Bellmore-Merrick, Bellmore and North Bellmore budgets pass

Taxpayers in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District voted to approve a nearly $197.5 million budget for the 2024-25 school year.

This budget affects John F. Kennedy, Sanford H. Calhoun and Wellington C. Mepham high schools, and Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue middle schools.

District administrators said the goal of the budget is to maintain current programs and services, address and increasing need for student support services, maintain and upgrade infrastructure, while continuing to provide safety and security for students and staff.

“It’s important to do what we always do when we make our budget,” Mikaela Coni, the district’s assistant superintendent for business said, “and that’s make sure the decisions we make now are sustainable for the future.”

In the elementary districts, Bellmore voters approved a $40 million budget, and North Bellmore voters approved a $68 million budget.

Seats on the Bellmore board of education were uncontested. Incumbents Leslie Cerverizzo and Marion Blane were re-elected with 425 and 411 votes respectively.

And in North Bellmore, incumbents Nina Lanci and Melissa Cmar-Grote were re-elected for another term, earning XXX and XXX votes respectively. Lanci and Cmar-Grote beat challengers Elizabeth Rolston and Alex Kushnir.

“I embrace the diverse community that is North Bellmore and I look forward to making sure our mission and our core values continue to remain at the heart of all decisions,” Lanci said.

“I vow to continue serving the community with the best interest of all constituents in mind,” Cmar-Grote said.