Akron Voters pass budget, elect three BOE members

Akron Central School District voters passed a  budget, authorized the purchase of  buses and elected three Board of Education members Tuesday.

Elected to the Board were Connor Borchert with 308 votes, Heather Cayea with 272 and Chandra Jagielo with 262 votes.   Julie Matusek received 243 and Kristy Pingitore received 221votes.

The budget passed by a vote of 408 yes to118 no.  Expenditures in the 2025-2026 budget are $4,882,059 less than the 2024-2025 budget reflecting a unique Capital Reserve transfer of $5.158 million last year to help fund the Capital Project now underway.  Proposed spending increases approximately $2 million reflecting contractual obligations, health care costs, Special Education needs, and overtime expenses.

Program spending remains at nearly 72 percent of the total budget, keeping the focus on instruction and student services.  There is a reduction in capital expenses as the Capital Project Phase 1 projects near completion.

The Property Tax Levy is projected at $10.68 million, up $209,509, a two percent increase.  Under the state formula and tax cap regulations the District could have increased the levy up to six percent.  The two percent increase continues their historical efforts to keep the levy increase between zero and two percent.

In a vote separate from the main budget was the transportation proposition which passed 40 yes to 118 no.  The District follows a yearly replacement cycle with buses retired approximately every eight years.  This year the proposal is to acquire two 66-passenger diesel buses and two van-type gasoline buses.  The estimated total cost of $554,000 will be offset by 78 percent State Transportation Aid.