Sachem Budget Advocates Launch Facebook Page

With the Sachem School District's 2013-14 budget vote just six days away, supporters of the approved budget proposal have launched a Facebook page dedicated to promoting the budget's passing.

The page, entitled "Vote Yes for Sachem School Budget May 21," launched on May 9 with semi-regular updates that include the district's budget facts brochure and the district's budget advocacy YouTube video. 

The budget proposal calls for a 7.49% tax levy increase, a figure that has some residents concerned about its possible failure. The concern is especially palpable considering last year's 4.2% tax-hiking budget passed by only 18 votes. 

Supporters of the budget argue that the district has been hamstrung by the lack of state aid coupled with this year's increase in payouts to the Teachers Retirement System and a bevy of unfunded mandates from Albany. The page's administrators also argue that communities benefit in the long run by supporting school budgets that help maintain programs and services to students.

The page is not without its detractors, however. "Over a 7% increase this year!!!!" posted one resident on the page's wall. "I didn't see one other district over 6% and most were under 5. Find better, less expensive ways to do things!!! I understand that costs go up but this is not the environment where people have that kind of money to spare. Work within the money you have like we all have to."

As of print time the page has garnered 86 likes. The budget vote takes place on May 21 and will require a 60% majority vote in order to pass.