With only two weeks left until the June 13 bond and budget votes, the Plainedge School District is hustling to get its message across to voters.

The district is scurrying to stress the importance of the upcoming vote. Newsletters detailing the proposed $50 million bond and the revamped $40 million budget have been sent to homes. Posters hang in school hallways urging visiting parents to vote for the bond and budget, and flyers are sent home with elementary students.

"We always take a great deal of effort to communicate the issues," said Alice Mateos, spokeswoman for the district.

Although the district had a major voter registration drive before the budget was defeated, there is still opportunity for residents to register. On Tuesday, June 6, voter registration will be held from noon to 10 p.m. at the four polling places: Northedge, East Plain, John West and Schwarting schools.

Proof of residency is required to register.

Two public hearings ¬ one on the bond, another on the budget ¬ will be held by the school board to address concerns and answer questions from residents. On Monday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m., the board will be open to the public regarding the revamped budget. On Thursday, June 8, the board will hold a dialogue regarding the bond vote.

"As a board member, it's in the community's best interest to pass this bond," said Rhona Vitagliano, school board vice president. "It will only enhance our schools and property values."

Also in the works is another letter the school board will send to residents. The letter will address concerns residents raised resulting from lost tax revenues from New Island and Massapequa General Hospitals, which were recently granted a tax exempt status as not-for-profit entities. Two percent of tax revenues were shifted to residential property owners, and the board quickly attacked county legislators for not shifting the burden to commercial real estate.

The letter will also urge residents to vote for both the bond and budget.

"For those who have children in school, this is an investment in children. For those without children in the school district, this is investment in the community," said Vitagliano.