The Southern Cayuga School District's $14.4 million budget was defeated by 41 votes Tuesday after more than 1,000 residents went to the polls.

"It was surprising how many people came out to vote," newly elected board member Dean Winspear said. "But I halfway expected the budget to fail from the beginning."

The proposed budget, which called for a 12.5 percent tax levy increase, was defeated, 557-516.

"We are very disappointed," Superintendent Peter Cardamone said. "But we will take a look at exit polls to see what voters had to say."

Exit polls were conducted by high school students enrolled in a government course. Cardamone and the school board is hoping the polling information will help the board determine what steps need to be taken next.

Cardamone originally presented the board with a budget asking for a 10.2 percent tax levy increase. He and district administrators altered the budget after school board members asked them to add a full-time librarian to the Emily Howland Elementary school, increase the diesel fuel fund and hire a part-time agriculture teacher.

Along with Winspear, who received 650 votes, newcomer Michelle Dean was voted onto the school board with 619 votes. Both are concerned about the failed budget and what it might mean for the district next year.

"I really hope the board will go back to the drawing board and not just throw it back at us," Dean said. "They need to genuinely look at what caused this to happen."

Dean said the high tax levy may not have been the only reason the budget was rejected. She believes many residents are concerned about the district cutting advanced placement courses and a third-grade teacher.

"I think people also have a problem with the superintendent receiving a raise and an extended contract," Dean said.

The school board plans to re-examine the budget, but they will not know which path they plan to take for several days, according to Cardamone.

Two propositions that accompanied the budget were passed: $80,000 will be spent on a new bus, and funding for the Aurora Free Library and the Hazard Library will be increased from $20,000 to $30,000.

Dean and Winspear will take over their seats on the school board July 1.

"I hope we can get this thing straightened out and run this place as a school should be, rather than a dictatorship," Winspear said.

Staff writer Ashley Lipsky can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 234

or ashley.lipsky@lee.net