Brueggemann Funeral Home

of East Northport

522 Larkfield Rd. 368-1235

Serving the Community since 1961

American Legion

Post 1244

Greenlawn

754-4281

Gerard J. Fenter ATTORNEY AT LAW

2 Andrea Lane Greenlawn, NY 11740

631-486-2574 FENTLAW@OPTONLINE.NET

6 Greenvale Drive East Northport P. 631-266-2530 tdiamond@millennprod.com

Ted Diamond Vice President

Workhorse Products Exclusively From Millennium

www.millenniumproduct.com

elwoodtaxpayer@yahoo.com

P.O. Box 231, Greenlawn 11740

+Site/Civil Design

+Special Inspections

+Traffic Engineering

+Engineering Certifications

+Building/Home Inspections

Tel. 631-930-5337

www.aaepllc.com

Jsemioli@aaepllc.com Elwood Taxpayers Association

Keeping Elwood Informed

Established 1945 May 2015

MONTHLY MEETING

Wednesday May 13, 2015

Elwood Public Library

7:00 – 9:00 PM

2014-2015 Board of Directors Elwood Taxpayers Association

President: Jim Cameron 462-2803 Vice President: Loretta Hamann 368-3039 Treasurer: Helen Keller 757-1430

Richard Ward, VP Government Affairs

Tom Van de Merlen, VP Communications Heather Mammolito, Corresponding Sec’y Marie Wernert, Recording Secretary

Walter Rabe, Sergeant at Arms

Directors At Large: Karen Alu, MaryJane Mackey, Ann Maguire, Mary Ann Plump, Lauren Ward

School Budget/Meet the Candidates News

Please See Page 3

2015-2016 School Budget Update

A $788,000 increase in aid from NY State has enabled the Elwood School Board to propose a 2015/16 school budget that falls within the 2.09% limit that local governments and most school districts are permitted to increase property taxes without requiring 60% approval. It had been anticipated that an increase greater than the cap would be necessary for next school year.

The budget calls for approximately $59.5 million in spending of which almost $33 million is for instruction. Teacher salaries ($18.4 mil), special education instruction ($7.3 mil), supervision ($2.7 mil) and items such as Library, Guidance and Computer Instruction ($2.8 mil) make up the bulk of the instruction component of the budget. Other major line items are Facilities Operation and Maintenance ($3.6 mil), General Support ($6.3 mil), Transportation ($ 3.7 mil) and employee benefits ($14.4 mil).

In addition to staying within the cap, the budget proposal also calls for re-implementation of full day kindergarten, an additional teaching position in the high school, and an ESL position which was required by New York State.

Enrollment in K-12 grades is projected at 2,345 students which is a decrease of 60 from this year and 309 from a recent peak of 2,654 students in 2010/2011.

Voting will be held May 19 at the Middle School from 2-10 PM.

Meet the School Board Candidates

Mammolito vs. Fusaro

Heather Mammolito—With the increasing demands of unfunded mandates and a limited commercial tax base, recently, our district has struggled to adequately maintain programs. With both my professional experience and extensive volunteer service, I feel that I am the best candidate for the job. I will advocate for analyzing administrative costs, spending and revenue efficiency, community input, increased funding and transparency.

Joe Fusaro - (Incumbent) A 26 year Elwood resident, I have led the District through the most turbulent times. My tenure began with the financial reforms brought on by the Roslyn scandal and today is marked by leading Elwood to continued success by staying within tax cap limitations and negotiating labor agreements while maintaining a quality education.

Tomeo vs. Ciccone

James Tomeo—As an alumnus and new homeowner in the district, I will bring a fresh new perspective to the school board. It is my goal to ensure that everyone in the community has a strong voice in shaping the future of our District. At a time when local control of education is diminishing, I am running to give voters a choice and a vision for a brighter future. I will advocate for education, budgetary responsibility, community participation and transparency.

Dan Ciccone—(Incumbent) I have a long-standing track record of keeping costs from escalating any more than they have to; that is the hard line the current Board takes and our results have been gratifying. We have been unwavering in union negotiations and have settled the most financially sustainable collective bargaining agreements in Elwood’s history.

Elwood Library Vote

On April 14, 2015, the Elwood Library budget for 2015 was approved by a margin of 254 yes votes to 65 no votes. Trustee Marla Brand was re-elected to a 5 year term. The budget calls for expenditures of $1,542,324 which is 1.69% increase over 2014.

2015 Membership Form

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PHONE: _______________________________ (day) _________________________ (evening)

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Please make check or money order payable to Elwood Taxpayers Association and mail to:

2015 Membership Fee

ETA members are reminded that if you have not paid your 2015 membership fee, it is now overdue. Please use the form below and mail your payment to the address provided as soon as possible. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to join also.

Urgent Care Centers to Open in Elwood Great Neck, N.Y. based North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System has partnered with Access Clinical Partners in developing and operating a network of 50 urgent care centers in the New York City area during the next three years.

One of the planned treatment facilities has already opened in the Elwood Shopping Center at the intersection of Elwood Road and Jericho Turnpike. A second center is planned for just a mile east on Jericho Turnpike next to Golfsmith.

The “GoHealth” centers will be open seven days per week and will be staffed by medical providers who will administer care according to North Shore-LIJ standards. In addition to urgent care, the centers will provide on-site imaging, laboratory services, seasonal flu shots, immunizations and sports physicals.

GoHealth Urgent Care is fully integrated with the North Shore-LIJ Health System’s electronic medical records so access to patient records and referral authority will be available for existing patients of North Shore LIJ practitioners.

ETA Meet the Candidate Night

ETA will host a Meet the Candidate Night on May 13 at the Elwood Public Library at 7 PM. The announced candidates have provided introductions (see right). Please join us to hear about their positions on school issues and the proposed budget.