Patchogue-Medford School Voters Guide 2010

VOTING

7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Eagle, Tremont and Medford elementary schools and Saxton and South Ocean middle schools.

THE BUDGET

The district is proposing a budget of $161,909,628 for the 2010-11 school year, an increase of 3.58 percent over the current budget of $156,310,354. The tax levy would rise to $93,283,635, an increase of 2.9 percent over the current figure of $90,654,541.

The average homeowner with a home with an assessed valuation of $2,667 would pay $5,536 in school taxes, an increase of 2.9 percent over the current figure of $5,380.

The proposed budget also includes an increase in teacher salaries of 3.5 percent - plus varying step increases - and no reduction in teaching staff, programs or services.

The district said there is a potential for "minimal adjustments" in instructional support staff dependent upon program needs and a restoration of BOCES occupational education programs for juniors and physical education programs for kindergartners.

District website:

pmschools.org

THE CANDIDATES

Donald Atkins and Debra Rafano are running for a seat carrying a three-year term occupied by Michael Miles, who is not seeking re-election. Incumbent Thomas P. Donofrio is running unopposed, also a three-year term.

Donald Atkins

BACKGROUND: Atkins, 58, a lifelong district resident, lives with his wife, Vicki Ann. He graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School and has a business management degree from SUNY Delhi. He is vice president of the specialties division and an underwriting manager at the Melville office of an insurance and risk management company.

ISSUES: Atkins said the country's financial condition has severely influenced both individual taxpayers and the revenue stream of all school districts. His job experience with budgets, finance and conflict resolution would be beneficial to the district, he said. "Allocation of revenue streams becomes most critical when negatively affected by depression, like financial conditions occurring within the economy," said Atkins. "The current environment dictates that we take advantage of all sources of revenue."

Debra Rafano

BACKGROUND: Rafano, 50, has lived in the district for 18 years and is a Realtor in Patchogue. She and her husband, Edward, have three children; two have graduated from the district and one is a student in the district high school.

ISSUES: Rafano, a self-proclaimed "special-education advocate," estimates that more than 12 percent of the district's students entering high school are not on a ninth-grade reading and math level. If elected, she vows to work with affected students and their families. She also said that spending must be reduced, while holding the line on property taxes. "Three failed budgets have sent a strong message: Cuts need to be made," she said. "Administrative positions must be eliminated. We cannot continue to cut programs and activities."