Despite being four months late, announcement of the New York State educational aid package last week provided the Massapequa Board of Education an opportunity to further reduce the burden on taxpayers.

"It was good news on two fronts," noted Alan Adcock, assistant superintendent for business. "The aid received was more than anticipated and the aid figures came in before the tax levy was set." In a unanimous vote at its Aug. 12 meeting, the board of education authorized use of the $240,960 additional aid received to reduce the tax levy increase from 9.74 percent to 9.49 percent.

"School taxes paid by our residents are already below the county average and will be even lower with this move by the board of education," noted Adcock. "The district is continuing to implement its long-range financial plan designed to fund liabilities, improve efficiency and reduce interest costs. As a result of our financial plan, Moody's Investor Services recently upgraded the Massapequa School District debt rating from A2 to A1. This illustrates how the Massapequa Board of Education is cognizant of the burden faced by taxpayers."