On behalf of the Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education, I am writing to apprise you that on April 1, 2004, the Board of Education adopted the 2004-2005 Educational Plan and Budget. The Board and Administration worked very hard in proposing a fiscally sound budget given today's economy. We believe that achievement, fiscal accountability, and action will be the driving forces that enable us to continue to improve in these difficult times. The budget to budget increase of 4.28 percent, the second lowest in Nassau County, preserves virtually all of the programs we have this school year for next year.

You will be receiving the Budget Newsletter shortly, however, we wanted to make sure that you are aware of several important dates. They are:

Voters can register on Tuesday, May 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at all of the elementary schools.

Public hearing on 2004-2005 Educational Plan - Thursday, May 6, at 7 p.m., Willis Avenue School, 2nd Floor, Board Conference Room

Election and Budget Vote - Tuesday, May 18, 2004 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m .

Copies of the Educational Plan and Budget are available at District Offices, each school building and the Mineola Public Library. Please feel free to call me at 237-2001 if you have any questions.