School budget votes across LI Tuesday

Voters head to the polls Tuesday across Long Island to approve or reject $10.5 billion in school district budgets for the 2010-11 school year, and to elect trustees to serve on local boards of education.

Voting will be held in all 124 public school districts. Polls open as early as 6 a.m. and close as late as 10 p.m. Check Newsday's Voters Guide 2010, published in Sunday's LI Life editions, or go to newsday.com/education for opening and closing times in each district, information about proposed spending and taxes, and biographical and other information about the candidates.

Also, go to newsday.com Tuesday night for up-to-the-minute results as they are compiled.

In East Hampton, board of education candidate Linda McCabe Silich was not included in the Voters Guide. She filed a late petition after another candidate dropped out of the race. Silich is running against Alison Anderson, Lauren Dempsey and George Aman, and incumbents Sandra E. Vorpahl and Wendy J. Hall for three seats with three-year terms.

Here is Silich's information:

BACKGROUND: Silich, 47, a personal trainer at a local fitness studio, also owns an East Hampton landscaping business with her husband, Andrija (Andy) and another co-owner. A 10-year resident of the district, she and her husband have three children attending district schools. Silich received a bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University in Ohio. She volunteers for the PTA and is active in the BONAC On Board for Wellness 5K run.

ISSUES: Silich said she wants better communication between parents and the administration on all matters, and especially on its finances. As an athletic person who believes in healthy choices, she does not want the sports curriculum to be cut if the budget fails. "I think that is an integral part of a children's education," she said.