MPSA projects a 10.71 percent annual school budget increase when compared to the actual prior year audited financial statements.

Most homeowners are unaware that the school district's recent budget increase announcement is misleading because it is a comparison to the prior year budget, not the prior year actual audited results. Further, the budget is not subject to an independent audit; as such the annual announced budget increase is readily manipulated, as happened, details follow.

MPSA has identified over the past two years through the review of the audited financial statements that the budget grossly overstated the real cost to operate the school district by approximately $4 million or 6 percent on average for each year. The school district referred to this 6 percent as the "rainy day fund."

If the school board is truly committed to transparency and accountability they should disclose the accuracy of past budgets prior to the May 20 budget vote. Further, if the school board was committed to lowering taxes, they would eliminate from the current budget the portion allocated for the "rainy day fund."

MPSA continues to find solutions to lower school taxes without affecting the quality of education. To learn more about MPSA see their web site at manhassetpsa.com.

J. Vivinetto