Schools

Sayville School Chief: Budget Approval Reflects Voters' Satisfaction

Superintendent attributes district's ability to maintain programs while meeting state tax levy cap as reason for success.

The resounding approval Tuesday of Sayville School District’s 2012-2013 $85,674,961 budget, and the re-election of board president Ray Nelson, reflects voters’ satisfaction with district fiscal decisions and student programs, according to the top school leader.

“The re-election of Ray [Nelson, BOE president] is part of the whole package that people are satisfied and happy with the programs and the responsible fiscal approach,” said School Superintendent Dr. Walter Schartner.

The budget passed by a whopping margin, with 1,842 yes votes to 684 nay votes.

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Many districts were faced with trying to either stay under the 2 percent tax levy cap or maintain programs and we did both,” said Schartner.

The turnout, said the school chief, was about 800 voters less than last year and likely a combination of the rainy weather and taxpayers’ contentment with the spending plan.

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Voters also approved budget proposals for the library and Sayville Historical Society and a plan to extend student busing, the latter which did not add any costs to spending.

BOE chief Nelson, who has served on the board for 12 years, beat challenger Laura Valente by a vote result of 1,329 to 973.

Nelson said budget approval and his re-election also illustrate that the community is happy with decision-making.

"I believe that both are attributable to the community  approving of the work this goard and administration have been doing to provide a quality education while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers," he told Patch in an email.

Both Schartner and Nelson, though, noted that challenges regarding budgets loom ahead for school districts given state mandates and decreased aid funding.

"There is a considerable amount of work to be done for the coming school years and we know there are many challenges," wrote Nelson.

"The voters have sent a message that they trust in our direction, we must continue to earn that trust. The support and message the community sent at the polls is very much appreciated," he added.

In the race for library trustee, Joseph Loughren defeated fellow newcomer Nandini Charles by a vote tally of 1,117 to 487.

“I'd like to sincerely thank all of those who trusted me with their vote; I am truly flattered,” Loughren told Patch Wednesday morning via email.

“We have a great library in Sayville and I will work hard to ensure that our library's services meet the needs and expectations of our community. I will always make myself accessible to our patrons and would love to hear thoughts regarding our library,” he wrote, stating residents can email him at JLoughren.Sayville.Trustee@gmail.com.  

“The Sayville Library is an amazing place and if you have not visited or attended a library program recently, I encourage you to do so,” said Loughren who added he is very thankful for the support of his wife, Lisa, and his website team at TK Designs.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here