Garden City school district

VOTING

6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Garden City High School.

THE BUDGET

The district proposes a $110,158,627 budget for 2015-16, a 0.69 percent increase from the current $109,407,139. The local tax levy would increase 0.67 percent, from $98,376,806 to $99,036,334.

This increase is equal to the state's tax-cap limit of 0.67 percent, so a simple majority will be required to approve the budget. School taxes on an average single-family home would rise 0.04 percent, from $10,509 to $10,513. The proposed budget funds a 1 percent raise in teacher salaries and an average step increase of 2.2 percent. It would add 2.7 staff positions due to the introduction of a new engineering program as well as provide for technology and additional student support services. The budget also would restore some varsity, junior varsity and middle school sports, including seventh- and eighth-grade boys and girls combo soccer teams and implementing a winter strength & conditioning program at the high school.

There are no cuts in services or programs.

Voters will consider a referendum authorizing the district to create a capital reserve fund of up to $10 million for capital improvements to district facilities. This referendum will have no impact on taxes or the tax rate.

District website:

gardencity.k12.ny.us

CANDIDATES

Incumbents Robert Martin and Damianos "Tom" Pinou are running unopposed. Terms are three years. Members are elected by seat.