Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence school budgets pass

Heshy Blachorsky defeats Asher Matathias for BOE trustee

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Residents in the Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence school districts passed the respective budgets, and in the only contested Board of Education race Heshy Blachorsky defeated Asher Matathias on Tuesday.

Hewlett-Woodmere's $119.79 million budget for the 2018-2019 school year was approved 784 to 536. The spending increase of 2.86 percent matches the first proposed tax levy uptick in three years.

Proposition 2 that asked residents to approve the use of $14.76 million from the capital reserve fund passed 899-428. It's for improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, restroom enhancements, masonry work and technology upgrades districtwide.


Lawrence’s proposed budget of $102.44 million, is an increase of 1.65 percent, but there is no tax-cap increase. It was approved 823 to 301.

Proposition 3 to allow a transfer of $4 million to the capital reserve fund passed 747 to 276. It is for an array of improvements to the Lawrence High School and Broadway campuses and districtwide roof, lighting and ceiling replacements.

Incumbent H-W Trustee Melissa Gates (924 votes)and Central Council PTA members Judy Menashe (901) and Debi Sheinin all ran unopposed. Gates ran for her third term, it will be the first terms for both Menashe and Sheinin.

Sitting Lawrence Trustee Heshy Blachorsky turned back a challenge by Asher Matathias 882 to 230. It will be Blachorsky's second term. Abel Feldhamer, running unopposed, collected 996 votes to gain his fourth term on the board.

All terms are three years.

Library results

The $6.43 million Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library budget was approved 8725 to 407. Incumbent Trustee Ayanna Lane (943 votes)ran unchallenged for another five-year term

Peninsula Public Library's proposed $3.37 million budget was approved 902 to 230. Sitting Trustee Samuel Francis(621 votes) gained another five-year term.