East Williston

By Newsday StaffMay 15, 2019

BUDGET

SPENDING $61,689,714, a 2.8 percent increase from the current $60,007,038.

TAX LEVY 2.49 percent increase, from $54,268,930 to $55,619,929. This is within the district's 3.41 percent tax-cap limit, so a simple majority vote is required for approval.

TEACHER PAY / PROGRAMS The district declined to give budgeted estimates for salary increases while contract negotiations are taking place. The average step increase for teachers in the expired contract is about 2 percent. The proposed budget eliminates two teaching positions — music and foreign language. Three positions are created, for elementary school and English as a New Language teachers, and a social worker. The plan includes support for expansion of engineering courses at the North Side and Willets Road schools, expansion of the AP Capstone program, more elective offerings at The Wheatley School and a new Choral Club at North Side.

PROPOSITIONS

Proposition 2 authorizes using up to $1 million from a capital reserve fund for reconstruction and/or improvements to the tennis courts at The Wheatley School and work connected with the project. Approval of the proposition would not affect the tax levy.

Proposition 3 authorizes using up to $3.9 million from the general fund and accrued interest for reconstruction and/or improvements to The Wheatley School gymnasium, track and fields; reconstruction and/or improvements to the Willets Road School field; and reconstruction and/or improvements to the North Side School fields and basketball and baseball areas. Approval of the proposition would not affect the tax levy.

Proposition 4 authorizes creation of a $6.5 million capital reserve fund for reconstruction and/or improvements to district fields, sites, parking lots, sidewalks and roadways; reconstruction, rehabilitation and/or replacement of roofs; improvements, rehabilitation and/or installation of HVAC systems; improvements, repairs and/or replacement of vestibules and doors, and renovation of instructional spaces. Approval of the proposition would not affect the tax levy.