As Port Byron Central School District superintendent Neil O'Brien stood and watched his daughter's soccer practice, he spoke with community members standing nearby, answered their questions about the school budget, and encouraged them to vote Tuesday.

But, like most superintendents, O'Brien is left wondering whether the public will turn out.

"There is very little interest in the general budget," O'Brien said. "And there is always a fear among all of us that people will take their vote for granted."

Turnout for school budget votes has decreased over the last few years, and as school districts across the state prepare to submit their budgets for a public vote on Tuesday, they are doing what they can to try and get people out to the polls.

District officials are learning that the traditional budget notice that is sent out to all residents is not always enough and have begun implementing more creative ideas.

In addition to the budget vote, Port Byron is also holding a number of other events Tuesday. There will be a chicken barbecue, a high school concert and a student art show. The district's belief is that if residents come out to the school to participate in these events, they will also head to the voting booths.

"We are trying to generate as much interest as possible," O'Brien said. "And we are also keeping traffic running through the schools."

Like many area superintendents, Cato-Meridian Central School District's Deborah Bobo has been giving presentations to groups such as the town's Rotary and Lion's clubs. O'Brien attended a senior citizen luncheon and Weedsport Central School District Superintendent Steven Hubbard has tried to visit every community group in the area.

On a state level, officials and teachers unions have been advertising the upcoming vote.

Despite these efforts, many education officials feel unless there are large budget increases or an interesting school board candidate race, people just are not interested in voting.

"People think everything is okay and they don't need to come out and vote," Bobo said. "But if everyone thinks their vote doesn't matter then we won't ever see any results."

State officials feel that low voter turnout is contributing to an increased number of defeated budgets across the state. In 2003, New York state saw a record-high passage rate of 93.4 percent, but last year that number tumbled to 84.9 percent, according to New York State United Teachers.

Weedsport school board President Norman Chirco thinks it is important that residents come out and vote for the budget, whether they are in favor of it or not. He said not only is it their civic duty, but it is also a way for residents to let the board know how they are doing.

"As Americans, we should exercise our right to vote," Chirco said. "People have died to give us that opportunity."

Staff writer Ashley Lipsky can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235 or ashley.lipsky@lee.net