Voters in the Kendall Central School District came out in near record numbers to support the district's $12,464,258 spending plan for 2001-2002. By a margin of 122 votes, residents ratified the budget by casting 393 yes votes and 271 no votes on the proposal.

The spending plan represents an increase of $1,296,046 over the previous year's figures. The $12.4 million budget takes into consideration a capital building project that voters overwhelmingly approved earlier in the year.

"For a first-time superintendent, the budget process was an interesting one," School Superintendent Dr. Michael O'Laughlin said. "We put forth a responsible budget and the voters responded well."

O'Laughlin said everything in the budget is targeted at the kids from the textbooks to the technology plans. "Everything we do is academically focused," he said. "I am so happy that the voters supported us and that the budget went through."

Residents in the school district will see their tax rate increase by $2.14 to a tax rate of $23.14 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Because of the state's STAR tax reduction program, most homeowners will see their overall tax bill decrease by approximately $59 per year, O'Laughlin said.

Included in the 2001-2002 budget is a plan for enrichment and acceleration opportunities for students; increased computer technology; the addition of a girls' and boys' varsity track teams; staff development required for the implementation of New York state learning standards and the re-authorized federal special education mandates; and an increase in school security.

In addition to other spending purchases, the district will be adding an academic intervention services teacher and other faculty necessary to help students in the district meet the new, tougher educational standards.

Residents were also asked to cast their vote for one opening on the Board of Education. Incumbent Donald Snyder garnered 414 votes, retaining his seat on the board. Newcomer Bill Ottman, received 197 votes in his first unsuccessful bid for a seat on the board.

Snyder, an eight-year member of the board, thanked the community for their continued support of the district.

"This was one of the best turnouts we have had for a budget vote," he said. "I'm looking forward to continuing to improve the standards and to helping the kids meet, and exceed, the new standards."