Cazenovia school budget passes, two board members elected

By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cazenovia Central School District (CCSD) 2020-2021 budget vote and board of education (BOE) election was conducted by absentee ballot.

On June 16, the BOE live-streamed the ballot opening and announced the approval of a $31,052,000 spending plan for the 2020-2021 school year.

The plan represents a 3.15% increase in spending over the previous year’s budget and will rely on a 3.1% tax levy increase. The budget continues all existing academic, fine arts, athletic and extra-curricular opportunities for students.

District residents also voted to approve the purchase of three replacement school buses ($304,738 max), to support the Cazenovia and New Woodstock libraries ($597,901 total), and to elect Meghan Kelly and Dr. Jan Woodworth (incumbent) to the BOE.

“The district appreciates the strong support for its mission as demonstrated by the positive vote on the annual budget and school bus propositions,” said Superintendent Matthew Reilly. “We congratulate new board member, Meghan Kelly, and returning board member Jan Woodworth.”

Woodworth will be returning for her fourth term.

“I am so grateful for the support shown to the district by the overwhelming passing of this year’s budget; this vote for the budget is a vote for our students and teachers and we truly appreciate it,” Woodworth said. “I am also honored and humbled to be [reelected]. I look forward to continuing to represent the students and taxpayers with my service . . . Thank you for your faith in me.”

Kelly will be replacing Leigh Baldwin, who has vacated his seat after nine years of service.

“Although I am disappointed that Stefanie and I didn’t both win, I am excited to get to work on behalf of the students, teachers and community members,” Kelly said. “I pledge to represent our shared vision and passion in support of excellence and equity. I’m thrilled that the budget passed and look forward to assisting the district in its goals and mission. Thank you to the Cazenovia community for your support and encouragement throughout this journey.”

School board meetings are typically held on the third Monday of each month in the Board Meeting Room located in the District Office in the Middle School. Meeting dates are listed on the district website and the school calendar.