Voters Guide to the Budget and School Board Election

Lynbrook residents will head to the polls tomorrow to cast their vote on the proposed district budget, two school board candidates, and two additional propositions.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lynbrook High School, North Middle School, and South Middle School.

The following is a guide to everything you need to know about the school budget vote and elections tomorrow:

Proposition One — The Budget

The Lynbrook Board of Education is proposing a $72.89 million budget for 2011-12. The budget maintains all district programs, staffing levels, and class sizes.

The proposed spending plan represents the smallest budget-to-budget increase — 2.81 percent — in a decade. The projected tax levy increase is 4.39 percent.

The reason for the increases? for a Patch article detailing government-mandated spending increases.

Proposition Two — Technology Replacement Fund

The board is also seeking voter approval to transfer $457,400 from a technology reserve fund for various upgrades in the district.

With this money, the district plans to complete the installation of StarBoards in special area classes, replace third grade desktop computers with laptops, and upgrade servers.

This proposition will have no effect on taxes or the tax levy. It is money that exists in a reserve fund and can only be used for purposes of technology upgrades and replacement. The district simply needs voter approval to take the funds out of the reserve.

Proposition Three — South Middle School Athletic Complex

The board is asking residents to vote on the .

The project includes installation of a turf field, all-weather track, bleachers, locker room facilities, lighting, scoreboard and a concession stand.

This proposition has become quite controversial among Lynbrook residents. Many feel that the funds should be used for other capital projects in the district or saved for future years when a property tax cap may be in place. But those who support it feel that this is a necessary project to improve field conditions and locker room facilities.

Like Proposition Two, this project would not affect taxes or the tax levy. The money exists in the district's capital reserves and needs only voter approval to be used.

School Board Elections

Three candidates are running for two seats on the Lynbrook Board of Education. All seats are for a three-year period.

Longtime trustee Alicemarie Bresnihan is running unopposed for her 13th term. Christine Basile is challenging incumbent Ellen Marcus, who is running for her second term.

You can find out more about the candidates in their respective profiles. Click the names to read them: