Rockville Centre budgets pass; O’Shea keeps seat on board

By Alex Costello

acostello@liherald.com

Rockville Centre residents came out to vote in the school district election on Tuesday, passing both the school and library budgets and re-electing John O’Shea to the Board of Education.

The school district spending plan was approved with 2,089 votes, or 58 percent. There were 1,499 votes opposing the budget, 42 percent of the total.

The library spending plan also passed, with 2,079 votes in favor — 67 percent — and 1,025 opposed.

In the race for trustee, the 53-year-old O’Shea, who was first elected to the school board in 2010, defeated Lynda Rubino, 2,132 to 1,466.

“I would just like to thank everyone for coming out,” O’Shea said. “I will continue to do what they’ve asked me to do.”

Board of Education President Liz Dion and Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Johnson both said they were pleased with the results of the vote.

“We understand these are difficult financial times,” Johnson said, “and we appreciate the support the community gives our children and schools.”

Charlie Kelleher and April Wexler were re-elected to their seats on the Rockville Centre Library Board of Trustees, receiving 1,904 and 1,592 votes, respectively. Challenger William Victor garnered 880 votes.