Vobis over Hayes in seven-vote upset

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The Island Park School District’s $38.9 million budget for 2015-16, 1.48 percent larger than the current spending plan, passed on May 19 by a vote of 475 to 227 and school board President Richie Hayes lost his bid for re-election to challanger Jack Vobis.

The budget will increase the tax levy by 1.5 percent. The district plans to add teachers and maintain and improve its social studies, English as a Second Language and music programs.

Voters also approved the establishment of a capital reserve fund for improvements including repairs to the roofs of the Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and the Lincoln Orens Middle School, using a maximum of $7 million over three years. The district will use unspent money that is not earmarked for other uses, plus leftover funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, after it fully repays the capital bond approved by voters two years ago. The proposition was approved by a 448-to-221 vote.

The proposed 2015-16 Island Park Library budget, totaling $1,307,561, was approved as well, with 475 “yes” votes to 186 “no’s.” It is about $55,000 smaller than the current spending plan, but due to depleted reserves, the library’s tax levy will rise by just over $101,000, to $1,283,161. State-mandated pension fund costs have increased markedly over the past few years, and the library used its reserves to cover those costs and to help it rebuild after Hurricane Sandy instead of raising taxes, but now those reserves are in need of replenishment.

After serving on the Board of Education for five years, Hayes lost to Vobis by just seven votes, 379 to 372. “I am glad for the opportunity to serve the board, to serve the school district and to serve the kids,” said the surprised Vobis. “That’s what I was looking for all the time, just the opportunity to do it, so I’m glad to have it.” Vobis has three children in the Island Park school district.

Hayes congratulated Vobis, saying, “The last five years was a gift. I was proud to serve the community that I love for the last five years. Living here for 50, I would never turn back the time at all. It was everything I wanted to do.”

Joseph Pontecorvo, who ran unopposed for a fourth term on the library board of trustees, collected 465 votes. “I want to thank all those that came out to vote for me, and voted for the budget,” he said. “We’re looking for better things ahead.”