Vote for Lynbrook budget propositions

The Lynbrook School District is proposing a 2011-12 budget of just under $72.9 million, an increase of 2.81 percent over the current spending plan, with a tax levy increase of 4.24 percent. State aid will account for a little more than $7 million — $386,000 less than what was expected.

We believe that this is a prudent increase, considering that all student programs will be preserved and that facility upgrades are still planned at the Waverly Park, Marion Street and West End elementary schools, along with renovations of the North Middle School technology lab, the South Middle School bathrooms and continuing renovation work at the high school.

Proposition 2 will release $457,400 from the Technology Replacement Fund Reserve for StarBoards and Classroom Performance System interactive units, as well as other upgrades.

With Proposition 3, the most controversial of the district’s plans, the board is seeking voter approval to use $4.6 million from the capital reserve and the Improvement and Renovation of Facilities Fund Reserve to build a state-of-the-art athletic complex at South Middle School that would serve the district’s football, soccer, lacrosse and track and field teams and would include an artificial-turf field, an all-weather track, bleachers, lockers and rest room facilities, lights, a scoreboard and a concession stand. Neither proposition affects the tax levy — it would not cost taxpayers any additional money — but if both are approved the district would be left with only $500,000 in those funds.

Lynbrook has long been a leader in education, providing its students with excellent programs, both academic and athletic. We believe that this complex would not only give the schools’ teams a better place to practice and compete, but would also instill a sense of pride in school and community — and would increase property values in the area. If it is approved, we ask that the district keep the community informed of the progress of the construction.
The Herald encourages “yes” votes on the budget and Propositions 2 and 3.

For school board, Marcus, Bresnihan