2021 - 2022
Living In Lynbrook/East Rockaway
13
Lynbrook schools begin a return to normal On March 1, 2021, many Lynbrook students returned to full-time in-person instruction for the first time in nearly a year amid the coronavirus pandemic. “I was so excited to go to school today and be with my friends I haven’t seen in the hallways since last March,” senior Mason Benvenuto said. “In addition to [Pricnipal Joseph] Rainis and the LHS staff, there are a group of our parents working really hard to help make our senior year special and it kicked off today with a welcoming balloon arch and tons of discounts from our favorite restaurants in town for the senior class.” Teachers, who have had to adapt to the many changes brought on by remote learning and hybrid schedules, were also pleased to welcome some of the students back. “When I walked into the building, it was so nice to actually feel some life back into this place,” Spanish teacher Danielle Leighley said. “There hasn’t been noise in the hallways since last March. It was a beautiful thing to see how happy they were to be back.” While all seniors were given the opportunity to return, some parents opted to have their students remain in the hybrid or full remote models. Eventually, all students were able to return to the schools. At a board meeting in March, Superintendent Dr. Melissa Burak expressed her gratitude to those who helped make the return possible. “There’s a tremendous amount of logistics,” she said. “I’m very proud of the teachers, the administration, the students and how everyone has really worked together and have revisited this and tried to make it safe. While maybe not everyone agrees, this district has made prudent decisions to bring back people in a safe environment for everyone.” In May, voters in Lynbrook Public Schools approved officials’ $92.9 million budget for the 202122 school year The spending plan aims primarily to bolster current programs, make improvements in school infrastructure, and continue staff development across the board. Although the administration initially prepared
for a decrease in state aid, this year’s aid program exceeded their expectations. Through local taxes, a federal grant program and an increase in state Foundation Aid, the district was able to make bolder program adjustments in this year’s budget, while still maintaining their original priorities: an additional special education class at the elementary level, a book selection from diverse perspectives to offer student choice, and continued staff development for technology, special education and reading. Overall, the three-part budget —which includes administrative, capital, and program costs — will see a 1.62 percent increase from the current spending plan. Seventy seven percent of the budget will go into programming. Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
Top Photo: Lynbrook school officials dug in at the groundbreaking for a 33,274-square-foot extension of the high school this past March. The project was part of a $28.9 million bond proposal that voters approved in October 2017. Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
Bottom Photo: Lynbrook High School hosted its graduation on Friday on the Marion Street Elementary School football field.
