School board President Anthony Vitale received the highest number of votes in the school elections this week. With a colossal 1613 votes, he was easily welcomed back for yet another term. The two other unopposed incumbents were right behind. First on the agenda for board members is the defeated budget.

Dr. Philip Acinapuro, who has been in the district since 1956 and is the former assistant to the superintendent of schools, received 1595 votes. He is very involved with the board of education as head of the Lobby Committee.

"I am disappointed that the budget went down, we have to submit again and give kids a chance for summer programs. If they are going to pass the Regents and take the next step up, we have to give them the opportunity to do well," he said.

Robert Guarino, Jr., an attorney who has been a board member for three years, received 1556 votes this year. Guarino said that he wants to ensure that programs are meeting the needs of students and are designed to make certain that children succeed. He is concerned that the district will have to cut back on an already tight budget, because of its rejection at the polls. He does not understand why it was defeated, but the board and administrators will make sure they come up with a budget that is conducive to the district and residents.

School Board Trustee Josephine Macchia also announced a decision to retire from the board of education this week.

"Mrs. Macchia has been a long-standing member of the Board of Education and has worked tirelessly to support the students and families of Farmingdale and, as such, has set a very high standard for participation," said school officials.

Until elections are held next spring, the board wants community members to volunteer for consideration as applicants to fill the last year of Macchia's term on an interim basis.

Officials said that in order to serve as a member of the board of education, you must be a resident of the district for at least one year prior to the election, must be a qualified voter of the district and must be able to read and write. No employee of the school district may be a member of the board, except as permitted by law.

Anyone who fulfills these requirements can submit a letter of application to the board at the Central Administration office at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School on Van Cott Avenue.