School Board Adopts Budget Package, Welcomes New Superintendent

At an eventful school board meeting Monday night, the introduced its new superintendent and adopted its proposed 2012-13 schools budget, all the course of 90 minutes.

The board hired the current superintendent of East Williston Union Free School District, by a unanimous vote followed by a standing ovation.

She will replace longtime Plainview Schools Superintendent who is retiring at the end of the year.

A short reception with cake and photo opportunities followed where Dr. Lewis met members of the community. When they returned to the regular session, the school board adopted its budget proposal for the 2012-13 school year.

The budget, which also passed 7-0, brought no surprises. The $137 million plan represents a modest 2.2 percent increase in overall spending. It maintains all staff and programs. In fact, the plan would convert two part-time teachers into full time positions.. In addition, the districts Chinese language program is being expanded into the middle schools and Plainview JFK High School.

The tax levy, the amount to be raised through property taxes, would increase by 2.5 percent. That figure is well under the state’s so-called tax cap, which is derived from a complex formula. 

The budget will be the subject of several public hearings this month. The public will decide the outcome of the budget on May 15.

Patch will have more detailed stories on both major issues in Tuesday's editions.