Readers Write: Support Herricks’ budget, bond and me

The Island Now

Please take the time to vote on May 20.

For the past three years I have had the honor and responsibility of being a representative of the Herricks School District as a trustee of the Herricks School Board, and this year serving as its president. 

Three years ago, an over whelming endorsement of my candidacy took place when a record number taxpaying residents came out in the pouring rain to vote for a new board of education member, and for the Herricks school budget. These voters represented parents, young adults, senior citizens, and empty-nesters from the many communities that make up Herricks and all of its fabulous religious and cultural diversity. 

This year I am running for re-election for another three year term with no opposition. 

I hope it represents a wonderful endorsement of my past three years on the Board and the time and effort I have put in as a school board member. 

Together with my current fellow school board members and the senior administrative team, we have made great strides in protecting the integrity of the Herricks School System. We have approved new labor contracts with the Cafeteria workers and HAAS (the administrators union) more in step with the current economy, and more in tune with our future fiscal forecast.  We are also working very hard to try and secure a responsible and financially fair and sound contract with the teachers union, using those same financial parameters, to chart a stellar course for the future.

On May 20 the Herricks School District will propose for voter approval a new budget well within the state’s tax cap formula.  

The budget increase is 2.84 percent with a tax levy of a 1.73 percent. There will also be a proposal for a new bond of approximately $3.5 million. 

This bond proposal replaces an existing bond that is expiring next year. It will cause no increase in the current tax schedule for homeowners and it includes necessary work. The three main components in the bond are A) New boilers in the Middle School to keep our children warm, the old boilers are over 50 years old; B) New roof and ventilation upgrade at the middle school to keep the rain/water outside instead of inside, along with a new roof over the Denton Avenue gymnasium and; C) the replacement of non-functioning windows at the high school as the remaining money will allow after the roofs and boilers are complete.  

I strongly urge all my Herricks neighbors and friends to please come out and vote yes on May 20 for the upcoming school budget and bond, and while there cast a vote for me as well. Our community needs your support and as always, I want to thank you in advance of your support.

Jim Gounaris

Manhasset Hills

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