On Tuesday, June 16, residents of the Averill Park Central School District approved a $60.9 million budget for the 2020-21 school year by a vote of 2,668 (yes) to 1,246 (no), a margin of 68 percent. Voters also approved a separate bus purchase proposition.
The budget of $60,993,612 calls for an increase of 2.22% from the 2019-20 school year and a tax levy increase of 2.58 percent, which is under the tax cap.
The approval of the bus proposition, by a 2,457 (yes) to 1,454 (no) vote, allows the district to purchase six (6) new school buses and two (2) new wheelchair buses as part of the district’s long-term bus replacement plan. The district is eligible to receive approximately 71 percent reimbursement from the state on the purchase of these buses.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all voting this year was conducted through absentee ballot per an Executive Order from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
“Thank you to the Averill Park CSD residents who voted via absentee ballot for the 2020-21 school budget. Our staff and Board of Education worked hard on developing a budget that is fiscally responsible as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.” Superintendent Dr. James Franchini said. “While there are still many unknowns that lie ahead for us, this budget will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission of meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day.”
Averill Park residents also voted for two open seats on the Board of Education. Elected to the Board is Ann M. Morone with 2,298 votes and Douglas Kelley with 2,139. D.J. Hansen also ran and finished with 1,995 votes.
Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you to the ballot counters who worked long hours to ensure an accurate result.