Vote ‘yes’ on West Hempstead spending plan

In West Hempstead, residents should show their support for the proposed $61 million school budget. It calls for 1.97 percent more spending and a 2.3 percent tax-levy increase — well below the district’s tax cap — and would maintain all academic programs, athletics and co-curricular activities.
When it comes to facility maintenance, the district has $600,000 to use either to install air-conditioning in the high school auditorium or to refurbish the high school’s kitchen. The $600,000 would be allocated in the 2019-20 budget to complete funding for whichever project the board chooses to pursue.
We encourage voters to approve the budget on Tuesday.

For trustee, Dolan, Shinsato and Esses

The Herald endorses Carol Dolan, a special education teacher, in the race for one of three contested seats on the West Hempstead Board of Education, against interim Trustee Byars Cole, who was temporarily appointed last year to complete Rudy Schindler’s term. Dolan has lived in the district for nearly 30 years, and served on the board at St. Thomas the Apostle School. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher, she said she hopes to help promote the district’s innovative programs.
We also endorse Andrea Shinsato, the board’s current vice president, who is being opposed by Perry Fogg. Shinsato has been active in the community as a member of Relay for Life and the West Hempstead Chiefs Soccer Club, and is a former PTA president. She has done a solid job of helping to keep this year’s budget under the tax cap.
The Herald also supports Sarah Esses, who is running against Tony Katrakazis for the empty seat that Caitlin Close vacated. Although she has lived in the district for not quite two years, the experiences that Esses has gained as a teacher make her the best choice for the board.