After a long process stretching out over several months, the votes have finally been tabulated. Huntington UFSD residents overwhelmingly approved the proposed budget and separate capital reserve fund propositions and re-elected incumbent trustees Bill Dwyer and Michele Kustera during 15 hours of voting at Huntington High School on Tuesday.
The $142,968,343 spending plan for the 2022/23 school year passed, 834-150. A proposition seeking the release of $6.640 million from the Building Improvement Fund for various renovation and repair projects also sailed through, 860-117. A second capital reserve proposition to create a new building improvement fund with an ultimate capitalization of $15 million and a maximum term of 10 years also passed, 854-124 .
School Board Race Results
In the race for two seats on the Huntington School Board, voters re-elected Mrs. Kustera (838 votes) and Mr. Dwyer (823 votes), who ran without opposition.
The new terms of the winning candidates commence on July 1 and run through June 30, 2025. About 1,000 residents voted on Tuesday. Absentee ballots totaled 46. There are about 24,000 registered voters in the district.
“ On behalf of the Board of Education and administration, please accept my sincerest gratitude for your support of the Huntington School District’s 2022/23 budget and capital propositions,” wrote Superintendent James W. Polansky in a letter to residents after the results were announced. “Your approval will help us to further our ongoing commitment toward addressing the needs of students across the grade levels in a fiscally responsible manner and in the wake of a challenging two-year period.”
The budget approved by voters carries an estimated tax rate decrease of 0.12 percent. Trustees will set the tax levy in the fall when final property assessment figures are available. The current property tax levy of $112,718,438 will remain the same
Tuesday’s vote culminated a budget process that saw the district striving to keep a lid on expenditures. Spending will rise 2.62 percent, due at least in some part to inflation along with non-discretionary cost increases.
The district anticipates receiving an increase of $3,899,007 in state aid. It plans to utilize $1,900,593 million in reserve fund monies to help hold down taxes.
“Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in our focus on providing opportunities and supports for our students and families, including enhancing instructional and learning experiences across the district and preserving school environments that contribute to the health and well-being of each member of the Huntington school community,” said Mr. Polansky in his letter to residents. “At the same time, we will not lose sight of the taxpayer burden or current economic conditions.”