Thank you voters!

Watervliet City School District residents approved the proposed $33.7 million budget for the 2022-23 school year by a margin of 76 percent, or 146 yes votes to 46 no votes.

Sheri Senecal was re-elected to her fourth term on the school board with 144 votes. Brian White was elected to his first term with 153 votes. Because Mr. White received the higher number of votes, he will serve a three-year term on the Board, beginning July 1.  Mrs. Senecal will serve the two years that remain on a term that opened due to the resignation of a board member.

The 2022-23 budget increases overall spending 10.7 percent compared to the current year’s budget. It maintains all academic programs and instructional services, while providing additional supports and opportunities for students. Voters also approved a 5-year lease for three new buses to continue to provide the current level of transportation services for students.

The budget yields a tax levy increase of 2.04 percent, which is below the district’s tax levy limit under New York’s tax “cap” law. As such, a simple majority of voters was needed to approve the budget.