WEST HEMPSTEAD: Approve school budget

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In West Hempstead, administrators have compiled a 2014-15 district budget that totals $57.2 million and keeps the tax levy increase at 1.42 percent, the maximum allowed under the state tax cap.

The spending plan keeps the school staff intact and maintains class sizes. In order to trim expenses, the district has done away with ninth period at the middle and high schools — a difficult decision to make.

The budget includes $400,000 in capital expenditures, for roofing and masonry work at the high school and renovations of a parking garage at Chestnut Street School.

The spending proposal looks logical to us, and we believe voters should give it their support.

Two easy choices for trustee

Two seats on the West Hempstead Board of Education are open, and two candidates, incumbents Vincent Trocchia and Pamela Lotito, face no challengers.

It’s easy for voters to overlook uncontested races, but we encourage residents to show their support for the candidates. Trustees do so much without financial compensation, and often face much criticism. Community members should thank their fellow citizens for their dedicated service.