The Massapequa Board of Education unanimously adopted the 2003 - 2004 school budget April 10. This budget allows us to maintain our current high quality program," stated Dr. Lawrence Pereira, superintendent of schools. "Current curriculum writing initiatives and staff development will be continued, as well as preserving class size and adequately maintaining facilities."

The budget calls for a spending increase over the prior year's budget by 6.37 percent. Alan Adcock, assistant superintendent for business said, "This increase is considered to be among the bottom half of all Nassau County School Districts."

Of the 6.37 percent, the board has been able to limit the spending increase under the areas that they control to 2.93 percent. The balance of the spending increase, 3.44 percent, is comprised of items not controlled by the board of education. They include increases to the New York State retirement systems, increases in the state's health insurance plan, increased student enrollment, and mandated BOCES costs.

Prior to the budget adoption, the Massapequa School Board held a series of public discussions that afforded board members the opportunity to discuss specific issues relating to budget development with district administration. The presentations made at these budget discussions were designed to provide board members and community residents with a clear, concise explanation of all aspects of the proposed budget. Community residents were urged to attend these discussions and were given the opportunity to ask specific questions about budget decisions.

New York State Legislators recently overturned the veto of Governor George Pataki to have the school board budget voting dates remain as originally planned May 20. The legislators had the votes to override his veto and voted to give the districts two more weeks and set the vote at June 3. This is a statewide mandate.

Most districts have already set their budgets and have publicized the budget dates so it will mean an additional cost to each district, to notify voters of the change.