Long Beach Proposed School Budget Cut By $500,000 And No Tax Hike

LONG BEACH, NY — Residents head to the polls Tuesday for the annual school budget vote.

The board proposed a 2021-2022 budget that is cut by about $500,000 and no tax levy increase. However, the $144.7 million budget would provide one-time capital funds for improvement projects at East Elementary School, Long Beach Middle School and Lindell Elementary, the district said on its website.

A deep breakdown shows the proposed budget featured more than $200,000 in transportation aid and foundation aid increased by $643,000 from the previous year.

In addition to the improvement projects, schools would see other enhancements from the funding.

For example, elementary students would get to take three field trip in the next school year, one fewer kindergarten section at East Elementary and summer classes at elementary schools.

A pair of Algebra 2 math labs would get created at Long Beach High School.

Two board seats are up for grabs. Trustee Sam Pinto is an incumbent, while Tina Posterli is not seeking reelection. Pamela Banks and Alexis Pace are also on the ballot for the three-year term.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The school district has more details on budget.