With the school budget votes approaching, area districts have adopted 2002-2003 school year operating budgets that will go before voters. Districts hope that in spite of shortfalls in 2001-2002 state aid, voters will still find the budgets fiscally responsible enough to approve this month.

The Franklin Square Union Free School District Board of Education adopted a budget in the amount of $22,472,785 for the 2002-2003 school year, which reflects an estimated tax increase of $1.98 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The Valley Stream High School District adopted a budget in the amount of $63,970,740, which reflects an estimated tax increase of $2.17 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The Sewanhaka Central High School District, which is comprised of Elmont Memorial High School, Sewanhaka High School, Floral Park Memorial High School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School and H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square, adopted a budget that amounts to $101,427,655, which reflects an estimated tax increase of $2.34 per $100 of assessed valuation.