Herricks school district

VOTING

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Rd., New Hyde Park.

THE BUDGET

The district proposes a $108,240,992 budget for 2015-16, a 0.60 percent increase from the current $107,594,911. The local tax levy would increase 1.62 percent, from $93,325,352 to $94,841,366.

This increase is within the state's tax-cap limit of 2.38 percent, so a simple majority vote will be required to approve the budget. School taxes on the average single-family home would increase 1.61 percent, from $10,066 to $10,228.

The proposed budget includes a 1 percent salary increase for teachers and a 1 percent step increase that is deferred until February.

The district said the budget includes 10 additional teaching positions to reduce class sizes; increased technology funding; and an additional position to meet state mandates in English as a Second Language, special education and academic assistance. The district would add an elementary principal in lieu of a part-time lead teacher and divide the English/World Language/ESL chair into two positions. It also includes restoration of intramural sports and 11 assistant coaching positions, and additional grounds and facilities staff. The spending plan would fund new math texts, computerize the lunch program and allow purchase of three new buses and two facilities trucks.

Voters also will consider a proposition to establish a new capital reserve fund of $5 million for future capital improvements on facilities, such as upgrades to heating, ventilation and electrical systems and windows. The proposition's approval would not result in an increase in taxes or the tax rate.

District website:

herricks.org

THE CANDIDATES

Incumbents Nancy Feinstein and Brian Hassan are running unopposed in the by-seat election. Terms are three years.