Watervliet voters approve 2020-21 school budget, elect two to serve on school board

Watervliet City School District voters Tuesday approved the proposed $28.56 million budget for the 2020-21 school year by 708 yes votes to 265 no votes, a margin of 73 percent.

Tim Delisle was elected to his first term on the Board of Education with 798 votes, while Mary Beth Whited was re-elected for her second term with 829 votes. Both will serve three-year terms on the Board of Education beginning July 1.

The 2020-21 budget reflects a 1.30 percent overall spending increase compared to the current year’s budget, and maintains all academic programs and instructional support for students.

The budget yields a tax levy increase of 1.98 percent, which is below the district’s limit as determined by the state’s tax “cap” law. As such, a simple majority of voters was needed to approve the budget.

Thanks to all who participated in the school budget vote and Board of Education election!