By Brian Zanzonico
Voters resoundingly approved West Hempstead's $45.5 million budget , a 6.9 percent increase, by 348 votes.
Tax payers can expect a tax rate of about $330 per $100 of assessed value.
The 1,206-858 vote in favor of the 2005-2006 budget was a far cry from the six votes it failed by 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 [West Hempstead administration] all very happy with the vote."
Trocchia, a 15-year member of the board, earned reelection by defeating David Scher 1,454 to 529. Trustee Pamela Lotito, a former teacher, ran unopposed and received 1,267 votes.
"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."
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. As currently constructed, challengers must choose an incumbent up for reelection 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 budget also passed, 1,093-788.
Malverne
Malverne School District's $37 million budget passed by just 30 votes, despite having the fifth-lowest budget-to-budget increase among Nassau County public schools. The 2005-2006 budget calls for a 5.1 percent 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. Danielle Hopkins ran uncontested for the seat vacated by Trustee William Schuster and received 715 votes.
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 last 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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