Elections for the Board of Education (BOE) were held on Tuesday, May 21. William Belmont was re-elected and will continue to serve as president, and Heather Hanson was re-elected to keep her seat as trustee. The position each member holds now is subject to change in the next school year as over the summer, the board will hold an organization meeting. At the organization meeting, board members will elect a president, vice president, secretary, and trustees amongst themselves.

Belmont had 1,115 votes, and Hanson had 982 votes. Danielle Longo and Dana Franklin, who ran to be elected as the AIM High Party, followed with Longo having 674 votes and Franklin receiving 584.

According to board members, only 12% of registered voters in the district voted in this election. The lack of participation in the district has been a concern and topic of discussion recently. Members were optimistic about the issue, however, saying that people tend to participate more when there are problems to be solved. Board Vice President Lesli Deninno explained, “[Low voter turnout] is not only a problem in Lynbrook but a national problem, but I think that this signifies that people are happy with how things are going in Lynbrook. People often turn out to vote when there is a concern.” Belmont added, “The reality is that in the world we live in, apathy is a big issue. The upside is that if people were unhappy, they would have turned out in greater numbers, so at least that is the silver lining.” Hanson also displayed optimism: “While turnout at certain polling places was higher than last year, we still have lots of room for improvement with respect to turnout. One highlight, though, was seeing my daughter and many of her classmates cast their first votes in an election. That really gave me goosebumps!”

Belmont and Hanson look forward to continuing to be a part of the board. Hanson explained, “Much of my focus for the next three years will be on managing growth, whether that means the bond or keeping class sizes small, or adding new programs to meet the needs of our students.” Belmont emphasized the past success of the board and eagerly anticipated continuing to serve: “Our teachers and administrators have done a great job preparing our kids for life after high school. My goal is to continue to keep moving Lynbrook forward and to continue to provide our students with programs and opportunities that will assist them in being successful.”

Fellow members of the board seemed to be content with the results. Deninno commented, “I was pleased with the passing of the school budget referendums. I am happy to be working with Mr. Belmont and Mrs. Hanson again on the Lynbrook school board. They have both shown passion, devotion, and commitment to our community and schools throughout the years.” Board Secretary Robert Paskoff described the board’s success and the group effort that goes toward it: “I look forward to working with [Belmont and Hanson] because we have a good team. The district is moving forward, and we continue to strive to do what is best for all the kids in the district. Since I have been in the board, we have been working as a team with the goal of continued growth, and I think you might see that. We have premier music programs, two Regeneron science winners, good sports programs, and kids going to the top colleges. We also have a strong program for children in need of special education at all levels, and we recently revamped and enhanced the program for the gifted and all children at the elementary level. Working as a team with those guys helps drive us forward.”