S. Huntington Approves Budget; Nitkewicz, DeGaetano and LaCara Win

Voters approved the $142-million school budget Tuesday night by a vote of 2,336 to 837.

Trustees Ed Nitkewicz and Linda LaCara were re-elected and newcomer Michele DeGaetano was elected for her first term. Board vice president Thomas Teresky finished fourth and out of the running.

Passage of the budget came after months of warnings and plans to cut such programs as full-day kindergarten, middle school sports and other academic and extracurricular activities.

"We're very happy with the results of the budget election," board president James Kaden said. "It's a very good margin. Now its time to start planning next year's budget."

School superintendent Dr. Thomas C. Shea had said the budget reflects a 1.92 percent budget to budget increase over this year and a tax rate increase of 4.74 percent.

Nitkewicz said, "I want to continue to have an open, honest dialogue about the economic realities we face. We have difficulties we have to navigate. And that sometimes is not the most popular message."

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The state tax cap sets a 2 percent limit on the increase of the tax levy, not on taxes. Boards are required to adhere to the limit unless at least 60 percent of voters agree to exceed it, though certain costs are exempt.

 DeGaetano, a financial executive recruiter, said, "I'm very happy to be on the board. There are a lot of challengers but I'll do the best I can to help."

The final votes for the board were: