Voters Head to Schools For Budget, BOE Elections

Voting for the school budget and board of education candidates is taking place throughout the Patchogue-Medford School District Tuesday.

Kim Miolla, who voted at Saxton Middle School, said that despite a four percent tax increase that passing the budget is important for students.

"People think that they vote no to get at the administration but its the kids that suffer in the end. This is our future; if these kids don't learn...it hurts everyone" Miolla said.

The proposed 2011-2012 budget is a four percent tax rate increase over the previous year, while also being an overall budget reduction of 1.2 percent. Officials have cited and a proposed two percent tax cap that have forced the district to make several cuts. The district announced that over 60 teaching positions and one administrative position have been eliminated through either attrition or layoffs.

While no student programs have been eliminated, programs have taken cuts such as upcoming eleventh grade students no longer being able to take .

A senior citizen and his wife voting at Eagle Elementary School, who chose to remain anonymous, said that despite not having children in the district that they are still voting in support of the budget.

"[My wife and I] are still going to vote yes for the budget because what else are you going to do? You have to feel sorry for the kids," he said.

"The children need their education. You have to vote for the future," said his wife.

Tuesday's vote also includes the election of two Board of Education members. Incumbent BOE member is running unopposed while is challenging incumbent .

As of noon, an estimated 125 people had voted at and over 220 people had voted at Tremont Elementary School. Officials at Eagle Elementary School would not provide an estimated number but noted that voter turnout was much lower than previous years.

The polls will remain open until 9:00 p.m. Polling places are located at:

• Eagle Elementary School (1000 Wave Ave., Medford)
• Tremont Elementary School (143 Tremont Ave., Medford)
• (121 Saxton St., Patchogue)
• (281 Medford Ave., Patchogue)
• South Ocean Middle School (225 S Ocean Ave., Patchogue)

Check back for updates and the final results.