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11:16 PM Pa ________________ LONG BEACH _______________ PHYLLIS KATZEN
HERALD
L ICE NS ED AS SO CIA TE REA L ESTATE BRO
Happy Summer!
KE R
Also serving Point Lookout & East Atlantic Beach
City porches were rockin’
516-456-9362
Page 3 Vol. 35 No. 22
MAY 23 - 29, 2024
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BE AC H WE ST
Summer starts in Long Beach
Herald file photo
Sam Pinto, who was at the forefront of the fight for school funding, has been a trustee since 2018.
Voters pass $156 million city school district budget By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com
Residents approved the Long Beach school district’s 2024-25 budget on Tuesday night by a vote of 1,466 to 439. The $155.9 million spending plan is 2.85 percent larger than this year’s budget. It maintains teacher and staff salaries and educational programs, and covers school maintenance and administrative costs. Incumbents Sam Pinto and Alexis Pace were re-elected to the Board of Education, defeating challengers Harold Webb and Kristin McChesney, with 1,008 and 890 votes, respectively. “I would like to thank the community for their confidence in me and support,” Pace said. “I congratulate Sam Pinto and thank the other candidates for entering the race. I’m excited to continue serving the Long Beach school community.”
Pinto expressed similar sentiments. “I’d like to express my gratitude to the community for their support of the budget,” he said, “and their continued confidence in my stewardship as a Board of Education trustee.” Initially, administrators were concerned about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed $3.3 million cut in state aid for the district, which could have led to a school closure and staff layoffs. But the district ultimately received a $352,000 increase in state aid, bringing its total to $27.3 million. In February, elected officials, parents, educators, students and residents gathered at the district administration building to protest the governor’s proposed cuts. State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Superintendent Jennifer Gallagher detailed the severe impact of the proposed reduction in foundation aid, warning that it could lead to larger class sizes and the elimination of Continued on Page 7
Summer is kicking off in Long Beach, and the excitement is palpable. The season brings much needed warmth, sunshine and tan lines, and often marks the start of long-awaited community events. Like it truly does in Long Beach. Highlighting the festivities is the grand Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, starting at Ohio Avenue and West Beech Street at 10 a.m., honoring and remembering those who have served our country. Other community-wide events — such as the Michelle O’Neill Volleyball Tournament, and movies on the beach — will be back as part of the jampacked season. Long Beach has triumphed over past challenges, including some recent fiscal hurdles resolved through legal settlements. Now, the city is poised for an exceptional summer ahead. The community spirit is evident, with neighbors rallying to support one another and their city. Significant improvements — like the complete renovation of city parks, and the construction of the Superblock — stand as testaments to this solidarity, thanks to organizations like Surf For All and numerous volunteers. Anticipating bustling beaches and boardwalks, officials project crowds of up to 60,000 people on
warm weekends, enjoying fare from popular eateries like Beach Burger, Marvel Ice Cream and Riptides. Arts in the Plaza promises weekly entertainment with arts, crafts, music and culinary delights on Saturdays. Meanwhile, establishments in the trendy West End eagerly await the influx of visitors expected this summer. This latest edition of the Long Beach Herald — distributed to every home on the barrier island — includes the soughtafter Living In Long Beach magazine. Whether a subscriber or not, you are encouraged to delve into the city’s stories and consider supporting local journalism by subscribing. Just visit LIHerald.com/ subscribe right now to make sure the Long Beach Herald can continue to come into your home each week. The Long Beach Herald is dedicated to covering the pulse of the community, from major issues to heartwarming local tales. Whether through print or online, you can count on comprehensive coverage that captures the essence of Long Beach. Join us in savoring the paper and embracing the joys of summer! Brendan Carpenter, editor Angelina Zingariello, reporter