By: Andrew Hackmack
Voters approved all four Valley Stream school budgets on Tuesday as well as two capital project proposals. A transportation proposition in District 13 was defeated.
The Valley Stream Central High School District's $96.5 million budget passed with 1,832 yes votes to 1,423 no votes. "We are most appreciative of our community's support for our schools and our students," Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein said.
Voters also approved a $1.6 million capital project proposition. The work will include the construction of an elevator to serve the second-floor district offices at Memorial Junior High School, running-track repairs at all three schools and replacement of the district telephone system.
District 24's budget, which calls for a decrease in the elementary school portion of taxes, passed by a vote of 432 to 291. The budget for next year will be $25.5 million. "We are very pleased that the community came out and supported our budget, which will allow us to continue to provide the highest level of educational services to our students," said Superintendent Dr. Ed Fale said.
Incumbents Paul DePace, Carole Meaney and Ian Wraith were all re-elected to the Board of Education. All three ran unopposed.
In District 30, the $29.2 million budget -- which also includes a tax decrease -- passed, with 440 votes to approve and 249 opposed. "I am very pleased, very thankful to the community," Board of Education President Dr. Maria Fletcher said.
Fletcher added that the recently approved six-year technology plan can now be implemented. The budget supports all existing programs, she said, including summer school and the Saturday Academy.
A proposition for $1.75 million for roof and rescue window replacements as Shaw Avenue School also passed, 423 to 228. Elise Antonelli was elected to a five-year term on the school board, and Cristobal Stewart to a four-year term.
District 13's taxpayers gave a thumbs up to the budget, 1,117 to 831. The spending plan for next year totals $40.4 million. Unopposed candidates Frank Chiachiere, Debra Evans and Thomas Speranza were elected to the Board of Education.
A transportation proposition was voted down, 1,010 to 804. The proposal would have increased bus service to students living more than a half-mile from their schools, and would have added another $267,000 to the budget.
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Board of Education results
District 13
Frank Chiachiere 1,232
Debra Evans 1,070
Thomas Speranza 1,053
District 24
Paul DePace 552
Carole Meaney 524
Ian Wraith 478
District 30
Elise Antonelli 439
Cristobal Stewart 264
