Budget, board member voting on Tuesday

On Tuesday district residents in the Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence schools districts can go to their respective polling places to vote on the proposed budgets, trustees and one proposition.

A $115.4 million budget for the 2016-’17 school year, nearly $1.73 million more than the current $113.6 million fiscal plan, was presented in Hewlett-Woodmere. It includes a tax levy of $97.5 million, which is the money the school district needs to collect in property taxes. The district’s tax cap is set at zero percent. Under the state’s formula it was allowed to be as high as .48 percent.

“The proposed budget represents a collaborative effort by many stakeholders,” said Superintendent Dr. Ralph Marino Jr.

Hiring 10 employees, including at least five general education teachers and two special education instructors and the restoration of an assistant principal position at the Franklin Early Childhood Center are part of the budget. It also provides for increased instructional support for science as well as the Twilight Program for high school students who need academic support.

Residents are also being asked to cast ballots on Proposition II, to allow the district to spend $10.8 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades at the Early Childhood Center and Hewlett Elementary School. In addition, $2 million from the capital fund will be used to make repairs at several schools. The budget also includes a 5.7 percent jump in state aid to $7.76 million.

“We were happy to put together a proposal that not only improves and strengthens our programs and facilities, but does so with a zero percent increase in the tax levy,” said Board of Education President Scott McInnes.

Trustees unopposed
Harold Kislik is stepping down from the board after 12 years. First-time candidate Daniella Simon is running, along with incumbent Trustee Mitchell Greebel, for the three-year terms, Both are unchallenged.