Herald Endorsement

Vote 'yes' for Lynbrook, East Rockaway school budgets

Posted

Athough the Lynbrook and East Rockaway school districts are each expected to see budget increases in 2021-22, it is as important a time as ever to back them as officials strive to enhance school safety and increase the quality of programs amid the coronavirus pandemic, while holding the line on taxes.

Thus, the Herald enthusiastically endorses the Lynbrook and East Rockaway school district budgets, and encourages voters to show their support by voting “yes” next Tuesday.

Lynbrook School District officials recently announced their plans for the $92.9 million 2021-22 school budget, which aims primarily to bolster current programs, improve school infrastructure and continue staff development.

East Rockaway School District officials have proposed a $41.7 million budget for the 2021-22 school year, and the tax levy increase — the total amount that a district must collect in property taxes to meet expenses — is set at 1.60 percent, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap. The budget focuses on upgrading security, enhancing programs and increasing staff, including six new English as a New Language teachers.

We also encourage residents to vote “yes” on propositions that will enable East Rockaway to use $170,000 from its capital reserves for districtwide technology enhancements and permit Lynbrook to use $600,000 from the Technology Replacement Fund for infrastructure and technology improvements at the Kindergarten Center.

Both school boards have contested elections, and we encourage residents to cast their votes and show their support for those who donate their time to help students thrive.