High turnout rejects school budget

Proposed $15.3 million spending plan goes down by a vote of 477 to 411.

By: Donna Lukiw
   Manville voters turned down the school budget Tuesday, defeating the proposed $15.3 million by a vote of 477-411.
   The balloting included one of the biggest voter turnouts for a school election in recent memory, with 912 — just under 20 percent of the registered voters in town going to the polls.
   "Even though the budget was defeated, I think the voter turnout was remarkable," board member Dottie Bradley said. "And in my opinion, the high number of yes votes shows great support for our schools."
   The budget included a 2.68 percent increase in spending, and would have added about $219 to the annual school tax for the owner of a property assessed at the borough average of $150,000.
   "I was encouraged by the amount of voters," Superintendent Donald Burkhardt said. "I think it’s the largest we’ve had."
   Dr. Burkhardt said he thinks so many residents came out to vote because of the number of running candidates.
   Dr. Burkhardt added he was disappointed in the defeat but also with the number of residents coming to the budget forums held by the board members and school administrators.
   "There’s a lot of people who don’t know how important it is to vote for the school election," Dr. Burkhardt said.
   He said in the last month there have been budget forums but there was a low turnout.
   "Unfortunately the economic climate is less than optimal, and I think a big factor driving economic decisions is the cost of fuel," Ms. Bradley said about the defeated budget. "It is understandable that people are concerned about any increases in any costs and the board will continue to work with the community and be sensitive to their needs, as we proceed through the next steps in the budget process."
   This year’s budget is the first budget defeated in the past three years.
   In 2000, voters turned down the proposed school levy 306-155. The past two school budgets before April 2000 to earn voter approval were in 1999 and 1990.
   In 2001, of 4,691 eligible voters, 865 showed up at the polls, a turnout of 18.44 percent.
   Also, in 2001, rejected were the general fund tax levy, for the 10th time in 12 years, and two "second questions" on extra projects at Roosevelt and Weston schools. Voters rejected the general levy by a vote of 443-403.
   In 2003, Manville voters approved the school district’s $13.8 million operating budget for the 2003-04 school year
   The budget passed by a vote of 348-267, with 13.9 percent of the borough’s registered voters casting ballots
   In 2004, voters barely approved the $14.3 million school budget, 216-197, with just 9 percent of registered voters casting ballots. A total of 416 votes were cast, out of 4,527 voters registered in the borough.
   Manville voters approved the proposed $14.9 million 2005-2006 school budget by a razor-thin one-vote margin. With 10 percent of Manville’s registered voters casting ballots, the budget passed by a vote of 240-239.
   The school budget now heads to the Borough Council, which will review the budget for possible cuts.
   There will also be a reorganization meeting Tuesday where new board members will be sworn in and board members will be voting for board positions.