Lindenhurst Passes $140.2M Budget; One Incumbent, Two Newcomers to School Board

Despite facing a 6.89 percent property tax increase, the residents of Lindenhurst came out in support of the proposed school $140.2 million , approving the 2011-12 spending plan by a slim vote of 2154 to 2026.

In addition to giving a nod to the school budget for the upcoming school year on , Lindy residents also re-elected one incumbent and two newcomers to the Board of Education.

Residents chose 15-year incumbent and current BOE President to another three-year term over challenger . Meanwhile, they chose challenger over incumbent and 15-year BOE veteran .

Bartolomeo told Patch, “I’m glad the budget passed and voters came out to support the kids, and I’m looking forward to making it a better environment for all of us.”

Murphy shared, “The people of Lindenhurst could’ve easily opted for a different route, but I’m grateful that they’ve appreciated the job I’ve done for 15 years.”

Both officially become a part of the nine-person board in July, during the reorganization meeting.

Residents also chose newcomer over , who previously sat on the board from 2003 to 2009, for the third seat. Since they were running for a seat vacated last September by Robert Brandenberger, McKenna was sworn in Tuesday night and took her seat on the school board.

“I’m very excited. I’m looking forward to doing the work for the students,” McKenna told Patch.

Lindenhurst Superintendent Richard Nathan, the administration and BOE members gathered at the on Tuesday night following the scheduled breathed a collective sigh of relief following the budget’s passage.

“I’m happy for the positive response from the Lindenhurst community,” Nathan told Patch following the announcement of the voting results to the residents gathered at the McKenna building. “We worked very hard. It was a very open process. We maintained program, and obviously the community supported us in that.”

Murphy added that he thought what they were asking for was going to be a very tough sell.

“But I’m so pleased this hard-working community, who’ve been generous over the years, stepped up again and showed it values quality public education and understands Albany’s shortcomings,” he told Patch, adding that . “I remain hopeful that an agreement in the best interest of the school district can be reached.”

In the meantime, the now-passed for the 2011-2012 school year includes a 6.89 percent property tax increase, and represents a 2.23 percent year-over-year expenditures increase.

The board approved the budget April 13 while preserving programming included in The notable exceptions are the eliminated sixth grade study skills (home economics) and JV2 (9th grade) athletics.