North Shore’s budget passes; Madden, Vizza win BoE seats

The annual school budget vote and election of trustees kept the North Shore community on its toes until the polls closed at 10 p.m. Tuesday night. District clerk Betty Ciampi read the results of the three propositions — all of which passed successfully — included on this year’s ballot.

Over 1,400 residents voted to approve the board’s $104 million adopted budget. Community members also voted in favor of reducing the district’s transportation limits, and expending a portion of capital reserves to install air conditioning units in multiple facilities district-wide.

“I’m really pleased that the community has confidence in the work that we’re doing, and we don’t take that for granted,” said Dr. Peter Giarrizzo, the superintendent of North Shore Schools.

Three out of the four candidates for trustee were present as election results rolled in, which declared Tim Madden, of Sea Cliff, and Lisa Vizza, of Glen Head, victorious. Madden received a total of 1,132 votes, toping his fellow candidates, while Vizza secured over 1,000 votes herself.

“I’m feeling grateful for the support, and I look forward to representing everybody in the community,” Madden said.

The social studies teacher, who ran unsuccessfully for school board in 2013, said his first mission as trustee would be to delve deeper into the results of the district’s recent equity study. “[It’s important that we] look into ways of having more kids feel a real sense of belonging, I’m concerned about that,” Madden said.

Vizza, who’s had her fair share of community involvement with the local civics, district committees, and North Shore’s Coalition Against Substance Abuse, is excited to transition from tireless advocate to active school board trustee. “This role requires more oversight and policy-making, but I think I’m ready for it,” she said. “It’s going to be a switch, but after [the] learning curve, I’ll get right down to work with my fellow trustees and the superintendent.”

Giarrizzo offered his thanks to all of the candidates, and sincere congratulations to Madden and Vizza. “Lisa has given a lot to the community over the course of many years, and I believe that experience will position her well for her work on the board,” he said. “Tim Madden knows this committee intimately … he’s an educator who really understands how all the pieces of the puzzle fit and come together. I think they both will compliment the dynamics of the current board well.”