MORAVIA - Just one of three incumbent Moravia School Board members running for a board seat this year will remain on the board next year.

Voters re-elected incumbent Anne Haessner to serve her fourth term on the board of education, and elected Sherri Bancroft and Steven Fland to serve on the remaining two open seats.

Douglas Hart and Joseph Lorah, both incumbents, will step down from the board after serving in previous years. Leigh Hess also was defeated.

“My first concern is that the budget passed and I'm very glad about that,” said Anne Haessner, who will serve her fourth term on the board next year. “I'll be sorry to see Joe and Doug leave the board but am looking forward to working with Steve and Sherri.”

“I was glad that the school budget passed and that the kids will have the money they need,” Lorah said following vote results Tuesday night.

Voters approved the district's $17.56 million budget, 449-166. The tax levy increased by 5.5 percent.

“It's (the budget) right in where it usually is but board members try their best to keep it low,” said voter Sheila Hargett-Kemp.

Because voter Faye Hacket has a child in the school, she said, she thinks it's important to cast her ballot each year.

“I have children here it's important for kids to have what they want,” Hacket said.

Although Marie Orall's children no longer attend Moravia schools, she votes each year because she still must pay taxes, she said.

Voters also approved a proposition to pay $15,500 to support Powers Library.

This money isn't included in the school tax but is placed on the school board ballot.

Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net