Garden City residents recently voted for the passage of the 2018-19 school district budget. The board of education reported the final voting tally of 1,000 to 262, a 79.24 percent passage rate, one of the highest on Long Island. The approved budget, which was $115,805,283, represented an increase of $3,143,702 from last year. A significant portion of this budget is focused on how Garden City’s investment in technology programs continues to be one of the cornerstones in the continuation of making sure it is a high-performing district.
Garden City School Budget Results
Yes—1,000 votes
No—262 votes
The 2018-19 school budget passed by 79.24 percent
Michael Cassaro—855 votes
Tom Pinou—859 votes
Stefanie Granville—924 votes
There were also a number of school board seats that were voted on. Michael Cassaro (855 votes), Damianos (Tom) Pino (859 votes) and Stefanie Granville (924 votes), all ran unopposed for seats on the board. Granville assumed her duties immediately following the board’s approval of the election results, filling the seat left vacant by Laura Hastings. Cassaro and Pino, the board’s current vice president, will serve as board of education members for three-year terms beginning on July 1.
While the Garden City School Board of Education’s approved budget increases taxes by 3.54 percent (with STAR) for the 2018-19 year, the assurance that the district will continue to rank as one of the country’s best was key to the budget passing on May 15.
To that end, a significant portion of the most recent board presentation focused on how Garden City’s investment in technology programs ensured its continuation as a high-performing district.
The 2018-19 school district budget complies with the tax levy cap and therefore required only a simple majority for passage. Strategic reductions in staffing overages helped maintain compliance with the levy cap. Robust programs that prepare students for the rigors of college and the demands of citizenship were also maintained, while the board recognized the value of investments in STEAM and the continued provision of resources for technology upgrades. Funds were also included for a capital improvement Five Year Plan.
The next board of education meeting will be on Tuesday, June 12.
