Hewlett-Woodmere, Lawrence budgets approved

Asher Mansdorf defeats Asher Matathias in trustee race

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The Hewlewtt-Woodmere and Lawrence operating budgets for the 2017-18 school year were approved by district residents Tuesday.

Hewlett-Woodmere's $116.5 million fiscal plan gained approval by 75 percent, 1,059 to 361. There will be no tax levy increase for the second consecutive year.

Incumbent Board of Education Trustees Scott McInnes 1,072 votes and Cheryl May, 1,123, ran unopposed for the three-year terms.

Proposition Two for $14.1 million in upgrades was approved. It will pay for heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades at Hewlett High School; improving the field and installing parking lot lights, bleachers and storage at Woodmere Middle School; a PlayScape and library media center upgrade at Ogden Elementary School; window replacement at Franklin Early Childhood Center and Woodmere Education Center; and technology wiring at Hewlett and Ogden elementary schools.

Proposition Three, also approved, authorizes the district to establish a new capital reserve, not to exceed $40 million over 10 years for renovations and improvements in the schools.

Lawrence's $100.78 million budget passed by 72 percent, 959 to 374. There will be a tax increase of 1.26 percent.

Incumbent Dr. Asher Mansdorf defeated challenger Asher Matathias 1,124 to 187. Murray Forman, who ran unopposed, was re-elected. Both terms are three years.

Proposition 3 was approved. It authorizes a transfer of up to $2 million of unexpended, unreserved funds to the capital reserve fund for upgrades to the high school restrooms, middle school auditorium, both schools’ hallways, electric work at the middle school, districtwide lighting, and roof replacement and site work at the middle school.

Proposition 4, also passed, allows a transfer of up to $3.3 million of unreserved money to the capital reserve fund for the same improvements.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library budget of $6.35 million passed. Trustee Shari Braverman, 1,143 votes, ran unchallenged for another five-year term.

The Peninsula Public Library fiscal plan of $3.2 million was approved. Trustee Sarah Yastrab ran unopposed for the five-year term.