The Nassau BOCES Administrative Operations Budget receives overwhelming approval
The Nassau BOCES 2024-2025 Administrative Operations Budget received strong support. Fifty-two of the 56 component district Nassau County boards of education approved the budget. Three districts voted against the budget and one district did not vote. In addition, three incumbents were returned to the Nassau BOCES Board.
“We want to thank our component districts for their continued support,” said James Widmer, Nassau BOCES Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer. “We are careful to weigh each expenditure to keep costs as low as possible while maintaining the integrity of our programs.”
The Nassau BOCES Administrative Operations Budget covers the central management costs for the Agency, including expenses such as the Office of the District Superintendent, Human Resources and Business Services. In addition, by law, health insurance costs of Nassau BOCES retirees are also included.
“We appreciate the overwhelming show of support for our efforts and thank our component districts for approving our budget,” said Nassau BOCES Board President Susan Bergtraum.
The Administrative Operations Budget for 2024-2025 totals $27,131,117, which represents a 7.6% increase over the 2023-2024 budget. Included in the budget is $13.7 million for retiree health benefits. This represents an 8.8% increase from 2023-2024.
The Board Election
Six candidates vied for the three open seats. Incumbents Susan Bergtraum with 41 votes, Martin Kaye with 42 votes and Michael Weinick with 38 votes defeated Cynthia Nunez with 11 votes, RoseAnn Stein with 11 votes and R. Alina Uzilov with 13 votes. Mrs. Bergtraum, Mr. Kaye and Mr. Weinick will serve three-year terms ending on June 30, 2027.
Mrs. Bergtraum joined the Nassau BOCES Board in 2006 and has been President since 2019. She previously served the East Williston Board of Education from 1991 to 2006. She is a former President, Vice President and Area 11 Director for the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
Mr. Kaye joined the Nassau BOCES Board in 2009. Before that, he served on the West Hempstead UFSD Board of Education from 1991 to 2010. During his three decades of Board service, Mr. Kaye has been an active member of NYSSBA, serving as a legislative liaison and a voting delegate.
Mr. Weinick joined the Nassau BOCES Board in 2003, serving as Vice District Clerk during his tenure. He served on the Merrick UFSD Board of Education from 1986 to 2002 and the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Board of Education from 2000 to 2002. He was an active member of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, having served on the executive and finance committees.