On June 16, Weedsport Central School District voters approved the district’s $20,295,324 budget for the 2020-21 school year, by 815 yes votes to 298 no votes, elected one Board of Education member, and approved the purchase of one new school bus with 801 yes votes to 309 no votes.

Voters also approved a spending increase for the Weedsport Public Library (832 yes, 273 no).

The passed budget has a spending decrease of $666,038, or 3.18 percent, and will result in a tax levy increase of 1.99 percent. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the district’s state aid during the budget development process, district leaders focused on keeping a strong educational program in place, offering students the supports they need when they come back to school, and being mindful of the financial concerns of taxpayers.

In an executive order issued on May 1, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that this year’s school budget vote and board of education election would take place exclusively by absentee ballots due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

“We’re very appreciative of everyone in our community who took the time to fill out a ballot and drop it off or mail it in,” said Superintendent Shaun A. O’Connor.

“We feel this budget addresses the academic, physical, and wellness needs of all of our students so they can return to some sense of normalcy when they come back.”

On June 16, voters elected one Board of Education member. Incumbent Norm Chirco received 948 votes and will serve a five-year term.