Plainedge School Voters Guide 2010

VOTING

6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Plainedge High School.

THE BUDGET

The district is proposing a budget of $76,495,500 for the 2010-11 school year, an increase of 2.86 percent over the current budget of $74,366,252. The proposed tax levy for the 2010-11 school year is $55,841,910, an increase of 2.93 percent over the current tax levy of $54,254,542.

The estimated amount of school tax paid on an average single-family house assessed at $383,200 would be $8,131, a 2.3 percent increase from the current figure of $7,948.

The budget calls for a contractual teacher salary increase of 1 percent. It also calls for staff reductions, including seven teachers, one custodian and one central office employee.

Most clubs and services remain intact; however, two athletic teams - one in the high school, one in the middle school - are proposed to be cut, along with three middle school clubs and two high school clubs.

In addition to the budget, there is a referendum on the ballot asking to use $520,000 of capital reserves to renovate the high school track. There would be no increase to the tax rate; the entire project would be funded with capital reserves.

District website:

plainedgeschools.org

THE CANDIDATES

There are two open seats with three-year terms, but only one candidate is running: incumbent Douglas Pascarella. The other seat will be filled by a write-in candidate. Nancy Giris is not seeking re-election.