East Quogue School Board Notes: 3 Percent Budget Increase is the Goal

Positions and programs are safe at the East Quogue School for the 2011-2012 school year, said Superintendent Les Black at the Tuesday's school board meeting.

"They will be there for the youngsters next year," he said, adding, "We're pretty darn proud of it."

According to Black, community members can expect a spending increase of around 3 percent in next year's budget, but it's too early to tell what the increase in the tax rate and the tax levy would be.

For a first look at the budget, the board scheduled an open workshop on April 13 at 7:45 p.m.. The final vote takes place on May 18.

Circus Act

Teachers from the National Circus Poject will be at the school this week. And on Friday, March 18, at 1:30 p.m., fifth and sixth graders will demonstrate their new skills of spinning plates and working the devil sticks. The project comes to East Quogue every other year so every student has a chance to participate once.

Audit Excellence

Board member Ralph Naglieri, a member of the audit committee, said a recent visit from the district's audit consultant resulted in "very few red flags."

Any suggestions for improvement have already been implemented, said Patricia Tuzzolo, board and audit committee member.

Transportation Approved

The board voted for a five-year renewal of three of its four contracts with the Montauk Bus Company. The first three years will incur no increase in payment. Years four and five, however, shall be capped at 3 percent or the CPI, whichever is less.

Principal's Choice

Three first graders were honored with the Principal's Choice Award. Principal Robert Long Jr. said Lindsey Villareale of Mrs. Bellucci's class was a role model for the other kids; Seth Levine of Ms. Russo's class showed committment, effort and ethusiam; and Ryan Quinlan of Mrs. Braithwaite's class is "a little angel."