Voters in the Baldwinsville Central School District overwhelmingly approved the 2015-16 budget May 19, with 873 voting in favor and 247 against.
The $98.9 million budget includes a 1.82 percent increase in the tax levy, as well as at least four new instructional positions.
The voters also okayed a $1,061,468 bus proposition to continue the district’s bus replacement program, as well as an energy performance contract not to exceed $3.5 million that will allow the district to make its buildings more energy efficient.
“We’ll get 82 percent through state aid, and the remaining 18 percent, we’ll make up over the next 18 years with energy savings,” said James Rodems, assistant superintendent for management services. “We’re really looking at… replacing all of our gym lighting with LED, which has dropped in cost and saves a ton of money annually. We can save $75,000 to $100,000 a year in energy costs. That’s two teachers’ salaries going forward in energy costs.”
In addition, three candidates ran for three open seats on the board of education. James Goulet and Christy Bond were returned to their seats with 868 and 822 votes, respectively, while newcomer Sally Dayger earned 708 votes. Their terms begin July 1.
