Schools

B-BP School Budget Vote, Election Recap

Bayport-Blue Point voters, in the lone contested school board race this year, returned longtime incumbent trustee James March to the seat he’s held for 15 years by a vote tally of 862-783 in a defeat against challenger Mike Miller. 

Miller told Patch following the results reveal Tuesday night he plans to run again next year, which would be his third run at a board seat.

But whether March, a Bayport native, retains his role of board president, which he has held for 12 years, will be up to the board come July.

The board now features a newcomer, Anthony Sanseviro, who garnered 1,251 votes in his uncontested and first successful bid for the board. He takes the seat of current trustee Molly Licalzi who chose not to seek re-election. Incumbent trustee Leonard Camarda, who also ran unopposed, received 1, 270 votes.

Several local residents received write-in votes. Rita Palma got five and John Moran and Blue Point historian Gene Horton each received one.

Following the news of his win, announced in the high school gymnasium after the polls closed at 9 p.m. March told Patch he's happy to continue his service.

“I truly appreciate the vote of confidence from supporters,” March said. “I will represent those who supported me as well as the interests of those who didn’t vote for me,” he added.

The $67 million dollar proposed school budget easily passed, by a tally of 1,221 to 487.

School Superintendent Dr. Vincent Butera told Patch he is grateful to the community for its support.

“While this year's budget process was a challenging one, I believe that our approved budget will preserve the district's financial health and allow us to continue to provide enriching educational opportunities for all students,” Butera stated in an email to Patch.

"I congratulate James March, Leonard Camarda and Anthony Sanseviro on their election to the district's Board of Education and look forward to working with them in the future.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here