An increase in unfunded mandates and a loss of state aid has led both the Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence school districts to seek the elimination of positions, including teachers.
Voters on Tuesday will decide whether to accept the districts’ fiscal plans for the 2013-14 school year, as well as pick who will be on the school boards. Polls will be open in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District at the Woodmere Education Center on Johnson Place from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. School District 15 voters can go to the polling station to vote between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Lawrence
The Lawrence School District, which has kept its budget at $93 million for several years, no longer has reserve funds to balance its budget, like it did last year. The district’s plan calls for the cutting of about 10 teacher positions and 18 other positions to help make up an expected $3.2 million shortfall in its 2013-14 budget. Taxpayers are being asked to approve a 2 percent increase in the tax levy and an additional $880,000 for the teacher retirement system.
This year marks the first time in School District 15 where multiple candidates from the Orthodox community will face each other for school board seats. Dr. David Sussman, the longest serving member of the board, is running unopposed.
- 3 First-Time Candidates Seek Seat on Lawrence School Board
- Former Colleagues to Face Off in SD 15 Board Race
- Lawrence School Board Member David Sussman Unopposed
Hewlett-Woodmere
Hewlett-Woodmere will utilize reserve funds to help balance its budget, but is also seeking a tax levy increase of 3.45 percent, the maximum allowed without the need for a supermajority vote. Cuts include the elimination of less popular programs in its adult education program and the elimination of positions, including two assistant principals who are not being replaced. An $850 fee will also be introduced for the district’s pre-kindergarten plus program.
- Hewlett-Woodmere Schools to Seek Tax Levy Increase
- Discovery Cut Concerns Lead to Tabling of SD 14 Budget
- Hewlett-Woodmere Schools to Seek 3.45% Increase in Tax Levy
Incumbent Harold Kislik is seeking another term on the board, while previous candidates Mitchell Greebel and Fred Usherson are once again seeking seats in an at-large election for two seats.
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