School budgets, propositions set for May 18 vote

FINGER LAKES--It's getting to be that time of year again where residents will be asked to vote, May 18, in their local school district elections. Along with voting on board of education candidates, voters will be asked to consider approving next year's district budgets and any propositions on their ballots.
"The budget process this year was unique," said Penn Yan Central School District Superintendent Howard Dennis. "The information received changed drastically from the beginning of the process to the end. I appreciate everyone's work in creating a sound budget to present to the voters."
For the Penn Yan district, voters will be asked to consider six candidates for four open spots on the Board of Education, Karl Fleming, Alicen Yonts, Marta Cramer, John Clancy, Malia Spofford Xavier and Stephen D'Amico. The top three vote recipients will serve a three year term while the recipient of the fourth highest amount of votes will serve a one year term.
Residents will also be asked to consider four propositions including the proposed $38,314,584 budget for next year.
"The Penn Yan community has been very supportive of our programs and students over the years," Dennis said. "Being able to bring forward the lowest tax levy increase in years while also maintaining the quality program we have is something the board is very proud of."
Also among the propositions, voters will also be asked to consider reducing the number of board members from nine to seven. Additionally, there will also be a proposition for the purchase of four student transport vehicles at a cost not to exceed $455,000 and the establishment of a new 10-year $5 million reserve fund not to exceed $5 million for the acquisition of machinery and equipment for and the construction and reconstruction of improvements and additions to all district buildings, grounds and facilities.
Voting will take place Tuesday, May 18, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m., at the Penn Yan Academy.
Absentee ballots are available but must be requested in advance. An absentee ballot must reach the office of the district clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the 18th.
In Dundee, residents will be asked to consider a $19,961,102 proposed budget for next year, $355,000 for four new transportation vehicles, and an additional $4,000 annually for the Dundee Library. Brittany Gibson is running unopposed for one board of education seat.
"The Dundee Central School budget process entailed many of the same elements and processes as prior years, with the exception of consideration needing to be made for costs associated with the pandemic and factors that will still need to be addressed and budgeted for as the costs of operations during an on-going pandemic," said Dundee Superintendent Kelly Houck. "We are pleased with the budget we are proposing, we are able to sustain all program opportunities moving forward while remaining tax cap compliant."
In Hammondsport, residents will be asked to consider two candidates for one board of education seat and a $15,064,304 budget for next year.
"Our goal for this proposed budget is to maintain a stable budget within an ongoing period of added COVID-19 expenses and uncertainty surrounding school aid," read a statement issued by the Hammondsport Board of Education. "With the objective of keeping our students on campus full time, it has taken numerous hours of targeted and creative planning to determine how to remain compliant with the restrictions surrounding staff, space, and additional health mandates, all while keeping our budget on point."
Vilma Serhati and Corey Kennedy will be vying for the one seat available.
Resolution three on the ballot will also ask voters to authorize the transportation of all district students to and from school beginning in 2021-22 school year.
"Student safety is always our top priority," stated Superintendent Kyle Bower. "We believe this change is best for our students, parents, and families. Since it can be done with no impact on the school budget, this change would be a win-win for everyone."
Schuyler County residents will also vote May 18.
"The board double and triple checked things, the process was different but when we started school this year we really operated fiscally sound and frugally," said Chris Wood, superintendent of the Odessa-Montour School District. "I think all districts went above and beyond, being cautious."
In Odessa-Montour residents will be asked to vote on the $17,880,462 proposed budget for the 2021-2022 school year along with filling two board of education seats from three candidates.
"We weren't sure if there would be a 20 percent dip (in state funding), [but] there wasn't and then we got additional funds from the federal government which was a huge help to us," Wood said.
Incumbent and Board President Robert Halpin is running for reelection as is board member Dana Sgrecci. Newcomer Kurt Anderson is also on the ballot. Other propositions for Odessa-Montour include spending up to $145,000 on a new school bus and an additional $1,358 for the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library and $3,167 for the Montour Falls Memorial Library budgets compared to the previous year.
"It's been a very good school year, we are very thankful for all the parents... and kids following all the rules and being excited to be in school from day one," Wood said.
In Watkins Glen, eight candidates are running for two three year terms and one two year term. Voters will be asked to specifically designate which two candidates of James Somerville, Joseph Crane, Michael Myers, Heather Dawson, Joe Stansfield, Barbara Schimizzi, Brittany Oliver and Amanda Voorheis are being selected for the three year terms and which one will they are selecting as the candidate for the two year term.
Residents will also be asked to vote on the proposed budget for 2021-2022, the final numbers of which have not yet been released publicly. According to district officials, that information will not be made available until the district mailer is finished.
The other proposition on the Watkins Glen ballot is authorization to lease three passenger buses for a maximum of five years.
Voting will take place on May 18, with absentee ballots available beforehand. Odessa-Montour will have the vote at the Hanlon Elementary School cafeteria also from noon to 8 p.m. Watkins Glen will utilize the board of education room from noon to 8 p.m.