Sirois, Board of Ed Respond to Levittown Budget Passing

A little rain couldn't keep the Levittown School District community away from the polls Tuesday, as 5,381 residents came out to vote.

Once the polls closed at 9 p.m., the Levittown Board of Education, school district staff, students and parents gathered at the Levittown Memorial Education Center to anxiously wait for the results. 

The tension was building as the first two polling sites came in: Widom: yes- 353, no- 332; Memorial: yes-297, no-305.

As the rest of the numbers were counted, however, the Board could sit a bit more comfortably in their seats.

When votes from Lee Road, the final polling place, were counted, it was official. The budget passed overall, 2,967 to 2,414.

"We're very happy," said Superintendent of Schools Herman Sirois. "It was a very tight budget, and I'm glad voters understood."

Incumbent Board of Education President Michael Pappas was reelected with 2,923 votes, as was incumbent Vice President Peter Porrazzo, with 2,658 votes. Newcomer Frank Ward was voted in for the third open spot on the Board with 2,642 votes. All three ran uncontested.

"I'm ready to start working on the School Board," Ward said. "The budget passing will make it a lot easier. The fact that it passed by a large margin makes me feel like the community is right there with us."

Pappas was all smiles as he heard the news surrounded by his wife, kids and members of the school district community who he has led through tough times this year.

"I'm so happy for the kids, the district and the taxpayers," he said. "It was a big vote and it will enable the district to move forward on a strong educational and financial path."

"I want to thank the community for supporting the budget," Porrazzo added. "This is one step in the right direction. I'm looking forward to working with our new member of the Board, Frank Ward, and continuing the good work we have been doing."