Seaford Residents Speak Out at Polls

Residents throughout the Wantagh and Seaford School Districts hit the polls Tuesday to vote on the proposed budget and board of education elections for the 2011-2012 school year.

Voters throughout both districts carried strong opinions in regards to district cuts, salaries and increased taxes.

Seaford School District adopted a budget of $55.2 million for the upcoming school year with an increased tax levy of 8.99 percent. The budget was defeated in a 1,881 to 1,448 vote.

The high tax hike left many residents to question their vote.

Large crowds poured into Seaford elementary schools throughout the day on Tuesday to make sure their vote was in. 

A Seaford mother, who asked to remain anonymous, was not satisfied with the board's proposal but was left feeling torn for the sake of her two children that attend Seaford schools.

"I think the budget is very high and it's very difficult when you have kids in school to make a decision not to vote for it," she said. "It's not much different if we go in contingency."

As for the tax levy increase, she said she felt the school board did all they could to take rough economic times into consideration.

"From listening to the meetings, I think a lot of things need to be taken up with Albany rather than the school district," she explained.

Eileen Falletta, a longtime Seaford resident was not pleased with the numbers but felt education was far more important.

"Anything could have been lower but it is what it is, and to lose what we would lose, I think it's insane not to pass it," she said before the final results were announced. "Everybody has to understand there will be an increase either way."

"I think it's important for our kids not to lose teachers, sports programs or music programs. This is our future," Falletta added.

Stephen Schleyer of Seaford came out to Seaford Manor Elementary to support the school district.

"I think it's the best that they can do," he said. "I don't think anything could have been lower." Schleyer also added that he was pleased none of his children's teachers were cut from the staff.