Lynbrook budget, propositions all passed

The results in the Lynbrook school election are in, and the Lynbrook Board of Education will see two newcomers, as Lesli Deninno, David Yaker, and current board president Robert Paskoff were elected as trustees, while the district’s proposed budget passed handily.

“I'm very excited by the results and I want to thank all of the voters for their support,” said Deninno. “I plan to begin working for all stakeholders in the district. There are many issues that need to be addressed, and I plan to listen to all residents to find out what they would like to see in their schools.”

Deninno received the most votes, with a total of 994, while Yaker and Paskoff received 971 and 774 votes, respectively. Renee Gaughran received 772 votes and Sean Strife, the current board vice president, received 632 votes.

“I'm very excited to be elected and I'm looking forward to serving the students and people of Lynbrook,” Yaker said. “I plan to ensure that we continue the standard of excellence that's been established in the district and to make sure we support all of our kids so they can achieve excellence themselves.”

A recount was needed to confirm the narrow margin between Paskoff and Gaughran. Both candidates, along with representatives from the school board and district administration, visited each of the polling place to confirm the vote totals. Paskoff said the election was the closest the district has seen in years.

“Its certainly the most closely contested election we've had during my time, maybe even longer,” Paskoff, who has served on the board for nine years, said. “It was a very tough election, and I think the teacher's union really played a critical role in which candidates people voted for... I welcome our new board members, and I look forward to working with them and continuing to ensure our students receive the best education possible.”

The $79.4 million budget, along with each of the three additional propositions on the ballot, passed easily. The budget, which called for a 1.67 percent tax increase, passed by nearly 800 votes, receiving 1,125 “yes” votes and 355 “no votes.”