Oppenheim-Ephratah voters reject school budget

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Lamendola

Voters in Fulton County on Tuesday night approved five school district budgets for 2012-2013, according to unofficial results.

One budget was voted down: the Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District. Voters voted 275-104 against an $8.5 million proposed budget with a 4.5 percent tax levy increase. The proposed increase exceeded the state-imposed 2 percent cap and required a super majority of 60 percent to succeed. The board can adopt a contingency budget or put the budget out to a second vote with modifications. Three people were elected to the board: Cheryl Lynch, Cindy Breh and Ben Conte.

• Gloversville Enlarged School District residents approved the district’s $55.2 million budget by a vote of 659-305. The approved budget carries a 4.8 percent spending increase and a projected 1.9 tax rate increase. Included in the budget is $165,000 to purchase one school bus and one transport van.

Elected to serve three-year terms on the Board of Education are Mike Hauser with 583 votes, incumbent Pete Semione with 532 votes and incumbent Polly Peck with 502 votes.

“We are extremely pleased with the support the community showed in approving the budget,” interim Superintendent Cliff Moses said in a prepared statement.

• Voters in the Mayfield Central School District overwhelmingly approved the district’s $17.4 million budget by a vote of 419-185. The budget contains a 2.4 percent increase in the tax levy, which is below the district’s mandated cap. The budget itself calls for a 4.4 percent spending increase and maintains current programs and services.

Residents also approved a proposition that allows the district to purchase a 66-passenger school bus. They also elected Kevin Capobianco to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education. He received 316 votes versus 280 votes for Joan Scannell. Capobianco will serve a five-year term.

• Residents of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District approved the district’s $29.5 million budget by a vote of 862-456. The budget calls for no increase in spending and a 3.32 percent tax levy increase.

Residents also approved a proposition for the district to purchase three 66-passenger school buses. They elected Erin Mitchell and Robert D. Becker II to the board; they were the only candidates. They will serve five-year terms. The Board of Education adopted a budget that cuts programming in elementary instruction, music and art instruction, high school business and science and social studies instruction. The board also cut student counseling services provided by social workers and elementary technology instruction, as well junior varsity sports. The district will phase out French instruction.

• Voters in the Northville Central School District approved the district’s $9.6 million budget by a vote of 304-188. The budget calls for a 0.66 percent spending decrease from the 2011-12 school year. Under the approved budget, the district’s tax levy will increase $129,193, or 2.47 percent. The budget maintains all programs and services for students.

Under the adopted budget, the district will eliminate junior varsity sports teams, cheerleading and track and field programs. Northville will still offer modified- and varsity-level play for boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, baseball and softball. Northville will also join with the Mayfield school district to offer a varsity golf team.

Residents also approved propositions allowing the district to use $54,172 from its capital reserve fund to pay down debt associated with past building projects and to purchase a 65-passenger bus and one 41-passenger bus. They approved a resolution that allows the district to levy funds to support the Northville Public Library. There is one seat open on the school board but no candidates running. However, Dennis Poulin won the seat through a write-in vote, acquiring 289 votes. He will serve a five-year term.

• Voters in the Greater Johnstown School District approved a $28.5 million budget with a 2 percent increase in the tax levy by a vote of 404-109. The levy falls within the cap. Spending is up 1.1 percent, or $301,149.

Voters also elected two candidates to fill three vacancies: Ronald Beck and Mark Ward. The third seat was filled by write-in candidate Kathryn Zajicek.

• Results for the Wheelerville Union Free School District budget vote were not immediately available Tuesday night. Residents considered a $409,343 budget, up 1.1 percent with a 2.6 percent increase in the property tax levy. The budget contains no program cuts or staff layoffs.