Central budget passes, new trustees in North Merrick

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Bellmore and Merrick voters made their voices heard on Tuesday in the communities' school board elections.

The Central High School District budget, totaling $163 million, passed with 3,743 votes in favor and 1,520 votes against. Proposition 2 was also approved by residents, which will allow $1.9 million of the Capital Reserve Fund to be allocated for Calhoun and Mepham High School repairs — meaning voters will not bear the cost.

North Merrick was home to a heavily contested race. Three seats were taken by incumbent Megan Ryan, newcomer Robert Crowley and Steve Enella — who returns after losing his re-election in 2016 — with 1,193, 881 and 789 votes, respectively. Jennifer Hyland, the board's previous president, was not re-elected.

The North Merrick budget of $33.1 million passed with 993 votes.

The North Merrick district's Proposition 4, which would have reduced the number of trustees from seven to five, was turned down by voters with 886 dissenting votes.

In Merrick, the district's budget of $51.1 million passed with 1,146 votes. Incumbents Gina Piskin and Sigal Negrin will return, garnering 941 and 872 votes, respectively.

Bellmore trustees Janet Goller and Mayanne Kelly will return to their seats after an uncontested race. The district's budget of $36.2 million passed with 520 votes.

In North Bellmore, Rosemarie Corless was re-elected with 924 votes, while Jo-Ann Erhard was elected with 904 votes.

The North Bellmore budget of $57.4 million was passed with 1,131 approving votes.

Follow the Herald over the coming week for community reactions to the results.