Sachem School Budget Passes; Anthony Falco, Sal Tripi and Mike Timo Reelected to School Board

The Sachem Central School District's budget passed, 5,108-3,493, Tuesday evening. 

The community supported a 1.09 percent increase for the 2010-11 school year, bringing the total proposed budget to $280,711,665 . Anthony Falco and Sal Tripi won their reelection battles, while Mike Timo, who ran unopposed, was also elected again.

"I'm very happy for the community with this budget," said Bruce Singer, Sachem's Assistant Superintendent for Business. "The financial future of the district is going to be a tough haul. This is just the beginning of a bumpy ride ahead."

Administrators and school board officials waited anxiously at Nokomis Elementary in Holbrook to learn the news.

Falco, who is in his 26th year as a school board member, beat Mike Matlat, 3,891-3,466. Tripi, who won reelection for the first time, beat Teri Ahearn, 3,641-3,181. Timo garnered 3,864 votes.

"I'm pleased that the incumbents won," said Falco, who walked out of the main office at Nokomis with his thumbs pointing up to signify his victory. "The people that ran against us were good people. We want to keep them in the loop. They have good ideas and we want to keep them involved."

"This shows the community has faith in what we're doing," said Tripi. "It passed by an overwhelming majority."

Over 30 schools on Long Island had tax increases of 4 percent or higher, meaning Sachem managed to handle an impressive number of under 2 percent. It was also only the first tax increase in the last three years, which saw rises of zero perecent.

"We put a responsible budget out there with the lowest possible tax increase that we could," said Sachem school board member James LaCarrubba. "It says a lot about the job the administration has done over the last few years."

"It's encouraging that the community has faith in the board. We're really trying to do the right thing," Timo added "I'm happy for the community and the kids."

Battling cold, rainy weather all day on the campaign hike, Tripi and Falco looked relieved when the numbers came out.

"I'm thrilled that the budget passed and thrilled that I get to continue to serve the community," Tripi said.

He made it clear he is disappointed that the negative side of the Sachem community came out. Though a common trait in any political campaign, Tripi said that slanderous half-truths were being told around town in the last month.

"It brings down the morale of the community," he said. "This should send a clear message that this community is not going to tolerate that infantile, childish behavior. Those people are more than welcome to serve the community productively, but obviously the community disagrees with that side." 

Administrators and school board members left Nokomis smiling. Singer may have said it best when discussing the unknowns that lie ahead with the financial situation flanking New York State.

"We'll work through it as always."

Election District          Yes           No

1. Wenonah                        429              283

2. Cayuga                              501               300

3. Gatelot                             314                168

4. Hiawatha                       428                317

5. Nokomis                         372                318

6. Chippewa                      427                 310    

7. Waverly                          470                246

8. Lynwood                        366                229

9. Tecumseh                     304                248

10. Tamarac                       614                 369             

11. Merrimac                      514                 294

12. Grundy                          369                 311

Total votes                   8,601

Interesting Facts

• Tamarac had the highest voter turnout with 983 total votes
• Gatelot had the lowest voter turnout with 482 total votes
• More people voted to pass the budget at Tamarac (614) than any other school
• Tecumseh recorded the least amount of people in favor of passing the budget (304)
• More people voted against the budget at Tamarac (369) than any other school
• Gatelot recorded the least amount of people to vote against the budget (168)
• More people voted for Anthony Falco than people who voted down the budget, 3,891-3,493
• There were 2,050 more people who voted this year than last
• Since there were 52, 593 registered voters eligible to cast their opinion Tuesday, this means only 6 percent came out to vote
• Falco's 458 votes at Tamarac were the most of any candidate at any school. His 149 votes at Tecumseh were also the lowest any candidate received for a single school's constituents.
• High totals for the others: Tripi: Hiawatha (393), Ahearn: Tamarac (450) and Matlat: Tamarac (370)

What some folks had to say ... 

"Always vote for the budget. I think it's important." - Robert Nelson, 68, Farmingville

"I think we need a change. I disliked how the information [for board members] was presented. Therefore, I did not vote [for board members]." - Marianne Bukowinski, 46, Farmingville

"I never vote school budgets. I am pro education. Board members try hard to keep the budget low. I think they do a good job." - Barbara L, Holtsville

"I will glady pass the budget because it saves tax payers money. If you fail the budget, it cost more than to pass it." - Debra Davidson, 40, Holtsville

"I'm going to vote for them because I do not want anything taken away from the children." - Lisa Erdmann, 37, Farmingville

 "I am pro education. They do a great job. It's for the kids so I think it's a great education." Andrea Keaping, Farmingville

Siobhan Cassidy contributed to this story.