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Ditching the car and biking Vol. 31 No. 22
MAY 23 - 29, 2024
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2485 Grand Avenue Baldwin, NY Scan Here
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Election 2024
Voters say yes to school budget District spending $6.5 million more By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
Members of the GLO Empowerment Club celebrated their inaugural ‘GLO Empowerment Ceremony,’ featuring special guest appearances from women in politics, entertainment and pageant winners.
Empowering middle school girls GLO Club holds inaugural ceremony in Baldwin By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The decline in self-esteem and confidence among girls in middle school has become a pressing concern as they face the challenges of puberty at increasingly younger ages. As a result, about nine years ago, Baldwin Middle School launched Girls Loving Ourselves Club, fostering acceptance, support and self-love and equipping girls with the tools and mindset needed to navigate middle school with confidence and courage. Through the GLO Club, a sisterhood has flourished, and members feel respected, supported and uplifted in the face of adversity. The club meets twice a month, offering students structured sessions focusing on top-
ics like self-esteem and empowerment, engaging with guest speakers and holding informal “girl talk” sessions where members check in about their experiences, the challenges of middle school and strategies to navigate them. Club facilitators Ilana Melvin and Patricia Greaves, along with members, orchestrated an end-of-year ceremony on May 16. During the event, more than a dozen middle school girls were surprised with crowns, sashes, and treats. During their tween and teenage years, girls often experience a notable decrease in self-assurance, a sentiment that frequently persists into adulthood. Studies have shown that the lockdown measures imposed during COntinuEd On paGE 3
The were no surprises with voters when it came to how ballots were cast for the Baldwin school district. The budget passed easily Tuesday night with 1,158 votes in favor to 700 against. Voters also approved a capital bond proposal was passed with 1,009 yes votes to 828 saying no. On the education board, both board president Mary Jo O’Hagan and MaRY JO Annie Doresca O’HaGan were elected to new terms, defeating Mahogany Williams, who lost the threeway race for two seats. Doresca led votes with 1,089, while O’Hagan picked up just over 1,000. The adopted spending plan, finalized on April 17 exceeds the current budget by $6.5 million, totaling $163.9 million. Roughly 75 percent of the budget would be earmarked for education, with the remainder set aside for administrative and capital reserves pur poses,
according to the district’s website. T h e a p p r ove d p r o p o s a l amounts to $134.8 million, with the bond projected to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Similar to a homeowner’s loan, the district will gradually repay the bond over time. This bond represents just one facet of the multi-year, multi-funded capital project initiative outlined on the district’s website. The approved capital bond proposal is set to modernize and revianniE talize centurydORESCa old buildings within the district. The comprehensive project will encompass renovations throughout the high school, with plans for transforming various facilities such as the athletic center, performing arts center, parking/site areas, cafeteria, and more. Additionally, the Baldwin public library budget of $5 million was approved 1,303-590. Shannon Castang-Feggins will keep her seat after no one else filed to run against her.