Business leader addresses contract negotiations

Following the Terrific Kids awards presentations on Nov. 19, most of the audience dispersed before the start of the East Meadow Board of Education’s monthly Communications Meeting at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center
auditorium.

Sticking around for the meeting were the regulars — a mix of administrators, civic leaders, PTA members and concerned parents and residents — and a small contingent of business owners from East Meadow.

Richard Bivone, president of the Long Island Business Council and a past president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, addressed the school board on behalf of many of his fellow business owners.

Bivone asked the school board to take the economic downturn into consideration while undergoing contract negotiations with the East Meadow Teachers Association, which are expected to occur in the spring.

Bivone pointed to a 10-percent unemployment rate in the community, and said people simply can’t afford more tax increases. He emphasized that business leaders are extending an “olive branch” to both sides, and hope to be involved in the process.

“This is not an attack on our school system,” Bivone said. “What we are looking for is a working relationship with them.”

No pass, no ride

The district announced that eligible students who ride the bus are required to have a pass, with the exception of kindergartners. To check eligibility, call the Transportation office at (516) 478-5771. There will be random checks throughout the year, school officials said.

Budget planning

Preparation for next year’s budget has already begun, school officials said. The superintendent’s budget proposal is expected to be presented to the school board on March 29. Prior to that, there will be a public budget input meeting, on March 4 at 8 p.m. in the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center.