Feb. 15: Basketball Stars, School Budgets, Whiz Kids and More Things to Know TODAY

School budgets, basketball stars and meetings are on most peoples' minds today.

Here's a quick look at the top stories and events in Malverne and West Hempstead for Feb. 15.

1. Malverne Reviews School Budget: Last week Malverne unveiled its tentative budget proposal for the 2011-2012 school year. ( to see what was presented, as well as a recap of the Feb. 8 meeting.) Tonight the Board of Education will hold a meeting at 8 p.m. to review the budget at the
2. West Hempstead School Board Meets: The Board of Education for the West Hempstead School District will hold its regular monthly business meeting tonight. Among the items on the agenda, which is posted here, is a policy regarding the use of sports facilities by outside groups. This has become a over the past months and at the board came to a consensus that revisions to the policy should be put to a vote. This will take place at tonight's meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at West Hempstead High School.
3. Mules, Rams Boys Advance to Playoffs: Both West Hempstead and Malverne High Schools' varsity boys basketball teams have earned spots in the playoffs this year. The Mules clinched the top position in their conference with an undefeated record. Catch up on how the varsity boys and girls teams fared in their final regular season games. for the most recent edition of the Mules Notebook and for the Rams. 
4. Top 100 List: We continue our countdown of the 100 most interesting places to explore in Malverne and West Hempstead. See what made #98 on our list later today. to view the sites we've featured so far.
5. Whiz Kid Nominations: Moms, dads, grandparents, teachers and coaches - do you know a local kid who deserves to be featured on Patch? Every week we're highlighting "Whiz Kids" in the neighborhood, young boys and girls who make Malverne and West Hempstead great through their hard work, talents, brains or good deeds. Last week we profiled St. Thomas student and this afternoon we'll reveal who made the spotlight this week. To nominate a child you know e-mail Tara.Conry@Patch.com.

Stay in-the-know by reading the Daily Five list each morning. Tomorrow we'll have a new list on the top happenings in Malverne and West Hempstead this Wednesday.