Valley Stream school budgets pass

Voters in Valley Stream’s four school districts passed their budgets on Tuesday.

In District 13, nearly 60 percent of voters said “yes” to the proposed $42.5 million spending plan, which will raise elementary school taxes about $79 next year for the average homeowner.

“Thanks to the community for showing continued support for our educational mission,” said Board of Education President Frank Chiachiere, who also thanked the district’s administration for its hard work in putting the budget together.

The Valley Stream Central High School District’s proposed $101.98 million spending plan also passed with about 60 percent of voters in favor.

Spending will rise 1.29 percent next year, the district’s lowest increase in more than a decade. “I think it’s a responsible one,” Board President Ken Cummings said of the budget, “and it’s good for the kids.”

District 24’s budget got the nod from voters by a 2-to-1 margin. They responded favorably to the $10 to $15 annual tax increase that is expected next year as part of the $27.2 million budget.

District 30’s proposed $32.4 million budget included one of the largest tax levy increases in the county, at 6.11 percent. But voters came out and supported the spending plan.

“We’re very appreciative of the community’s support for education,” said Superintendent Dr. Elaine Kanas.

Resident Daniel Gluck said he was happy to support the budget with his vote. “There were no issues in District 30 on my mind,” Gluck said. “Everything is copacetic here.”

Kanas said that the success of the budget reassures administrators that they are on the right track. “We felt that were providing the program the community wanted us to,” she said.

Board of Education

One challenger won election to the Board of Education, Lisa Pellicane in District 24. With four candidates vying for three seats, she knocked off two-term incumbent Ian Wraith. Paul DePace and Carole Meaney kept their seats.

Kenneth Cummings was re-elected in District 30, defeating Shaw Avenue School PTA president Margo McKenzie.

Sean Douglas easily beat out challenger Bernadin Fleurima in the lone contested race in District 13. Frank Chiachiere and Debra Evans, who ran unopposed, were also returned to the board.

Clarissa Hamlin contributed to this story.