Malverne school budget passes, Taylor, Bottitta win

By a vote of 741 to 489, Malverne school district residents approved the proposed $48.6 million 2012-13 school budget Tuesday night - an increase of nearly $1.09 million, or 2.29 percent, over the current spending plan. The tax levy is $38.6 million, an increase of just under $919,000, or 2.44 percent, which falls below the district's cap.

School district residents also supported Proposition 2 - a capital project for roof reconstruction at Malverne High School's gymnasium. The proposition passed with 785 'yes' votes, compared to the 363 'no' votes. The district will now be able to use up to $312,000 in its capital reserve fund to complete the work.  

Candidates Michael Taylor and Josephine Bottitta were elected to the Board of Education. Taylor defeated Kathleen Nolan-Kasal, 717 votes to 524 votes, and secured a four-year term on the board.

Bottitta won the election for the seat of Dr. Patrick Coonan, who recently resigned from the board last month. She garnered 802 votes, beating out challengers Sherwyn Besson, who gathered 239 votes, and Joann Krudis, who earned 329 votes. Bottitta will serve the remaining three years of Coonan's term.