Budget Passed, but What's Next For School Spending?

About 90 percent of Long Island school budgets passed Tuesday, , but at some point, expenses are going to go up. It's inevitable.

The state's so called restricts the amount district's can increase their spending year to year. It was originally heralded by state lawmakers as a 2 percent cap.

That's not the whole truth: The actual figure is comprised from a complicated formula, typical of New York State. The actual figure varies from district to district. You need an accountant -- in Plainview's case, Ryan Ruf, the district's assistant superintendent for business and finance, to determine the actual number.

Plainview's budget was under the cap figure -- that is, for Plainview. The budget passed easily by a 2-1 margin.

Sooner or later, Plainview will need more money to pay for its excellent programs and staff. One day, Plainview will need to bust the cap, school officials concede.

What then? We know taxes are high and hard for some to pay. Will you vote for a higher budget or against one? Are you willing to give up programs and quality education because of an arbitrary number decided in Albany's vacuum?

Take our poll and sound off in the comments.