By Dana Williams
In Malverne, voters approved a $43.5 million budget, which is $1.9 million, or 4.73 percent, larger than the current spending plan. It passed by a margin of 694 to 581.
After getting $608,707 more than expected in state aid — which brought District 12’s total state funding to $8.6 million — the Malverne Board of Education was able to reduce the projected tax levy increase from 5.35 to 3.97 percent. School officials said that the average homeowner’s tax bill would increase by about $195 — the smallest increase the district has had in nine years.
District 12 residents will see a number of new programs in the schools. At the high school, there will be 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, additional club activities for elementary students, and new SmartBoards and computers in the libraries, labs and classrooms throughout the district.
“We’re upgrading our technology, and we have a number of great programs planned for our students next year,” said Superintendent Dr. James Hunderfund. “The Board of Education and I are very grateful to everyone who came out to vote, and we believe that this kind of support will help us greatly in the next year.”
In the race for school board trustee, incumbent Karen Aker was re-elected to a four-year term, defeating challenger Julian Jones 805 to 336. Aker, 60, said she is looking forward to continuing her efforts to provide students with a well-rounded education. “I’m very happy that residents gave me another opportunity to provide our students with tools and programs that they need to get a great education,” she said. “Taxes are a burden, and I will continue to keep the taxpayers in mind, and I’m just going to continue to be here for the students and residents.”
Jones, 53, who, during his campaign, stressed issues such as improving communication between the school board and residents as well as creating initiatives to reduce taxes, could not be reached for comment at press time.
West Hempstead
West Hempstead’s $52.6 million spending plan was approved by a vote of 915 to 477. It is $1.8 million larger than the current budget, an increase of 3.63 percent, and calls for a tax levy increase of no more than 0.77 percent.
Richard Cunningham, the district’s assistant superintendent of business and operations, said the small increase is attributable to the district’s efforts to consolidate services with other school districts and to find other sources of revenue. Over the past three years, the district’s tax levy increase has averaged 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. A new staff member will be hired to oversee services and other items related to state mandates. Additional money has been earmarked to improve security and technology. “We’re very happy that the West Hempstead voters passed this budget,” said Superintendent John Hogan. “I think it speaks of their support of the schools and confidence in our ability to present them with a budget that was well thought out and fiscally responsible.”
West Hempstead voters elected Walter Ejnes to a three-year term on the district’s Board of Education. Ejnes, 43, defeated incumbent, Vincent Trocchia — who has served on the school board for 18 years — by a vote of 819 to 573. “I’m really looking forward to working with the board and bringing new ideas to help our students,” Ejnes said. “I’m just very happy that voters gave me the opportunity to help keep our district strong, successful and vibrant.”
Although he was elated that the budget passed, Trocchia, 56, said he was disappointed that he did not keep his seat. “It was raining and there was a low voter turnout, so I think that had something to do with it,” he said. “The loss is a disappointment, but I still plan to serve the district in other ways, and I hope the board will take advantage of my construction expertise when the time comes.”
Pamela Lotito, who ran unopposed, was also re-elected to a three-year term. Lotito, 57, said she would continue to help the district improve by pushing for new programs and initiatives. “I’m looking forward to continuing the development of the district’s Strategic Planning Committee’s goals,” she said. “I also want to continue the collaborative effort on the part of our school district and community, because this will enhance our children’s academic experience and help us to reach our district’s educational goals.”
Comments about this story? DWilliams@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
