Plainview May Be Spared Budget Pain

The story on Long Island this spring has been about and voter anger.

But the Pcould sidestep these woes Tuesday if voters choose to accept a proposed $134 million budget, a fiscal plan representing a modest 2.5 percent increase in spending.

The polls open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at three district school buildings: , Old Bethpage School and

Voters must also decide between three candidates vying for two open trustee positions on the Board of Education. The choices are incumbents and and challenger

Despite major cuts to state aid to school districts, Plainview's budget represents a $3.3 million increase in overall spending. Some Long Island districts are proposing double-digit percentage increases.

Through a variety of factors, including transportation savings and planned use of its reserve fund, Plainview school officials say educational programs will not be cut and staff reductions have been kept to a minimum. Class sizes will be maintained and the district's "smart board" program will continue.

 The district will actually be adding a guidance counselor and American Sign Language program at the High School. The district has cut a handful of positions tied to declining enrollment and temporary positions, said Gary Bettan, the school board president.

On their web site, Plainview officials said the district has enacted "greater efficiencies, cost-reduction plans, and the strategic use of reserve funds."

Transportation costs have actually been reduced by more than $250,000 through new routing and other efficiencies. An energy efficiency program is paying dividends, and ongoing in-house maintenance programs are keeping renovation costs down.

This year's budget is the third in a row that will be presented to the public with less than a 3 percent increase in spending. The tax levy is just under 3 percent.

In the school board election, incumbents Lieberman (24 years on the board) and Bernstein (seven years) pointed to their experience and longstanding commitment to students and fiscal responsibility. 

Challenger Mazzocchi, who has been active in community sports, has argued the district's facilities have been neglected and are in need of attention and that the district could raise its standards.

To see all three of the candidate's position statements,