Gov: Less Aid For Hicksville

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Gov: Less Aid For Hicksville

Written by Cory Twibell, ctwibell@antonnews.com Friday, 01 February 2013 00:00

Superintendent says governor’s proposal

is a ‘serious concern’

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed school aid package could result in decreases in state aid for the Hicksville and East Meadow school districts but more for neighboring districts.

“Any loss is significant. This is a decrease in aid of about 1.6 percent, or more than $200,000, though our net could be more than a half a million dollars,” Hicksville School Superintendent Maureen Bright told the Hicksville Illustrated News.

Hicksville Public Schools Superintendent Maureen Bright The district, for its 2012-13 budget, received $11,966,58 in aid, and the governor’s proposal calls for a total aid package of $11,751,899 for the 2013-14 school year.

“It’s a serious concern. It’s a direction that we don’t want to move in. I’m certainly hoping that the legislature will be able to adjust this so districts like Hicksville and other districts like us are not going to get hit,” said Bright.

Hicksville won’t be the only school to receive less, as several neighboring schools are also slated to receive less in the upcoming year.

“I’m very disappointed by how the governor is removing some high tax aid from our schools. The school districts in Nassau County were particularly negatively affected by the governor’s proposal, particularly Farmingdale, East Meadow and Massapequa. The high tax is greatly concerning us right now,” Assemblyman Tom McKevitt said.

Senator Jack Martins avoided classifying schools based on financial assistance.

“The governor’s budget is a proposal and, as we negotiate a final budget for New York State, I will be working with my colleagues toward securing more state aid for Long Island school districts,” Senator Jack Martins said. “In this economy, every school district is a high-needs district when it comes to funding.”

The state legislature must ratify the governor’s budget by April 1.

“This obviously is upsetting but of course we never like to look at the governor’s proposal as the final proposal, so we’re certainly looking forward to a correction from the legislature,” Bright said.

News

Hicksville Board Outlines District Profile

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Hicksville School District Superintendent Maureen Bright gave an overall picture of the district profile at the school board meeting last Wednesday night. The meeting was the final one before the upcoming budget vote, which will take place on Tuesday, May 21 at Hicksville High School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The total number for the 2013-14 proposed budget is $124,595,008. This is a 3.29 percent increase or $3,963,375 from the 2012-13 school year. In 2012-13 the total budget was $120,631,633.

Sports

Hicksville Wrestlers Place In States

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

James Russo, 11, of Hicksville, came in sixth place in the States Competition at 120lbs. Ryan Schecht, 11, of Hicksville, placed third in the States at 105lbs, and is on his way to the Nationals Championship.

Beach Stickers Sale

Thursday, 09 May 2013 00:00

Begins Saturday, May 11

Seasonal beach stickers may be purchased beginning on Saturday, May 11, so that residents may get their beach stickers ahead of time and avoid the rush during the Memorial Day weekend, when some town beaches will open for weekends.

“So many residents enjoy the beautiful beaches that we have here in the Town of Oyster Bay and eagerly look forward to the first opportunity to enjoy those beaches during the Memorial Day weekend,” Councilman Joseph Pinto said. “Town residents, who purchase a town beach sticker in advance of the beaches opening, will avoid the possibility of waiting in line during opening weekend.”