With the state aid secured from the passing of the state budget, the Mineola School District will put a 2008-2009 school budget before voters that will seek a tax levy increase of 1.85 percent.

Superintendent of the Mineola School District Dr. Larry Licopoli believes a school tax levy increase of 1.85 percent will be one of the lowest, if not the lowest in Nassau County.

The Mineola Board of Education is expected to adopt the proposed budget for the 2008-2009 school year at tomorrow night's board of education meeting (7:30 p.m. at the Willis Avenue School).

The proposed 2008-2009 budget calls for a spending plan totaling $78,325, 275, an increase of 3.52 percent. It was originally believed that the budget's tax levy, which is the amount of the budget to be raised by taxes, would increase by 2.60 percent. However, because of additional state revenue that came as a result of the budget passing, the proposed tax levy increase is expected to be 1.85 percent.

Dr. Licopoli thanked the state elected officials who represent the Mineola area such as Senator Craig Johnson, Assemblyman Tom McKevitt and Assemblywoman Michele Schimel for helping to secure more state aid for the district.

"Education is one part of the budget that needs as much funding as possible," said McKevitt. "We all know that today's students will make up tomorrow's work force. The best way to ensure that they are successful and our economy is successful is to invest in education."

The district, in formulating its budget proposal, believed it was getting $5.4 million in state aid. However, according to assistant superintendent for business and operation Jack Waters, the district is now expected to receive approximately $6 million.

The budget vote is May 20. If residents fail to pass the budget, the board of education could opt for another vote or adopt a contingency budget. If the school district were to operate the 2008-2009 school year under a contingency budget, the tax levy increase would be 1.81 percent as opposed to the proposed 1.85 percent, according to Waters.

- Joe Rizza