Tuesday was a successful day for the Elmont, Franklin Square, West Hempstead and Sewanhaka Central High School districts as operating budgets for the 2001-2002 school year all met with voter approval. As a result, residents of these communities will see a tax increase. However, the schools will have the funds the boards of education deemed necessary to provide adequate educational services.

At the Elmont Union Free School District, residents approved a moderate increase of $0.98 per $100 of assessed valuation, although an additional $1.01 is required to make the first repayment as well as start up costs associated with the district's 1999 successful bond referendum. The budget passed by a 979 to 522 margin.

Among some of the items contained in the budget are four additional classroom teaching positions, two special education positions and an assistant principal position. As a result of the budget passing, the district will also revise the science curriculum during the summer. The district also plans to modify the cafeteria and add bathrooms to the Dutch Broadway School, refurbish the new library at Covert Avenue School, and complete a roof project.

Some of the basement areas to house students can be modified into all-purpose rooms. Funds have also been set aside to upgrade the PA system and begin refurbishing playgrounds. The first two schools that would have new playgrounds would be Clara H. Carlson and Stewart Manor.

Also, board members Lillian Carillo and Carl Termini, who both ran unopposed, received 1,029 and 933 votes respectively in their successful re-election bids. In the race for the seat of Anne Reinhardt, who decided not to run for re-election, Robert Nori defeated Ed Tupper by a 685 to 592 margin.

At the Sewanhaka Central High School District, residents approved a budget by a 2,480 to 1,706 margin that reflects an increase of $1.88 per $100 of assessed valuation. As a result, the district will add 20 additional teaching positions. Also, the budget will help fund capital projects such as science room renovations at Elmont Memorial, H. Frank Carey, and Sewanhaka High Schools, bleacher replacement at Sewanhaka, roof replacement at Floral Park Memorial and New Hyde Park Memorial and electrical upgrade at Floral Park Memorial.

In addition, central administration offices will be moved from Elmont Memorial High School to a site on the campus of Sewanhaka High School, opening up much needed space in Elmont.

Residents of the Franklin Square School District approved a 2001-2002 budget that will raise taxes approximately $1.34 per $100 of assessed valuation by a 726 to 480 margin.

Board member Ken Antoncich, who ran unopposed, was re-elected for another three-year term, gathering 688 votes and Joseph Armocida, who also ran unopposed, was elected to his first term for three years. He received 683 votes.

West Hempstead School District residents voted in favor of a 2001-2002 budget by a 963-621 margin that will raise taxes $4.10 per $100 of assessed valuation. As a result of the budget passing, the district will go to a full-day kindergarten program.

Superintendent of Schools Carol Eisenberg said she was very pleased the residents supported the budget, citing that it passed by over 300 votes.

Mrs. Eisenberg said the full-day kindergarten program will be beneficial since it will give students more time in a setting that is conducive to learning.

In the school board election, incumbent Janice Caufield defeated Marshall Myers by a 1,085 to 300 margin. Also, Martin Kaye and Philip Frank, who both ran unopposed, were re-elected.