Approve Malverne budget, support Bottitta, Nolan-Kasal

The Malverne school district is proposing a 2012-13 budget that is 2.29 percent larger than the current spending plan — the smallest percentage increase in 14 years. The plan includes a tax levy increase of 2.44 percent.

To keep increases reasonable, administrators cut all summer school programs except the Regents Prep program and all non-instructional field trips, and eliminated middle and high school intramural programs. There are also reductions in art, music and library in the elementary schools.

The budget eliminates two administrative positions, two security positions, two custodial jobs and six full-time equivalent teaching, or FTE, positions. Two of the FTE spots, however, will be saved because two teachers decided to retire.

Though there will be a small increase in class sizes, core programs will remain. Officials managed to restore summer band, and the summer recreational program will be offered if at least 100 residents sign up and pay its costs.

We urge voters to vote “yes” on the plan, and on Proposition 2, a capital project for roof reconstruction at Malverne High School’s gymnasium. If it is approved, the district will be able to use up to $312,000 in its capital reserve fund to complete the work.

Amid difficult economic times, efforts to improve the quality of education, and what residents often describe as a “disconnect” between school officials and the community, strong leadership, camaraderie and communication are essential skills for members of the Malverne Board of Education. The Herald believes newcomers Josephine Bottitta and Kathleen Nolan-Kasal embody these traits, and encourages residents to vote for them on Tuesday.

Two seats are up for election. First Vice President Karen Aker will retire on June 30, and Michael Taylor is running against Nolan-Kasal to replace Aker for a four-year term.

Taylor, the coach of Malverne High’s JV girls’ softball team, is familiar with the community and issues facing the district. Nolan-Kasal, a New York City teacher, believes that fresh perspective is needed on the board. Both candidates could improve relations between school officials and residents, but Nolan-Kasal’s firm understanding of educational policy and her willingness to hear residents’ concerns give her the edge.

Three other candidates — Bottitta, Joann Krudis and Sherwyn Besson — are vying for the seat of Dr. Patrick Coonan, who resigned last month. The winner will serve the remaining three years of Coonan’s term. We commend Besson, a part-time business teacher in the Malverne district, for his focus on student achievement, and applaud Krudis, a New York City special education teacher, for calling for better communication and collaboration in the district. But we believe Bottitta would best serve the board.

The director of business development and consulting at BHL Insurance, Bottitta has an analytical approach and believes in quality education, and her spirit and her ability to work collaboratively will make her an asset during budget-crafting season. She should be voters’ choice.