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Ronkonkoma Historical Society seeks $90,000 ballot proposition; Sachem board declines to add it to this year’s ballot
Summary
Representatives asked the board to place a proposition on the district ballot to raise about $90,000 for the Ronkonkoma Historical Society, estimated at roughly $3 per household; trustees expressed concern about additional taxpayer burden and ballot clutter and chose not to include the measure now.
Representatives of the Ronkonkoma Historical Society asked the Sachem Board of Education on Sept. 17 to place a proposition on the district ballot that would raise funds to support the society’s museum and programming. The society’s initial request was for $90,000 and presenters estimated that would amount to roughly $3 per household annually across the district.
Why it matters: The request would place an additional proposition on the district ballot during the annual vote and would impose a small, ongoing levy on district taxpayers if voters approved it. Other Long Island districts have placed similar historical‑society propositions on their ballots in prior years, the presenters said.
Board discussion and concerns: Trustees raised practical concerns: added ballot items can cause voter confusion and a "no‑vote mentality," the board heard. Trustees also noted the district spans multiple towns; the board asked whether residents in parts of the district outside Ronkonkoma would be expected to pay for a local society. Administration told the board the ultimate authority to place an item on the ballot rests with the board and that the first legal notice for the ballot would not be due until March, giving time to consider the request.
Outcome: The board declined to place the historical‑society proposition on the current ballot. Trustees suggested alternative paths such as direct fundraising, PTA partnerships or targeted programming and said administration would follow up with the society to explain the board’s decision and discuss alternatives.
Next steps: Administration said it will contact the society to convey the board’s feedback and to discuss non‑ballot options for supporting historical programming.
