As its April 28 meeting, the Manhasset Board of Education adopted the 1998-99 school budget. The board has been reviewing the document since February and budget discussion has involved members of the district's professional and support staff, administrators, the SCA and the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) on school finance. The board approved the budget by a vote of 4-1, with trustee William D'Antonio voting against the adopted budget.

As required by law, a public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 8 p.m. in the second floor board room at Manhasset Secondary School. The hearing will be held prior to a regularly scheduled board meeting.

The budget amount of $47,631,793, represents a 4.92 percent budget increase over the 1997-98 budget. The tax rate assessment blended over the four property classifications will be $41.878 per $100 of assessed valuation. Actual tax rates will vary based on the county and state adjusted base proportion formulas.

Among the new programs and opportunities included in the budget are added curriculum offerings in math research, social science research, art and music at the high school and middle school, expanded after-school learning opportunities and a current events club at the elementary schools; a boys and girls swimming team at the middle school and a boys junior varsity volleyball team at the high school. The budget also addresses enrollment, special education and health and safety needs of all students K-12.

The Citizens' Advisory Committee on School Finance has fully endorsed the 1998-99 budget. The CAC membership, comprised of local residents, appointed by the board of education who are representative of community interest, attitudes and backgrounds, reviews the proposed operating budget. The committee advises the board and administration on the acceptability of the budget which is to be presented to the community for approval. Detailed copies of the 1998-99 school budget will be available beginning May 5, in the district's central office, in the principal's office at each school and in the Manhasset Public Library. Questions about the school budget should be addressed to Mr. Shane Higuera, assistant superintendent for business, at 627-8011.

The annual school budget vote and election of two board of education members will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. at the Manhasset High School gymnasium. Dr. Vincent Calluzzo and Mrs. Barbara Donno, board members incumbents, are running unopposed for the two board terms which expire June 30. New terms will expire on June 30, 2001.

Residents are reminded that qualified voters must be pre-registered to vote on May 19. Two voter registration days remain: Tuesday, May 12, 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is held in the high school health/athletic conference room. Enter through the gymnasium doors and follow the signs to the conference room. Voters may check on their registration status by calling the district at 627-8011 or the County Board of Elections at 571-2411.