School Vote 2018: Bellmore-Merrick's Budget And BOE Candidates

On May 15, residents from Bellmore and Merrick will cast ballots for the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District's budget, the board of education candidates and a ballot proposition.

The proposed 2018-19 Bellmore-Merrick budget is $159.8 million, up more than $6 million from the current spending plan of $153.7 million. The higher budget comes with a tax levy increase of 2.65 percent, which is within the district's limit under the tax cap.

Like many districts, Bellmore-Merrick is budgeting more money for school safety. The district already has 48 members of its security team, and the proposed budget includes money for hiring more, as well as increasing their hours and having security staff on weekends, when needed. Also included in the budget is money to hire four more guidance counselors for the district.

There is one additional proposition on the budget this year, specifically for the high school district. Residents will vote on whether or not to spend money from the district's capital reserve fund. The money would be used for paving and concrete work across the district, resurfacing outdoor athletic surfaces, replacing doors and more. The expenditure would not cost taxpayers anything extra, as the money has already been set aside.

High school district residents will also have to vote on their school board candidates, but that will be done at each elementary school district.

Polling places are:

• Bellmore School District: Shore Road School (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
• North Bellmore School District: Newbridge Road School (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Merrick School District: Norman J. Levy Lakeside School (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• North Merrick School District: North Merrick Public Library (6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Photo: Patch