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Friday, April 8, 2016 Vol. 91, No. 15

Guide to Home Design, Lawn Garden

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THE PULSE OF THE PENINSULA

HOME, DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN

GREAT NECK MUSIC PROGRAM CITED

COMMOM CORE OPT-OUTS RISE

PAGEs 35-46

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8, 2016 section • april tions adverti sing litmor publica a blank slate media/

THE COLONEL IS IN

Fund boost will keep G.N. programs afloat School district won’t use extra state aid to avoid staff cuts B y J oe N ikic Great Neck Public Schools officials said Monday the district is proposing to use $591,000 in restored Gap Elimination Adjustment funds for the restoration of school programs rather than to retain laid off teachers and school staff. The district unveiled a $218.93 million budget last month that calls for cuts to 14 teaching positions and 21 other employees. “While there have been efficiencies and there have been

some reductions, I want it to be known that there will be no change to the instructional program for our students,” Superintendent of Schools Teresa Prendergast said. “However, yes, there were efficiencies that were done in terms of teaching staff, which is unfortunate that it had to occur, but I also want it known that occurred mostly due to declining enrollment and to the credit of the secondary level staff and administrators, who were able to be more efficient in the scheduling processes for the 2016-17 school year.”

State legislators eliminated the Gap Elimination Adjustment, an unpopular method the state introduced in 2010 to cover a budget deficit at the expense of public schools, in approving a $155 billion budget on Friday. The elimination of the Gap Elimination Adjustment provided Long Island schools with an $155 million in additional funding. While Great Neck schools did receive almost $591,000 in restored GEA funds, Prendergast said, about $360,000 of it is a one-time payment. Continued on Page 62

Bay Shore man convicted in 2014 G.N. Plaza robbery Photo/Bob Wong

Col. Lawrence Wilkerson offered the talk “America’s Role in a Changing World” at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck on Friday.

Daniel Ratliff posed as deliveryman to enter home B y J oe N ikic A Bay Shore man was convicted on robbery and assault charges Thursday for disguising himself as a flower delivery man and assaulting and robbing a Great Neck Plaza man at the front door of his Clent Road home in June 2014. Daniel Ratliff, 38, was

convicted by a jury in Nassau County Court of second-degree robbery, assault and unlawful imprisonment charges. Ratliff was also convicted on a third-degree assault charge. “This defendant committed a violent robbery and fled from the scene, but thankfully, DNA evidence led to his arrest

and he will be held accountable for his actions when he is sentenced next month,” Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement. The assault and robbery occurred June 10, 2014 when an unidentified 34-year old victim answered the door at about 1:52 p.m. after Ratliff, Continued on Page 63

For the latest news visit us at www.theislandnow.com D on’t forget to follow us on Twitter @theislandnow and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow


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