election to the post he has held since 2001. Suozzi will be running this November to continue as the Nassau County Executive in a time when residents are hurting financially from a national recession.

With residents of Nassau County particularly finding it difficult to continue their way of life in the communities they call home because of the property tax burden, Suozzi says it’s time for a property tax revolution.

Foreclosure Prevention Seminar Offers Free Information for Residents

Saladino Said Goal Was to Promote Help, Guidance and Counseling

In a home foreclosure prevention education seminar on Thursday evening, May 15 at the Farmingdale Library, Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino’s goal was to promote the fact that free help, guidance, and counseling are available for those who feel they are on the brink of foreclosure or in foreclosure of their homes.