More than 900 voters in the Onteora Central School District braved the storms accompanied with power outages on Tuesday May 15 to support the district’s 2018-2019 budget and school bus propositions. “We are so thankful and grateful for supporting our budget…” said superintendent Victoria McLaren “and for braving the weather, coming out and voting!” The 2018/19 budget of $55,577,578 was easily approved, 722 votes in favor, to 242 opposed. The proposition to purchase two buses was similarly approved, 726-to-231 (totals include absentee ballots.) The district has over 11,000 registered voters.
Among the three candidates vying for two seats on the Board of Education, incumbent Rob Kurnit was returned to his seat with greatest number of votes, 633. “I’m very pleased, I’m happy to be able to continue as trustee and appreciate everybody’s support,” Kurnit said. Coming in second, and also returned to the board was Valerie Story with 498 votes. I’m happy that I can come back and do another term here,” said Storey. Both will serve for three years beginning July 1, with Kurnit completing eight years on the board, and Storey finishing a three year term.
Challenger Leo Warren finished out of the running with 334 votes. He also lost a bid for the board in 2016. There were several write-in candidates including past trustee Rita Vanacore who garnered two votes, Rick Wolff also a past trustee had one vote. Write-ins such as Peter Rabbit, Nancy Pelosi, Mariah Carey, and Dean Martin allow a sample of locals with humor.
By unanimous approval the Board accepted the votes cast.
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