For the third time in four years, Westbury residents voted May 16 to defeat the school district's $85.3 million spending plan. A mere 16 votes meant the rejection of the 2006-2007 budget with 790 (51 percent) votes cast against and 806 (49 percent) votes cast for the 9.37 budget-to-budget increase. As a result, district officials have decided to put the budget up for a revote later next month.

Since 2003, Westbury residents have defeated the budget three times: In addition to this year's budget, the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 budgets were also defeated. While school officials chose to operate under the contingency budget in 2003-2004, the 2004-2005, which originally failed 716 to 659, was put up for a revote three weeks later, passing by 17 votes with 957 voting in favor and 940 against. With only 16 votes making the difference this year, Westbury School officials hope the June 20 revote will have more positive results.

"Our students have made tremendous academic gains over the last few years, of which we are very proud, and to see the budget fail by such a narrow margin is disappointing, especially for the children. The modest tax levy increase of 4.74 percent, which was among the lowest on Long Island, is a small price to pay to maintain the continued success of our students while providing them with the quality education they deserve," said Superintendent of Westbury Schools Dr. Constance Clark. "I am hopeful that the community will carefully reconsider the budget and make a decision with our children's best interests in mind."

Under New York State law, those districts who wish to schedule a revote on their failed budgets must all do so on the same day - Tuesday, June 20. A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Westbury High School Library.

Should the budget be defeated for a second time, the 2006-2007 contingency budget would be $83,649,759 - a $5,656,014 or 7.25 percent increase over the current year's spending plan and a mere $1,655,244 less than what was initially proposed to voters. Operation under the contingency budget would mean the elimination of equipment, capital projects, new staff positions and field trips, as well as other items, during the 2006-2007 school year.

In the highly contested race for the Westbury Board of Education, three seats were up for grabs. Incumbent Karin Campbell, who received 839, was re-elected to a three-year term as was Pless Dickerson, who received 821 votes. Incumbent Connie LoCascio, with the third highest number of votes, having received 787, was re-elected to finish out the remaining two years on Karen Hollie's term. Results for the other three candidates were as follows: Anthony Preston, 534 votes; Rod Bailey, 441 votes; and Pedro Quintanilla, 500 votes.

Of her re-election to the board, LoCascio said, "I would like to thank all the voters who came out to vote for the budget and to re-elect me to serve another term. Thank you again for all the support you have shown me."

Dickerson, who received the second highest number of votes, said, "I am deeply appreciative and want to thank those who supported me. It was affirmative of the work I have done in the past and how forgiving and supportive my community is. I am very proud to be a part of the Westbury community." As a trustee, Dickerson said he will "listen to what the community wants and needs and be a responsive board member."

In terms of the budget, Dickerson said, "Our kids need our support. I hope the community will come out and support the kids of Westbury. "

With the first budget vote so close, Campbell said she is "counting on those who came out the first time and voted yes to come out again. To those who were unable to vote [last week], I am appealing to you to make a special effort to come out Tuesday, Jan. 20 for the re-vote to show support for our children and our community."

LoCascio added, "Everyone in the community needs to come together and support our school district by passing the revote on June 20."