Malverne school district
VOTING
7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Howard T. Herber Middle School.
THE BUDGET
The district proposes a $53,461,648 budget for 2015-16, a 1.82 percent increase from the current $52,505,659. The local tax levy would increase 1.99 percent, from $40,816,759 to $41,630,700.
This increase is below the state's tax-cap limit of 2.26 percent, so a simple majority vote will be required to approve the budget. The district said it could not provide estimates for school taxes on the average single-family house because it is "subject to Nassau County and New York State determination."
The district is undergoing contract negotiations. Under the proposed budget the district is adding one elementary school teacher and an advanced placement course.
A proposition on the ballot to approve $1,160,814.64 from its District Capital Reserve Fund I and $900,000 from the district's Capital Reserve Fund II for improvements and renovations, which include replacement of gym windows, bathroom upgrades, installation of stadium lights at the high school; the final phase of roof replacement; bathroom upgrades and installation of auditorium air conditioning at the middle school. Roof replacement, window replacement, masonry repairs and bathroom upgrades at the Davison School; and bathroom upgrades and basement ventilation at the Downing School, including the replacement of furnishings, equipment, machinery and demolition.
District website:
malverne.k12.ny.us
THE CANDIDATES
Incumbent Josephine Bottitta is being challenged by Jan Kasal for a four-year term.
Josephine BottittaBACKGROUND: Bottitta, 51, is a director of business development and consulting. She graduated from St. John's University Law School in 1990 and received a bachelor's and a master's in social work from Adelphi University. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare; New York State Bar Association and the National Association of Social Workers. She has a ninth-grader at Malverne High and a fifth-grader at Davidson Elementary. She has lived in the district more than 20 years.
ISSUES: Bottitta said the district faces challenges "navigating the continuous unfunded mandates while preserving a quality education." Another challenge is "holding to the tax cap and striving to keep tax increase spending at bay for all district taxpayers." Bottitta wants to keep "the learning environment positive and fun for our students and teachers despite all the mandated testing."
Jan KasalBACKGROUND: Kasal, 52, is a graphic designer. He earned his bachelor's and his master's at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. He is president of the Malverne Educational and Fitness Foundation; member of USA Track & Field, and the National Ski Patrol; and is a CYO track coach. He has a second-grader at the Maurice W. Downing School and another child who will enter Downing soon. Kasal ran unsuccessfully for a board seat last year.
ISSUES: Kasal said if elected he would "keep the community abreast of current national and state educational issues." He also wants to "emphasize the importance of resident participation in shaping the future direction of district public education."
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