WALES – A second vote on a school budget is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at Wales Central School.
School Union 44’s board proposed $2,086,168, which was cut by $202,691 by voters June 10. That prompted officials to eliminate three teaching positions, and art, music, physical education, gifted and talented health, and Spanish programs. Also taken away were bus service for Wales High School students and after-school activities.
The revote was scheduled after officials were presented with a valid petition last week requesting it.
If at least 137 voters turn out Saturday, the same number as on June 10, the new vote will stand.
“Anything less than that in attendance, and all actions of the meeting will be dismissed,” Selectman Randy Greenwood explained. “What people have to understand is that if less than that attend then the decision at the original town meeting cannot be contested again.”
That’s state law.
Greenwood said there is a slight chance the second vote could cut the budget even more.
He said he’s been misunderstood because of his recommendation to make cuts across the board.
“I have been deemed the anti-school ringleader. I am quite offended by that. I would like to think of myself more of a concerned taxpayer,” he said.
Wales Central School Principal Christine Lajoie-Cameron said morale is very low in the school community, and she hopes the budget will be restored.
“However, bottom line, we could not make the cuts voters wanted to see without cutting programs,” she said.
“Two of the three teachers cut have found work elsewhere,” the principal said. “We will take a hit this year, but teachers are in here right now working on their plans for next year. We are trying to make it all work.”
Comments are no longer available on this story