Wantagh School Budget Approved by Residents

In the midst of difficult economic circumstances that have caused the state to cut back local school aid, residents came out in force to support the Wantagh School District’s $70.2 million budget Tuesday.

This information was delivered by Wantagh Board President Jean Quinn during a special announcement held after the vote at . The budget received 2,353 yes votes and 1,121 no votes, Quinn said.

The approved 2011-12 budget, which carries a 3.99 percent tax levy increase, represents a 1.46 percent budget-to-budget increase over the previous year.

Quinn stated that she was "ecstatic" about the budget passing for the upcoming school year.

“We have worked very hard, this community has worked very hard to pass this budget," she added.

The crowds that gathered at the elementary school cheered as soon as the results were announced. Many offered congratulations to the board of education, administration and newly elected trustees.

“We are absolutely thrilled,” said Superintendent Dr. Lydia Begley after the vote announcement was made. “We thank the community for coming out to support our schools and our children, and we are going to move forward with a wonderful school year next year.”

According to district officials, this budget will cause the average Wantagh home valued at $411,00 to see a $311 increase in their tax bill for the next school year. Wantagh’s board of education, administration and Budget Advisory committee worked together tirelessly to put together this budget, explained Begley at a previous board meeting.

Even in the tough economic climate, they were able to produce an accepted budget that kept academics, art, extracurricular activities and athletics. The recent contract settlement with the district teachers was able to yield a “significant" amount of financial relief for both the district and the taxpayers.

Board of education incumbent trustee Michael Cucci was re-elected to the school board for his fifth three-year term with 2,161 votes. Michael Soethout won his first term on the board with 2,111 votes. The other candidate in the at-large race Mitzh Zerner, received 1,590 votes.

Soethout will replace trustee Ann-Marie Sturniolo, who decided not to seek re-election.

“This election bodes well for Wantagh,” Cucci said. “I am happy to serve another three years, which will bring my service to Wantagh to 15 years.”

After the election results were announced, Soethout said that he was “very happy, no doubt."

“This was something that, ever since the budget went down, this was four years in the making,” he continued. “It was getting involved, getting active, motivating people, activating people and now making it come true. I’m looking forward to serving the community.”

Check back tomorrow for detailed coverage of Wantagh’s budget vote.