Valley Stream Central School Budget Passes, See How Voters Weighed In

VALLEY STREAM, NY — Results are in from the polls in Valley Stream's school board and school district budget election, and by a 1,246-751 margin the school district's budget has passed, district officials announced.

"I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Valley Stream community for passing the annual Central High School District budget, and approving the ballot proposition authorizing the creation of a capital reserve," Superintendent Dr. Wayne Loper said. "It is the continued trust and support of this community that allows the Valley Stream Central High School District to carry out its mission of providing an array of high-quality educational opportunities for every student."

The $173 million budget is helped by just shy of $68 million in state aid, just over $11 million in local revenue — most of which comes from Payment In Lieu Of Tax (PILOT) agreements — and $92 million in tax levy.

That tax levy is a 1.81 percent increase over last year's levy, which falls within the permissible amount under state formulae. The 15-year average tax levy increase in Valley Stream sits slightly lower, at 1.08 percent.

Under the new budget, district officials say Valley Stream Central students will have the ability to take barbering, construction trades and a greater array of dual-enrolled college courses.

In addition to approving the budget, voters in Valley Stream also approved a capital reserve fund, by a 1,334-570 margin.

That reserve fund, the district said, will cover, "in whole or in part, capital improvements to the facilities and sites of the District, including but not limited to the reconstruction, renovation, rehabilitation, expansion and equipping of District buildings and grounds."

Among the capital projects included in this year's budget are the remodeling of a science classroom, the renovation of Central High School's kitchen, floor replacements and parking lot paving for multiple school buildings.