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Schools

$157 Million Lakeland Budget Passes with 64 Percent of the Vote

The Lakeland Central School District's $157 million spending plan passed with 64 percent of the vote on Tuesday night.

During the May 17 annual school budget and school board elections, the Lakeland Central School District experienced a relatively low turnout of voters. A total of 1,771 people voted on the school budget. In comparison, in 2010 there were 2,721 voters in total. 

The $157,235,514 Lakeland school board budget passed with a total number of 1,147 votes in support, while 624 voters were against the budget. All numbers are unofficial until the school board approves the results.

"We're obviously very pleased about the results," said Superintendent George Stone. "We appreciate the vote of confidence from our community and we're going to do everything we can to maintain a level of excellence that they've come to support.

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"We understand the frustrations with the economic times and taxes are something that's not easy on any of us. But if you're going to spend your money on anything, to spend it on quality education. At least you can take comfort in knowing that we're helping to prepare for our future."

Michael Cherchia, Glen Malia and Scott Carey, school board candidates who ran for re-election, were unopposed. Cherchia received 1,379 votes, Malia received 1,353 votes, and Carey received 1,383 votes.

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The budget for 2011-2012 school year is $157,235,514. It includes a 2.57 percent tax levy increase for school district residents. The approved budget would rise by 1.74 percent from last year’s budget, the smallest year-to-year increase in 11 years. However, closing the Lakeland Alternative High School, and some of its students attending the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES at its Fox Meadow campus. 

The public was also asked to vote on a proposition to purchase eight school bus vans for an amount not to exceed $340,000, which passed with 1,095 votes in favor and 671 votes against.

Patch  today who said they were concerned about the budget and the increasing taxes.

Number of People Voted on Budget 1,771 Voted Yes 1,147 Votes No 624 Votes for Michael Cherchia 1,379 Votes for Glen Malia 1,353 Votes for Scott Carey 1,383
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