Thursday, October 1, 2026
Voters in East Rockaway and Lynbrook approved 2026-27 school budgets Tuesday and elected Board of Education candidates for the upcoming school year.
In East Rockaway, voters approved the district’s $49.2 million budget for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 292 to 129.
The approved budget carries a tax levy increase of about 2.94 percent, or roughly $1 million, remaining within the district’s allowable limit under the state tax cap formula.
Elizabeth Curtis and Aspasia Lonergan were elected to the Board of Education, receiving 294 and 275 votes, respectively.
District officials previously said the budget was shaped by rising costs tied to salaries, health insurance, transportation and special education services. State aid is projected to increase by more than $1.1 million, driven largely by foundation aid and Universal Pre-K funding.
Voters also approved Proposition 2, allowing the district to use up to $1.6 million from existing capital reserves for building improvement projects, by a vote of 333 to 86.
In Lynbrook, voters approved a $115.2 million budget for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 924 to 345, with about 73 percent of voters supporting the spending plan. The budget carries a 1.97 percent tax levy increase, which district officials previously said ranked as the 14th lowest among Nassau County’s 54 school districts.
Incumbent trustee Tara Aragona was re-elected with 945 votes, while newcomer Mathew Hollenstein was also elected with 855 votes. Current trustee Patrick Palleschi did not seek re-election.
District officials said the budget reflects rising costs for salaries, benefits, transportation, insurance and special education services. State aid is projected at just over $25 million, including nearly $16.5 million in Foundation Aid.
Voters also approved two additional propositions, both of which required at least 60 percent voter approval to pass. Proposition 2, establishing a technology replacement fund, passed 1,003 to 265. Proposition 3, authorizing capital projects, passed 835 to 347.
“We thank all residents who voted in support of our 2026-2027 school year budget,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Lynch said in a statement. “This spending plan ensures a fiscally responsible expansion of student opportunities within the district.”
