Syosset residents gave their school district's all-transportation busing policy the green light on Tuesday, May 19, when more than two-thirds of those visiting the polls voted to pass their budget. The Jericho budget, this year with an emphasis on new books, passed with a similarly successful margin.

The results of this year's election brought about no major surprises. In Syosset, the board of ed incumbents predictably triumphed, and in Jericho, the results were already decided. However, the election did generate one mild upset, as well as some interesting numbers to analyze.

A stir may have been created when the Board of Education resolved to provide a ride to every district child in its 1998-99 budget, but apparently the controversy was not nearly widespread enough to curtail the passing of the Syosset school district's budget by a count of 2,063 to 968. The results indicate that taxpayers, overall, agreed with the district's argument that the dramatic increase in transportation funds was worth the safety of every child.

Candidates Ronald Goldstein, Russel Slanover and Dr. Suresh Joshi, the three challengers who attempted to oust incumbents Dr. Marc Herman, Patricia Maschio and Leonard Kirsch from their seats on the school board, argued that the all-transportation policy was not in the best interest of taxpayers, and was an unnecessary precaution. Furthermore, they argued that the policy's unanimous passing was an example of all-too-common block voting within the board. While none of the challengers proved to be an immense threat to the incumbents, results show that they did capture the attention of some frustrated taxpayers. Goldstein, a teacher who stressed the importance of special education and phonics, had a decent showing, garnering 873 votes. Slanover and Joshi received 600 and 508, respectively.

But all three were soundly defeated by Herman, with 2,220 votes; Maschio, with 2,179 votes; and Kirsch, with 2,085 votes. Indications are that voters likely went to the polls satisfied with the current leadership, especially when considering the praise that the Syosset district has recently received for its preparation for the state's curriculum changes, and its recent academic accolades.

And while ousting an incumbent in times of prosperity is rare, that is what happened in the close race between Lorraine Trachtman and Robert McCullough for library board trustee. In a minor upset, Trachtman narrowly edged her veteran opponent by a vote of 1,240 to 1,082. Though McCullough was more experienced in library business, Trachtman had herself accrued respect through her work with the Syosset school district. Trachtman promises that she will quickly acclimate herself to her new task.

"I'm very happy about [my victory]," said Trachtman. "Right now I'll be learning everything I can, learning from the experienced people on the board."

The Jericho budget, as expected, easily passed, 670 to 362. Also getting the nod, by a huge landslide, was Proposition #3, which will allow the DOT to install a traffic light, tax-free, at the Jericho Middle School entrance on Route 107.

PTA members Toni Meliambro and Hilari Cohen both were guaranteed a spot on the school board when no third party chose to run. However, while the race was uncontested, the number of votes still carried some significance. Because Meliambro received 21 more votes than Cohen did, she will receive the full three-year term that was scheduled to be up for election this year. Cohen, on the other hand, will take the two-year term, replacing Thomas Zimmerman, who had two years left when he resigned earlier this year along with Sal Benisatto.

As was already predetermined, Andrew Edson, Peter Piro and Steven Goldfarb all were elected to the Jericho Library Board of Trustees.

Finally, the budgets of both districts' libraries were overwhelmingly passed.