Two wealthy areas reject school budgets

In Port Jefferson and Garden City, relatively wealthy areas with modest school tax burdens and modest proposed spending increases, school budgets that usually pass easily were among the biggest surprise defeats of the day.

In Port Jefferson, the mood on Main Street was that money is being spent unwisely. Some who voted Tuesday against the $37.7-million budget, which failed 1,052 to 584, said the district needs to better control finances.

"I believe it was sending a huge message to the superintendent and the district, that the spending has to stop," said Dennis Mannarino, 49, a member of Parents United for Responsible Education, which called for the budget's defeat.

"I voted no," said resident Jimmy Eagan, 49. "I think there's an imbalance. Our budgets need to be restructured."

But Jeff Potter, 36, a father of three small children, said the anger may be misplaced. "They thought by voting the budget down, they are getting back at some of the administration. But the administrators get to keep their jobs and their salaries, too. But sadly, programs get cut."

Port Jefferson school trustee Robert Frey said a 2-to-1 rejection shows people are looking for spending cuts - the budget proposed a small 1.53 percent spending increase - and worried about the current economic climate. "You have to listen to that voice," Frey said. "We have to go back to the drawing table, and try to come up with a strategy to cut back on costs." Frey said the district will include community members in a series of meetings.

Garden City voters rejected - 1,662 to 1,459 - a $98-million budget with a 3.21 percent increase. The district will weigh its options on whether to retool the budget for a June 15 revote, present the same budget or go straight to contingency.

The district is analyzing exit poll information, said Superintendent Robert Feirsen. "There might be some insight into what went on. I would hesitate to speculate."

Feirsen said the district's per-pupil cost is among the lowest in similar school districts, and the tax rate is below the median, adding that 62 percent of the budget increase was due to rising pension costs the district is required to pay.

Ronald Tadross, with gardencityresidents.org, said taking money from student programs to help pay for teacher wages and benefits infuriated residents. "That was a dangerous precedent to set. . . . I hope Garden City and the school board will hear this and try to make positive changes, especially in a [teacher contract] negotiation year."