The Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education recently presented the school district's proposed 2004-2005 budget. While there have been some indications of an upturn in the economy on both the national and state levels, according to the board, the funding of education through federal and state aid has not yet benefited significantly from this.

During the upcoming school year, the district is not anticipating any increase in their aid, which had been reduced in 2003-2004. Despite the lack of governmental funding for education, the district said that the proposed budget will provide the students of Plainview-Old Bethpage with the high quality education that the community has come to expect. Maintaining a high quality educational system not only benefits students, but also the residents of the community, as there is a direct correlation between a strong school district and high property values, according to the board.

The proposed budget for 2004-05 is $98,651,190, an increase of 7.43 percent over the current budget, which, in terms of dollars, is $6,826,282. Of this total increase, 99.12 percent is attributable to mandated costs. Among these mandated increases are the following items: contractual salary increases for employees ($3,598,000), student transportation costs ($449,000), state retirement system contributions ($1,358,842), insurance costs ($978,537), Social Security contributions ($209,0 44), and the impact of beginning the principal repayment of the public library bond ($172,914)

Less than 1 percent of the increase is related to discretionary costs. Despite these mandated increases, the district is able to present a budget that maintains all of the district's educational programs, allows class sizes to remain constant, assures adequate numbers of textbooks for all students, continues the expansion of district technology initiatives and provides funding for needed roof repair. While the district is not undertaking the introduction of any new programs, the funding in the proposed budget will assure that existing programs are adequately supported.

The budget also contains funds for programs such as adult education and the Plainview Senior Citizens Club. According to the board, the school district offers students excellent, well-rounded educational programs. In June 2003, 83 percent of the graduates earned New York State Regents diplomas, one of the highest percentages in the state. The district continues to excel in competitions ranging from scientific research to the arts. This year, two students from the high school earned recognition as semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search program. Students also distinguished themselves in the DECA, FIRST (robotics) and Science Olympiads competitions. The art, music and theater programs provide many of our students with a means to develop and display their considerable talents and abilities. Interscholastic sports are viewed as an essential part of affording our students a well-rounded education. The district said they are proud of the number of students participating on sports teams and the manner in which they represent the district.

Some residents have questioned last year when they were told the increase was 9.3 percent, but their tax bills increased by a higher percentage. According to the district, the tax rate, and the total amount of tax dollars residents pay, is determined by the Nassau County Assessor's Office, not the school district. School districts have no input into this process.

There are four seats open on the Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education and five candidates running. Current member Alicia Kabak is not seeking re-election. The candidates are incumbent Cheryl Dender, incumbent, Cathy Shapp, incumbent David Kralstein, Wendy Richter and Debbie Bernstein.

The vote of every resident in Plainview-Old Bethpage is important, so please remember to vote on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.