By Brian Zanzonico
On May 17, voters resoundingly approved West Hempstead's $45.5 million budget, a 6.9 percent increase, by 348 votes.
Taxpayers can expect a tax rate of about $330 per $100 of their homes' assessed values.
The 1,206-to-858 vote in favor of the 2005-06 budget was a far cry from the six votes by which it failed last year. West Hempstead school board members took a gamble in June 2004 when they presented an uncut budget to voters. It passed the second time around by more than 350 votes.
"No worrying about adjustments this year," West Hempstead school board Vice President Vincent Trocchia said. "We're all very happy with the vote."
Trocchia, a 15-year member of the board, earned re-election by defeating David Scher, 1,454 votes to 529. "I'm thankful to the community for all their support," Trocchia said. "They came out and overwhelmingly supported me. The turnout was a big plus for public education."
Trustee Pamela Lotito, a former teacher, ran unopposed and received 1,267 votes. "This was a real plus for our community - a community effort," she said. "The PTAs, the teachers, the parents. So many residents came out to vote. It was a community effort that got the budget passed."
Superintendent Dr. Carol Eisenberg was pleased with the voter turnout, and credited the PTA, the PTSA and the Special Education Parent-Teacher Association (SEPTA) with getting the word out. "I think the community was very supportive because they were more informed and aware of what we're doing," she said. "By coming out [to vote], they confirmed what we do and showed confidence in us."
Proposition 3, which called for at-large voting in West Hempstead school board elections, was rejected, 974-786. At-large voting means that the top vote getters win election. The current system requires a challenger to choose an incumbent up for re-election to run against.
"I am pleased that the members of the West Hempstead community were given the opportunity to voice their opinion," said Dr. Sal Lombardo, a West Hempstead resident who authored the proposition. "The residents have voted, and I stand by their decision."
The West Hempstead Public Library's $1.86 million budget also passed, 1,093-788.
Malverne
The Malverne School District's $37 million budget passed by just 30 votes, despite having the fifth-lowest increase among Nassau County public schools. The 2005-06 budget calls for a 5.1 percent spending increase over the current budget.
"I'm absolutely delighted," Malverne Superintendent Dr. Mary Ellen Freeley said. "I feel as though this was a very sound budget that provides programs for our children but is fiscally conservative and tight."
Malverne's budget calls for a tax rate of about $302 per $100 of assessed value.
School board First Vice President Gregory Padmore ran unopposed, and collected 906 votes. "I'm absolutely pleased with the outcome of the [budget] vote...," said Padmore, who will begin his second term on the board. He was previously elected to fill the remaining two years of Diana Hill's term. "My major concern was getting the budget passed. Anyone who has the good will of the students knows our primary concern was passing the budget."
Danielle Hopkins ran uncontested for the seat vacated by Trustee William Schuster, and received 715 votes. "I'm happy the budget passed," she said. "That was the most important thing."
Voters defeat District 13 budget
Valley Stream District 13's budget was voted down for the second straight year. The proposed $34.3 million budget, a 9.33 percent increase over the current year, failed 532-438. In the district's only contested race, for Dr. Marie Connelly's vacant board seat, Debra Evans beat Joseph DiSibio, 1,002-993.
Trustees Dr. Frank Chiachiere and Cathy Subbiondo ran uncontested, and garnered 1,582 and 1,530 votes, respectively.
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