District residents are encouraged to attend the Candidate Information Night and Budget Hearing Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. in the Central Office Board Room, 139 Fairbanks Road. Candidates will speak about their views and will answer questions. In addition, there will be a presentation on the proposed budget.

The budget presentation will detail the district's proposed 2001-2002 budget of $49,009,605. The tax rate increase is estimated to be 3.88 percent, pending the decisions on education funding in the state budget. The majority of the proposed increase supports contractual agreements and rising health care costs. Also, additional teachers will support the increased course requirements for high school seniors. Part of the increase is due to the building project and the energy performance contract, most of which will be offset by state aid, according to district officials.

Residents who want more information on the budget can call Assistant Superintendent for Administration Ralph Smith, 293-1800 ext. 2320.

Additional budget presentations have also been scheduled as follows: May 2 - Chestnut Ridge Media Center - 7 p.m.; May 7 Middle School Auditorium - 3:15 p.m.; May 7 - Fairbanks Road School Cafeteria - 7 p.m.; May 9 - Junior High School Forum Room - 2:30 p.m.; May 10 - Churchville Chamber of Commerce - noon. (Those interested in attending the Chamber of Commerce presentation can call 293-1800, ext. 2300).

The budget vote is Tuesday, May 15 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Middle School gym, 139 Fairbanks Road.