The Malverne and West Hempstead school districts’ voters approved each of their budgets for the 2026-27 school years on Tuesday, May 19. Malverne’s approved budget is about $75.1 million, and West Hempstead’s is about $83 million.
The approved budgets carry a tax levy increase of 2.29% and 2.22%, respectively. Malverne’s was just over $50.9 million, while West Hempstead’s was 52.9 million. Both tax levies are at or under 2.29%, the allowable amount dictated by the New York State tax cap formula.
In Malverne, Sandy Ronquillo ran unopposed for the seat left by Laura Bellamy-Avvinti, who left the Board of Education after eight years. Ronquillo received 372 ‘yes’ votes.
In West Hempstead, George Damanis ran unopposed for the seat left by David Lazar, and Joseph Magaraci ran unopposed for re-election. Damanis received 1139 votes, and Magaraci was re-elected with 1231 votes.
The Malverne budget passed by a vote of 329 to 132, according to unofficial results released by the district. The spending plan represents a $1.3 million, or 1.54 percent, increase over the current year’s budget.
The West Hempstead budget passed by a vote of 1115 to 416 according to unofficial results released by the district. The spending plan represents a $2.9 million, or $3.72 percent, increase over the current year’s budget. The West Hempstead library budget passed by a vote of 1,138 to 375.
Officials from both districts said the spending increases were due to rising costs of employee benefits, health insurance and transportation costs. According to a district presentation transportation cost in West Hempstead are expected to rise by 14 percent, from about $10 million to about $11.8 million, as has been the trend for the past ten years.
For Malverne, state aid is expected to decrease by about 0.4 percent, while Foundation Aid is projected to increase by $140 thousand.
For West Hempstead, state aid is expected to increase by about 12 percent, while Foundation Aid is projected to increase by $480 thousand, or 5 percent.
