Next year’s budget for Baldwin schools makes the best of a bad situation. The choices district officials had to make on spending were grim, but they were realistic, and based on many hours of careful consideration. While there may be regret about the plan’s cost-cutting measures, there should not be anger, and voting “no” on the budget as an expression of vitriol would be a mistake. Voters who do so would actually be disadvantaging the students they hope to protect. The outcome would not be a restoration of programs, schools or jobs, but rather an even more savage slashing of funds that would gut district activities and significantly reduce the quality of life for students and non-students alike. more

There are five candidates for two seats on the Baldwin school board. The election will be held on May 15 from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. at Baldwin Senior High School. The last day to register to vote is May 10. The incumbent candidates for school board are Mary Jo O’Hagan, the current board president, and Robert “B.A.” Schoen. The challengers are Tracy Mahler, Eric Harrison and Michael Grannum. Below are profiles of each candidate. more

At a PTA-sponsored candidates forum May 2 at the school district office, each of five candidates for two trustee seats on the Baldwin Board of Education attempted to persuade voters that he or she was the best choice. more

With prom less than a month away, two dozen seniors from Valley Stream Central High School hit the runway last Thursday night to show off the latest fashions. more

The Valley Stream Council of PTAs hosted the 51st annual Lights On For Education event on April 26 at Memorial Junior High School with students, teachers and administrators from all 14 Valley Stream schools showcasing their hard work for all to see. more

Lynbrook residents and their neighbors will lace up their sneakers and hit the track on May 19 to raise awareness — and funds — to help find a cure for cancer as part of Lynbrook’s annual … more

On Tuesday, residents of the Rockville Centre school district will vote on its proposed $97.3 million 2012-13 budget, which is 1.7 percent larger than the current spending plan and keeps the tax levy within the state-mandated cap. We urge voters to approve the plan, which we believe puts students first, makes headway in dealing with expenses and ensures the high-quality education the community expects and deserves more

A pungent smell that overwhelmed parts of the South Shore Wednesday morning — that many feared was caused by a gas leak along Lido Blvd., delivering a “noxious” stench that led several nearby … more

Long Beach resident Brian McNamee, Roger Clemens’s former trainer and the chief accuser in the 2007 Mitchell Report on the use of steroids and human growth hormone in Major League Baseball, … more

The North Merrick School District was able to save staff positions originally intended to be cut or reduced after receiving additional state aid, according to Superintendent David Feller. more