Grand Island Central School District: Budget passes with 61% approval

by Larry Austin

Residents in the Grand Island Central School District approved the 2013-14 proposed school budget by a 3-2 margin on Tuesday.

Interim School Superintendent Paul Hashem pointed out that the approval rate of 61.5 percent (741 yes to 463 no) was a supermajority, over the minimum 60 percent approval rate needed had the district budget exceeded the state-mandated tax cap.

"I think the Island recognizes that the Board of Education and the administration do the best job they can to bring to the public and the students an educational program that they can be very proud of," Hashem said after announcing the voting results.

He noted that the district, for the last seven years, has been in the top 10 in Business First newspaper's rankings and has "one of the most outstanding music and sports programs of any of the school districts in the area."

Three candidates for three board of education seats were elected, with newcomer Lisa Pyc leading incumbents Donna Tomkins and Paul Krull.

Hashem said Tomkins and Krull "have earned the trust and respect of the community," and that Pyc, who will take her seat when she is sworn in July 1, "is a very well respected person in the community and I think she'll be an outstanding board member, a good complement to the six that are there."

A proposition to purchase buses passed as well with 60.2 percent in favor.

Hashem said that in his five months as interim superintendent he has been impressed with the district's board of education.

"This board, I can honestly say, really considers the educational program and the ancillary programs in total by what is the pulse-beat of the community, looking at the pulse-beat of the community and being fiscally responsible," he said. "They've just done an outstanding job."

Proposition 1 - Budget $54,417,562

Yes ......................  741

No .......................  463

Proposition 2 Bus $709,860

Yes ......................  720

No........................ 477

Trustee Election

Lisa Pyc ...............  867

Donna Tomkins ...  838

Paul Krull ...... 815