By an overwhelming 250 vote margin, taxpayers in the Kendall Central School District approved the $12.9 million budget. There were 480 yes votes cast, 230 voters were opposed to the budget package.

A proposition to purchase a 1.6 acre parcel of land at 1941 Kendall Road, adjacent to the school was also approved, by a margin of 462 yes votes and 315 no votes. The proposition, which called for spending up to $70,000 to purchase the land, would open up the campus so access from one school to the next would be made possible, without having to travel on the roads. School Superintendent Michael O’Laughlin said the money was in a reserve fund for the purchase.

The budget, approved by taxpayers on June 3, carries with it a 6.69 percent tax levy. A homeowner, with a house assessed at $72,000, who takes advantage of the STAR exemption would see an increase of approximately $61 in their tax bill. The $61 is an average rate for properties in the five town area served by the Kendall School District.

With the approval of the budget, the district will be allowed to continue offering enrichment and accelerated courses for students, school security and make textbook purchases. The district will also continue its transition program for seventh graders who are coming into the high school. The transition program allows the students to occupy a separate wing and they work with teachers specially trained to help them make the transition from elementary to high school, according to school officials.

Academic intervention services, teacher/mentor programs and the offering of academic centers for students to come in and get additional help with math, science and social studies will continue being offered.

Edward Gaesser received 676 votes in his bid for a board of education seat. He will serve a five year term.

Note: As reported in a Kendall school budget story in the June 2 editions of Suburban News and Hamlin Clarkson Herald, a taxpayer in the district would see an average tax rate of $26.74 per $1,000 of assessed value. According to Business Manager Barb Siebert, the $26.74 is an average rate for the five towns served by the district.