By Jason Scheer
The $94 million budget passed, 1,317 to 1,090, a 227-vote margin, which was on par with many neighboring districts where budgets passed. In Rockville Centre, the budget passed by 153 votes, and in Oceanside the margin was 296 votes.
Ed Cigna, assistant superintendent for business and administration, said that this year's turnout was one of the largest in recent years, and reflects a growing interest in the issue of education. "The turnout was larger than we had in the recent past by about seven percent," he said. "... I would anticipate that there is a sensitivity to the issues, the taxes, the forces on the school budget, and people are genuinely concerned."
Cigna said that the budget's approval is an indication that the voters "recognize the value in education and supporting the schools" but acknowledged that "we can't assume that because a budget passes that everyone is out there jumping for joy."
Nevertheless, the margin of victory was encouraging, given that 56 county school districts had their budgets voted down. "It's a strong passing vote, so you feel confident that it isn't a matter of, gee whiz, a few people more or less would change the opinion of the community," Cigna said.
The $3.3 million library budget also passed, 1,304 to 971.
Hannon, Villanti get the nod
Anne Hannon and Christopher Villanti were elected to the Board of Education and the Library Board of Trustees, respectively.
Hannon received 1,414 votes, nearly doubling her competitors' combined total. Jerome Lass received 479 votes, while Sarah Rafalowitz received 255.
Hannon, a longtime member and leader of the PTA, said she was happy with the results and would learn from her senior colleagues to do the best job she possibly can. She also vowed to be accessible to the members of the Baldwin community. "I'm hoping to make myself as available as I can and listen to their concerns, and bring them to the board," she said.
Villanti beat out Louis Sandberg for a seat on the library board, 1083 to 961. The final tally was announced on Thursday, May 19, two days after the polls closed. That night, Villanti held a 1,016-920 advantage. The results could not be made official, however, because of 143 affidavit ballots.
Cigna explained that if a voter comes to a polling place but his or her name is not found in the registration database, the voter is allowed to vote by affidavit. The district clerk then checks with the Nassau County Board of Elections, as well as district records, to verify whether or not the individual is eligible to vote.
Villanti was excited when he heard the final results. "I'm very surprised and pleased at the outcome of the election," he said. "I hope to be able to fulfill all my promises."
Comments about this story? JScheer@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
