|
|
MC budget passes
Middle Country school board incumbents Lessler, Barresi, Felber defeat challengers
|
Middle Country residents approved Tuesday the district's $200.2 million 2009-10 budget, with 1,749 votes cast in favor and 1,195 against.
The plan, which marks a 3.42 percent spending increase over this year's $193.6 million tab, will cost the average homeowner an additional $184 per year in taxes, or $15.35 per month.
In this year's seat-by-seat school board race, Board President Karen Lessler ran unopposed and received 2,128 votes. Trustee Arlene Barresi secured 1,712 votes to defeat her opponent Vincent Zecca, who received 874 votes, while incumbent Debbie Felber also successfully defended her post with 1,199 votes. Her opponents Arlene Stevens and Carmel Fitzpatrick fell short with 426 and 1,197 votes, respectively.
Lessler, who first joined the board in 2000, said she is "so proud and happy that the community sent the message that they wanted me to stay on my feet." Despite running unopposed, the high number of votes in favor of her candidacy shows "the community still wanted me," she said. "I think they know I work very hard. I'm very honest, and I'm loyal. They also know that my only agenda is the children of Middle Country."
Barresi and Felber did not return calls by press deadline.
As she enters another three-year term on the school board, Lessler said she will focus on improving student achievement in special education, developing math and science programs and continuing the fight for more equitable state aid. In terms of the district budget, board members "tried to keep it as low as possible without having to take away any programs from our children," Lessler said, "and the voters apparently agreed with that."
Fitzpatrick, a mother of four children in the district, said she is happy to see the budget pass despite her loss in the school board race. "At least we have programs in place to support our children," she said. "I plan to be out there to advocate for our children and support the parents. Tomorrow brings another story. I'm very proud of how I did."
| |
|
|
|
| |
Copyright 2010
(631) 751-7744 | news@tbrnewspapers.com | www.northshoreoflongisland.com | About |
|
| |
|
