Mineola School Voters Guide 2010

VOTING

6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Cross Street School, Hampton Street School, Jackson Avenue School and Meadow Drive School.

THE BUDGET

The district is proposing a budget of $80,128,573 for the 2010-11 school year, an increase of 1.12 percent over the current $79,239,241 budget. The local tax levy would rise from $71,279,241 to $73,064,013 - a 2.5 percent increase.

The average homeowner would pay school taxes of $5,670, an increase of 2.5 percent over the current figure. The district said it did not have information on the assessed value of an average home in the district.

The proposed budget includes a 5 percent increase in teachers' salaries, including both a contractual raise and step increases. Five teaching positions will be eliminated through retirement and not replaced. Two administrators will be eliminated.

In addition to the budget, there is a referendum on the ballot to establish a capital reserve fund for future districtwide improvements. The fund is not to exceed $5 million, plus interest, during the period beginning June 30, 2010, until June 30, 2020. There is also a proposition on the ballot for all future board of education candidates to run for at-large seats instead of specific seats.

District website:

mineola.k12.ny.us

THE CANDIDATES

Irene Parrino is running unopposed for a seat with a three-year term. Laraine Salvatore is not seeking re-election.