The Plainedge Board of Education, at its meeting Aug. 14, voted to leave the tax levy at the $74,989 that was estimated last May, despite the fact that the Senate and Assembly's proposed "bare bones budget" cuts $100,000 from the district's anticipated revenue. That budget is $4 billion less than the Governor's January proposal.

The board voted to leave the tax rate at the estimated amount proposed to voters last May rather than increase it by $.15 to cover the loss in revenue with the hope that legislative leaders will agree to put money back in, at least to the level proposed by the Governor.

According to Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John A. Richman, when the district developed its budget last spring, it based anticipated revenues on the Governor's proposed January budget. "History tells us that, in New York, using the Governor's figures was a safe bet. Typically, actual revenues were higher once the Senate and Assembly leaders became involved in budget negotiations. This however, is not the case this year when leaders cannot even agree on a complete budget.

"The state's budget process this year is a travesty to residents of our community and to all New Yorkers. Sadly, many people don't seem to understand the impact on the financial stability of the school district and other municipalities within our state," Richman said.