Byron Bergen School district residents will vote May 15 on a $15 million budget proposal for 2001-2002. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the elementary school gymnasium.

Under the proposal, spending would increase by about $650,000 over the current year budget. The increase includes $200,000 more for instruction. The district is adding several sections of high school science and an Academic Intervention Service to prepare students deemed not ready for Regents level work. Debt service cost will rise nearly $130,000 to provide principal and interest payments on several construction projects and bus purchases.

Transportation costs are predicted to rise $67,000 primarily for fuel price increases. Special education costs will rise by $40,000, interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities by $20,000 and employee benefits by $79,000.

In addition, central services and administration costs will rise a total of $105,000. Maintenance and utilities costs are expected to rise by $13,000 including the cost of a new half-time cleaner for the high school and an aerator for the athletic fields.

Proposition #2 on the ballot will ask voters to authorize the purchase of two 66 passenger buses and one 5-8 passenger bus at a cost not to exceed $160,000.

Three trustees will be elected to three-year terms. Running unopposed are incumbents Eugene Penepent, Daniel Morgan and Gerald Sheridan.