Best It Can Be? Voters In Miller Place Deciding On Budget

After a few rough years, the Miller Place Board of Education put forth a 2013-14 budget within the tax cap that does not include cuts, but with continuing tax increases, the question for voters is whether it's good enough.

For some, the board has done well with what they have given the economic issues, tax cap, unfunded mandates and other factors.

"They're doing the best they can," said Lou Gallo after casting his vote. "In the history of MIller Place, I've been here 40 years, they've always been good at doing the best they can balancing the needs of the taxpayer versus the kids."

Others, however, feel that the board's control is a bit limited and this year's version just doesn't quite cut it.

"I understand that their hands are tied with a number of items that are out of their control," said Steve Zaffers. "That being said, this budget isn't as sharp as last year's in tax numbers. I don't think they have a great deal of control over the larger portion of the budget."

While the current board has been together for a few years, there will be turnover in the 2013-'14 year with three new names on the ballot, all of which will claim a seat on the board this coming school year.

"They seem to be on the same path and have the same sort of ideas," said Debbie Paterson. "They want to try to try to keep programs while keeping it under the cap. I hope, at least it feels that way."

Gallo, a former teacher at Longwood for over 30 years, said he understands the issues facing the district, but the key is finding a balance.

"You have to be very careful at instituting new programs even though they may be wonderful things," he said. "I think sometimes there is a contingent here that believes that whatever the kids want they get...I'm not for that and that can't happen. The days of new fangled ideas and experiments are over."

Polls at North Country Road Middle School close at 9 p.m. Stay tuned to Patch for updates throughout the evening as results come in.