A $106 million budget adopted by the Massapequa School District April 19, will be put to the vote May 15. The 2001-2002 plan reflects a 6.5 percent increase in overall spending over last year's budget, which translates into a 7.5 percent tax increase, considered the average tax increase for school districts in Nassau County.

Various factors are responsible for driving up the budget, including a large cost increase in medical insurance, special education, and a marked increase in student enrollment, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lawrence Pereira.

The Massapequa School District experienced an increase in enrollment by almost 300 students this year alone. The district is anticipating between 200 and 300 new students next year, according to Dr. Pereira. In order to provide for the growing student population, additional budgetary support totaling $1.8 million was allotted for personnel, textbooks, equipment and supplies, special education and transportation.

"Massapequa is the place to be right now because the opportunity for a relatively low tax rate and a quality education program are here," Dr. Pereira said. The district is currently working with BOCES to develop a long-term enrollment study to determine the projected growth of the student population for the next five to seven years.

An additional $500,000 designated for capital projects is included in the budget.

Even with this year's increase, Massapequa's tax-rate is in the bottom third of the county, with $4,464 being the average in school taxes in Nassau County for 2000-2001. For the past two years the district's tax increase was above the county average: in 1999, to support the $49 million facilities bond, and in 2000 to resolve financial issues which were the result of excessive borrowing and a history of minimal tax rate increases.

With the funds raised by this year's budget, the district was able to reallocate funds, begin to pay off outstanding debts, and appropriately fund programs, resulting in an improved bond rating and a positive auditors report, according to Business Administrator Alan Adcock. "With this budget, we will be able to run the program efficiently, while continuing to offer students in the Massapequa School District a quality education," he said.

The new budget continues to support such initiatives as revising curricula, maintaining current class size guidelines, purchasing new textbooks, equipment and supplies for classrooms, and increasing commitment to staff development. Two thousand new computers were recently installed districtwide. The new budget provides for continued technical support and staff training necessary for the integration of technology into the school's programs.

Nine curriculum committees were recently formed to review and evaluate the current program in keeping with the New York State Education Department's new standards. Areas such as K-12 English Language Arts, K-12 Mathematics, K-12 Special Education Inclusion and Early Childhood will be making recommendations for future consideration to the board.

The new budget will also support Massapequa's comprehensive adult education program, partially fund the Senior Citizens Center and its programs, and continue to make district facilities available to residents.

Residents are reminded to vote for the School District Budget and the Election of Trustees May 15.