By Dana Williams
Residents in Malverne and West Hempstead headed to the polls on Tuesday, with the majority voting in favor of their district's proposed school budget for the 2008-09 school year.
In Malverne, residents approved a $43.5 million budget, which is an increase of 4.73 percent or $1.9 million, over the current budget. The budget passed 694-581.
Officials said that the average homeowner's tax bill would increase about $195. The increase, school officials said, was the smallest that District 12 has had in nine years. By approving the plan, District 12 residents will see a number of new programs in their schools. At the high school level, officials are adding several new elective courses in math, science, social studies, world languages and music. The budget also includes funding for a new instrumental music program for fourth grade students and additional club activities for elementary students, among other additions.
In the school board candidates race, voters re-elected incumbent Karen Aker to a four-year seat on the Malverne Board of Education. Aker defeated her challenger, Julian Jones, 805-336.
West Hempstead
Hundreds of West Hempstead residents voted in favor of their district's proposed $52.6 million spending plan for the upcoming school year. The budget was approved 915- 477 or by a difference of 438 votes.
The district's budget -- which is $1.8 million or 3.63 percent more than the current budget -- calls for a tax levy increase of no more than 0.77 percent. West Hempstead's three-year average tax levy increase, school officials said, has been less than 1 percent.
The spending plan includes funding for additional reading and special education teachers as well as staffing for a new kindergarten-through-second grade foreign language program. In addition, money in the budget has been earmarked to improve security and technology, among other enhancements, throughout the district.
Residents in West Hempstead also voted to elect resident Walter Ejnes to a three-year seat on the West Hempstead Board of Education. Ejnes defeated incumbent Vincent Trocchia, who has served 18 years on the school board. Voters also re-elected Pamela Lotito, who ran unopposed, to another three-year term.
Comments about this story? DWilliams@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
