S. Huntington Board Adopts Budget

The South Huntington Board of Education adopted a budget Wednesday night of $147 million, adding some unexpected revenues to discretionary spending.

Faced with $1.3 million in funds saved from economies throughout the district and the restoration of state aid, the board decided to leave half the extra money in the fund balance against future needs. The other $675,480 went back into the budget to be spent in a variety of ways, including possibly reducing the size of some classes.

School superintendent Dr. David Bennardo said administrators had kept the budget in mind throughout the year. "Any penny they could save was with tonight in mind," he said. "That’s been a real positive thing this year."

Board president Jim Kaden, who elicited laughter with a slow-speed recitation of numbers after first rattling them off so quickly some couldn't keep up, gave credit to state legislators who helped restore more than $980,000 in aid to the district. "Our legislators deserve thanks for the high tax aid," he said. "We struck a good balance" with this budget.

Wednesday's meeting was considerably quieter than some in past years when significant cuts, such as eliminating a ninth period of classes at Whitman, were approved.

The budget, if approved by voters on May 21, would mean an average tax increase of $306.37 for homeowners, said interim business administrator Lawrence Light.