A Herald endorsement

Vote for East Rockaway’s school budget

Keep Ochtera, Nicoletti on school board

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Officials at the East Rockaway School District have proposed a $38.4 million spending plan that includes a tax levy increase of just .27 percent — which translates into an additional $6 per average household per year. With an increase in state aid, it is the smallest tax levy increase in 15 years.

The budget, which is 1.16 percent larger than the current spending plan, adds an academic intervention services math teacher and a new athletic trainer as well as an enhanced robotics program, a 3D printer and four new clubs: mock trial, chess, model United Nations and marketing. It also funds a joint wrestling program, in conjunction with Rockville Centre’s South Side High School.

Although administrative costs comprise only 13 percent of the district’s expenditures, they account for the largest categorical increase, 3.45 percent.

With Proposition 2, voters will be asked to approve the spending of $400,000 from the district’s Capital and Technology Reserve Projects Fund. Half of that amount would fund window replacements at the Rhame Avenue Elementary School, district-wide security enhancements, asphalt drainage and masonry work, interior upgrades and other renovations. The other $200,000 would cover enhancement of the One-to-One tablet initiative, and computer hardware and network upgrades.


Keep Ochtera, Nicoletti on school board


Trustees Kristin Ochtera and Patti Nicoletti, who are both seeking third terms on the East Rockaway Board of Education, are passionate about their positions and responsibilities. They are being challenged by Morgan Avila Williams.
Ochtera, an educator and the current board president, has proven to be a strong leader, and is vocal on a variety of issues. Nicoletti, who also has a background in education, communicates well with residents and administrators as well as her fellow trustees. Both bring their own voices, personalities and issues to the board, but are able to work out what is best for students. The current board seems to have streamlined many of its processes, and should be allowed to continue on as an efficient body.
Polls are open in East Rockaway from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday.