Kaden Re-elected South Huntington School Board President

Jim Kaden was unanimously elected to his 15th term as South Huntington School Board president by board members at an organizational meeting Wednesday.

The longtime board member was sworn in at the district administartion building in Huntington Station with board newcomer Lisa Brieff, who was elected to her first term in May. 

Kaden said the reorganization meeting is usually pretty painless — but that all could change soon with the property tax cap now state law.

"I think it's going to be at least as tough as last year with the property tax cap passed and signed," said Kaden. "It's going to be a major thing for us to consider during the course of the year when working the budget out."

Kaden said the budget process normally starts in November and gets floated to the school board by the end of February, "but I think there will be some urgency this year," he said.

"It's hard to know exactly what to expect until the state makes announcements regarding state aid. That colors a lot of what you plan on doing," said Kaden. "What you do is collect wish lists and when you get state aid numbers you weigh those against that and see what you need."

Brieff said her innaugural school board member experience was a change for her but she was excited and happy that her chance to serve had arrived.

"When you are sitting in the audience it's a different perspective than when you are sitting here," said Brieff. "Preparation is key."

Thomas Teresky was elected vice president by unanimous vote, 7-0.