Voters rejected the 2004-2005 Plainedge School District budget this Tuesday, with 1,499 voting against it, and 1,367 in favor. The $55.8 million budget reflected an 8.1 percent increase over the current budget. The increase includes funding for the bond payments on the district's capital construction project.

There were 1,581 residents who voted for the Plainedge Library Budget, and 1,352 who voted against it.

Eighteen-year-old Douglas Pascarella, a senior at Plainedge High School, beat 48-year-old attorney and incumbent Dominic DiPrisco in the School Board race. Pascarella received 1,360 votes and DiPrisco received 998. Loretta Giardina, who ran unopposed, received 1,731 votes.

The district met Wednesday to discuss whether or not to put the budget back up before the public. (Editor's note: As the meeting took place after press time, the district's decision will be included in next week's issue).

Practically speaking, revotes have to be held by the end of next month in order to preserve the schools' summer programs. If revotes fail, then the districts are restricted under state law to increases of no more than 2.76 percent.

The Massapequa School District's Budget passed, with 2,592 voting for, and 2,329 voting against. The budget reflected a proposed increase of 7.9 percent.

A transportation proposition that would have reduced the mileage requirement for busing eligibility from the current one mile to half a mile for students in grades one through six was overwhelmingly defeated, with 3,555 residents voting against, and 1,321 voting in favor. The proposition, if passed, would have incurred an estimated additional cost of $1.03 million, which was not factored into the budget.

The Massapequa Library budget passed with 2,737 yes votes and 2,140 no votes. Library Trustees Anthony Demasco, the incumbent of 25 years, defeated his first ever opponent, Myron Roochvarg, by 2,125 votes. Demasco and Roochvarg received 2,606 votes and 481 votes respectively.

Massapequa Board of Education Trustee Arlene Martin defeated Gary Bennet, 2999 votes to 1683 votes. Maryann Fisher won over Al Ayan, 2589 votes to 698 votes.

The Massapequa Board of Education will hold special meetings May 22 in the Central Office Board Room at 9 a.m. The board plans to move directly into executive session for the purpose of discussing specific personnel.