Union Springs Central School District voters overwhelmingly approved a $16.93 million budget that includes the elimination of one music teacher and one Academic Intervention Services position.

The budget marks a 4.97 percent spending increase from the current budget and creates a $6.98 million budget tax levy, increased by 1.68 percent.

Business Administrator Marge Robbins said vote results mark a 78 percent approval rating for the budget.

“I appreciate the incredible support from the community,” said Superintendent Linda Rice.

Prior to the vote, several voters showed their disapproval for the cutting of the music position currently held by Gerald Fitzgerald, who teaches instrumental music in the middle and high schools.

Rice explained during the budget hearing that the decision of eliminating the district's fifth music position came after much discussion but was decided based on declining enrollment, staffing needs and needs of district and state mandates.

Voters also approved a proposition to collect additional funds for a total amount of $47,000 annually for the Springport Library.

The four candidates who were vying for four school board seats each will serve a three-year term except Teresa Chandler. Chandler, 50, will serve a one-year term.

Because Chandler received the least amount of votes of the four, she was elected to serve the shortest term.

Dale Ottosen, 50; Ted O'Hara, 61; and Christine Cuff, 42, will each serve three-year terms.

Cato-Meridian Central School District voters approved a $17.17 million budget Tuesday night, marking a 3.19 percent increase from this year's $16.64 million budget.

The increase creates a roughly 3.95 percent jump in the tax levy from $4.64 million this year.

The budget will cover the costs of adding staff members, a summer driver education program and an extra late day activity bus run.

The summer driver's education program will enable 24 students to take both their classroom and road driver's course through the school.

In an effort to increase involvement, school officials want to institute activity buses that bring students home later in the afternoon, providing them the opportunity to participate in after-school activities.

Current school board president Kathleen Bratt, 52, will serve another three-year term after running unopposed during the vote. Bratt has served as president for two terms.

During her next term, Bratt plans to increase student involvement in the community and community involvement with the students and expand student opportunity.

Voters also approved a proposition to purchase three school buses at an estimated aggregate cost of $197,741.

Port Byron Central School District voters passed a $17 million spending plan by a 147-vote margin, 268-121.

The 2007-08 budget features a 4.5 percent increase in the levy, or amount to be raised by taxes. A $265,000 vehicle purchase proposition passed comfortably, 250-130.

Voters also approved establishment of a capital reserve fund, 258-122.

Board of education incumbents Roxanna Smith and Susan Sealy received 294 and 281 votes, respectively.

Weedsport Central School District voters approved the proposed 5.95 percent spending increase. Taxpayers will see a levy increase of 5.5 percent.

The district received the nod to buy a new bus. The ballot didn't contain a proposition about the Weedsport Free Library because the rate did not increase.

The district's lone candidate, Debby Schwarting, 53, earned another five-year term for school board.

Skaneateles voters approved a $26,969,206 spending plan calling for a 6.3-percent tax levy increase, 636-335.

Voters also passed the district's bus proposition, 629-291.

The proposition calls for the purchase of three new school buses to replace three dating from 1992 with more than 160,000 miles on each of them.

Two buses will be normal buses while the third will be specially fitted for the needs and access of special needs students.

The proposition will not exceed $302,000, the estimated cost to taxpayers will be about three cents per $1,000 of assessed value, and with state aid it is estimated that the final cost to taxpayers will be $151,000.

Voters also supported incumbent school board member and current vice president Gary Robinson with 806 votes.

Robinson, 48, had worked as a teacher in the district for 14 years before becoming a restaurateur as proprietor of Rosalie's Cucina and founder of Joe's Pasta Garage.

Keith Krieger, who was running for Carl Gerst's seat received 765 votes. Krieger, 38, will be replacing Gerst after Gerst decided not to run for re-election after serving 24 years on the board.

Jordan-Elbridge Central School District voters approved the budget, which increased 6.94 percent from last year. The tax levy increased by 6.49 percent. Voters also allowed the purchase of six buses and agreed to the propositions to create reserves, one to save up for buying school buses and another for building capital reserve. Voters agreed to financially support the village public library with a tax levy.

Incumbent Donna L. Conroy will be joined by newcomers Kelly M. Ochsner and Greg Frost to fill three-year terms. Incumbent Noel J. Hotchkiss will also continue service. Ochsner will begin serving immediately to replace board member Joe Patrick, who resigned this month. After that, Hotchkiss will finish out the last two years of Patrick's term.