An overview of the East Meadow school, library budgets

The voters head to the booths on Tuesday at their local elementary schools to decide on this year's budget proposals for the East Meadow School District and the East Meadow Public Library.

East Meadow School District budget
   
The East Meadow School District, led by Superintendent Louis DeAngelo, is presenting a budget to the community that includes a 1.7 percent increase in spending. That figure is believed to be a record low, and is less than the 2009-10 budget, which was a 2.2 percent hike.
   
The estimated increase in the tax levy, the total amount the district must raise in property taxes in order to meet expenses, is projected at 1.3 percent. In 2009-10, the tax levy rose 3.7 percent.
   
With the state facing major deficits, and threatening cuts to state aid, many districts across the state are proposing cuts to programs and jobs. East Meadow is not. The proposed budget for 2010-11 maintains current instructional and co-curricular programs, maintains class size within district guidelines, avoids excessing of staff and continues the use of Smart Board technology.
   
The proposed budget also provides for remedial and academic intervention services, student academies; professional staff development; college and advanced placement level programs; performing arts programs; Quest, Metamorphosis and Science Research Initiatives; Interscholastic and Varsity Athletics Programs; Secondary Summer School; Elementary Summer Learning Program; and Capital Program Health and Safety Items.

If the school budget fails ..