School budget and trustee votes have been postponed from May 13 to June 9, according to an executive order from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Districts are also required to send absentee ballots to all qualified voters in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as post two public notices of school budget meetings.
“Such adjourned meeting shall take place remotely, and qualified voters shall vote in such adjourned election only by absentee ballot, to be provided to all qualified voters by each school district,” the order states. “Each district shall send out postcard notice which details the date of the election, date of budget hearing, definition of qualified voter, and an absentee ballot. The adjourned district meeting or district meeting and election shall be deemed the annual meeting or annual meeting and election of the district for all purposes.”
The new deadline for school board candidates to file their nominating petitions is May 11, 30 days prior to the vote, but the candidates will not be required to collect signatures .
School boards must also adopt their budgets in meetings held by teleconference with public access by May 21, according to the order, as well as their property tax report card filing.
Absentee ballots will be distributed 14 days before the vote.
Districts are already taking action, with the Manhasset, Roslyn and Mineola school districts scheduled to hold their budget hearings on May 7, while the Great Neck school district has scheduled its public hearing and budget adoption for May 13 and the East Williston school district will be holding its hearing on May 11. Additionally, the Port Washington district held a budget hearing on Tuesday.
