School board members re-elected
By:Donna Lukiw
Although the $93.8 million school district budget passed Tuesday as 3,556 residents came out to vote, the separate spending proposal the second question of $261,000 did not pass.
The $93.8 million budget will increase the tax rate from $1.762 per $100 of assessed value to $1.837, a 4.28 percent increase. Under the budget, $66.2 million will be raised through local taxes.
"I’m very happy that the budget passed and not surprised that the second question did not pass," David Kanaby, school board election winner, said Tuesday night. "Although the second question included extra computers and extra curricular activities, I think that people felt that these extra activities weren’t as important as textbooks."
The $261,000 second question proposal would have required households to pay an extra $12 a year to support the purchase of new computers and supplies and equipment for the athletes.
Residents also voted for three board members, electing three incumbents to three-year terms. Neil Hudes received 2,096 votes; Mr. Kanaby received 1,959; 1,753 residents voted for Wolf Schneider; and unsuccessful challenger Michael Detsis received 1,604 votes.
While 52 percent of the voters supported the budget and 48 percent voted against it, the vote was almost exactly switched on the second question: 44.25 percent in favor and 55 percent against.
"I think that it’s great that the budget passed and the community supported us," Mr. Hudes said after the election results were confirmed.
"I appreciate the community’s support for the past three years and I am looking forward to the next three years. I am disappointed that the second question did not pass, but I am staying optimistic."
Voter turnout was about 18 percent.