WATCH: Hicksville Public Schools Begins Counting Budget Ballots

HICKSVILLE, NY — The Hicksville Public Schools district began counting ballots Tuesday evening as voters eagerly awaited to hear whether the proposed 2020-21 budget passed, as well as the results in the Board of Education election. Residents can click here to watch a live vote tallying of the results.

The results of the budget vote and trustee election were scheduled to be revealed Wednesday night at a special meeting of the Board of Education. That meeting, to be held via video conference, was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Hicksville Public School Budget Overview

• 2020-21 proposed budget: $140 million
• 2019-20 proposed budget: $139.4 million
• Budget increase (percent): + 0.4 percent
• Tax levy 2020-21: $106 million
• Tax levy 2019-20: $104.5 million
• Tax levy increase (percent): 1.45 percent

The budget is an expenditure plan that supports instructional programs and services. The tax levy is the money raised through property taxes after all other revenue sources are deducted.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned that the economic effect of the coronavirus shutdown could mean much less money available for state education aid. The state will assess and adjust its budget several times in the course of this year. The governor's has estimated that state aid would be 20 percent lower than promised.

Repairs

Voters will also weigh in on plans to replace the high school roof and buy pool tile for the pool. The $1.3 million needed for the projects will be taken from the 2017-18 Capital Reserve and will come at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Gregory Museum

Also on the ballot this year: a $60,000 yearly appropriation for education services associated with programs at Gregory Museum. This proposition can only pass if the school budget passes.

Board of Education And Library Trustee Election

Four people are running for Kevin Caroll's Board of Education seat: Irene Carlomusto, Juan Carlos Cerro, Andrea Mieles and Keith Schafer.

Christopher Amato is seeking re-election, as is Sunita Manjrekar. Both are running unopposed.

Mary D'Antonio is also running unopposed for library trustee.

Click here to view a sample ballot.