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Schools

Wantagh Voters Approve School Budget

Tony Greco elected as Board of Education trustee.

Wantagh residents showed strong support for their district's proposed 2012-13 budget, approving the $71.7 million by a vote of 1,900 to 709. 

The passed budget is a 2.2 percent increase from the district's current spending plan. The tax levy hike is 1.86 percent, which is $194,549 below the district's allowable tax levy limit of 2.2 percent based on a formula under the state's new tax cap law. 

"I think the budget is a product of the collaborative efforts of so many people including board members, staff members and of course, community members working together," said Wantagh Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Bonuso. "It was done to truly address every child in the district and be fiscally responsible at the same time."

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Wantagh voters also elected  to the school board to fill the seat being vacated by Trustee Robert Leuchtmann. Greco, a retired officer with the New York City Police Department, received 1720 votes. 

"I think anybody who runs for the baord should be commended as its a difficult and demanding job," said Bonuso. "I have no doubt Mr. Greco will bring a love for this community. By definition, he has been supported by a great number of people here which only means that it's one more bridge we have between the people who work here and live here."

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The other candidates in the race were  and . D'Amato received 376 votes and Brasile garnered 448. 

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