The Chinese call it Yin and Yang, the concept of total opposites coming together to create perfect balance. On May 16, our community created its own version of this concept by approving the 2000/01 budget by a large margin. In doing, so, the Massapequa community created a balance between the understandable desire to minimize tax increases and the commitment to educational excellence.

The turnout of 3,800 voters was not significantly large, about the same as last year. The voting took place in four different locations, and each location recorded a majority of the voters in favor of the budget. The budget passed by over 400 votes.

I want to express my appreciation to those who took the time to vote and to the local organizations which provided me with the opportunity to speak with their group about the budget. While we may not all agree in every instance on the priority of expenditures, the school board and I are committed to fiscal responsibility and intend to be effective and efficient in moving toward the goal of providing high quality educational programs for the youth of our community.

Beginning immediately, our focus will be on the implementation of our Six-Long-Range Plans and the completion of the facility renovations made possible by community approval last year.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. Questions or comments concerning our educational program may be directed to me through my office at 797-6160.

Lawrence Pereira