From the desk of Superintendent Charles Cardillo: How to reach a supermajority vote

The Island Now

Requiring a supermajority vote is punitive…if 4000 people vote and 2,399 vote “yes” while only 4601 vote “no” the budget would be defeated…Where’s the outrage?

Because the preliminary working budget requires a tax levy greater than the levy allowed under the tax levy cap legislation, the budget requires a supermajority vote of 60% in order to pass.Simply put, two failed votes mandate that the tax levy increase is set at 0 percent.  This means the district must reduce the budget and levy by $6,832,380. This reduction results in a 13-14 budget of $85,362,624, which is $1,706,800 less than the current 12-13 budget. 

Bottom Line:  If the vote fails twice, we must reduce the budget by $6.8 million.  Under consideration:

1. Reduction of up to 14 FTE’s at the elementary level – $1.44 million reduction: elimination  of one section at each grade level K-6 in both elementary schools, thus increasing class sizes,  as shown on the projected elementary class-size slides #s 20 and 21 contained in the power point presentation on the district’s website at http://www.manhasset.k12.ny.us

2. Reduction of up to 14 FTE’s at the secondary level – $1.44 million reduction, i.e. this would translate into the elimination of up to 70 class sections across all subject areas – increasing class sizes, reducing student course options, and eliminating some course offerings.

3. Elimination of all interscholastic athletics at the Middle School, JV and Varsity Level – reduction of $2.0 million – Smply:  No sports at all – Grades 7 – 12.

4. Elimination of all before- and after-school programs and activities K–12 – Reduction of up to $350,000.  No clubs, elementary enrichment programs, or before- and after-school fine and performing arts.

5. Another $1.6 million or more would still have to be reduced throughout the remaining parts of the budget – including facilities, instructional technology, and personnel outside of teaching (custodial, administration, teaching assistants, supervisory aides, transportation, etc.)

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