North Babylon school district

VOTING

7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Belmont Elementary, Parliament Place Elementary, Marion G. Vedder and Woods Road Elementary schools.

THE BUDGET

The district proposes a $111,970,552 budget for 2015-16, a decrease of 1.65 percent from the current $113,845,505. The local tax levy would increase 2.39 percent, from $61,430,928 to $62,896,784.

This increase equals the state's tax-cap limit of 2.39 percent, so a simple majority vote will be required to approve the budget. School taxes on the average single-family home would increase 2.39 percent, from $7,014.20 to $7,181.56.

The district is negotiating its teachers contract. A step increase of 1.88 percent is scheduled under the proposed budget. The district proposes to add 17.6 teaching positions due to increased elementary school enrollment, support for its bilingual and special education programs.

A ballot proposition asks voters to approve a lease-purchase agreement for three school vans and three school buses for a total cost of $482,026, which would be payable over five years with annual installments of $96,405.

District website:

northbabylonschools.net

THE CANDIDATES

Incumbent Jay Shinnick, who was appointed to fill a vacant seat in February, is being challenged by Matthew Lucchetti. Incumbent Salvatore Levanti is running unopposed for the other seat. Terms are three years.

Matthew Lucchetti

BACKGROUND: Lucchetti, 44, is a regional sales manager who has lived in the district 17 years. He has an associate degree in culinary arts and a bachelor's in food service education from the Johnson & Wales University. He is a former Woods Road PTA president and treasurer, current vice president of the North Babylon Council of PTAs, 2015 Challenge Day Committee member, North Babylon Athletic Club lacrosse coach, and Site Base Committee member of the North Babylon High School. He has a 10th-grader at North Babylon High School and a fourth- and second-grader at the Woods Road Elementary School.

ISSUES: Lucchetti said the district's most important issue is "limited technology." He said he wants to consult with parents, teachers, students and "community stakeholders to develop a three- to five-year plan that focuses on updating our infrastructure" as the district prepares to implement the Smart Schools Bond Act. He said he wants to increase "the amount of technical tools available to students across all grades and develop specific learning modules to support and enhance our current curriculum and save money by investing in software instead of textbooks." Lucchetti also supports providing professional development for staff and faculty so they can "embrace 21st century teaching skills to challenge our students so they will be ready for the world beyond the classroom."

Jay Shinnick

BACKGROUND: Shinnick, 60, a retired vice president of finance, has a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Binghamton University. He is a lifelong resident of the district and is a board trustee and chief financial officer of an open gym program as well as a 25-year member of the PTA. He is a member of Performing Arts Support Association and Special Education PTA. His two children graduated from North Babylon schools.

ISSUES: Shinnick said he wants to continue to "strengthen curriculum, de-stress students, expand opportunities and manage finances. I would propose developing a committee of teachers, administrators and psychologists to develop strategies to reduce stress for students." Shinnick said he will continue to support music and fine art and athletic programs, including academic clubs. He said his education and experience "in accounting and finance uniquely qualifies me to develop long-term financial strategies."