School Vote 2018: Long Beach's Budget and BOE Candidates

When Long Beach School District residents head to the polls on May 15, they will be voting for the school budget, multiple candidates for the Board of Education and two ballot propositions.

The district's proposed 2018-19 budget is $139.9 million, up from the current year's spending plan of $135.3 million. That comes with a tax levy increase of 2.98 percent, which is within the district's limit under the tax cap.

In addition to the budget, residents will have the chance to vote on two ballot propositions. The first would authorize the school district to spend $925,000 from its capital reserve fund on security projects throughout the district. These include new doors and locks at East school, the middle school and the high school and the construction of a new security vestibule at the Nike Work-Based Learning Center. This wouldn't cost the taxpayers extra money, as the funds have already been set aside.

The second proposition would create a new capital reserve fund for the district. This would help pay for future needs. The district says this would have no effect on the tax levy.

Voters will also have to choose two people for to fill seats on the Board of Education. Trustee Darlene Tangney has decided not to run, meaning only one seat is being held by an incumbent. Stewart Mininsky is holding his seat. He is being challenged by Lori Montgomery, Sam Pinto, Ronald McHenry and Tina Posterli. Whichever two candidates receive the most votes will earn the seats.

Polling places are located at the Lindell School, the Sol Scher Community Center, Lido/Middle School and the Bishop Molloy Recreation Center.

Photo: Patch