Voters in the Niskayuna Central School District approved the district’s proposed 2011-12 budget on Tuesday, May 17. The final total was 2,007 yes votes to 1,298 no votes (61 percent to 39 percent).

“The Board of Education, administration and staff greatly appreciate the continued support of our school community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kevin Baughman. “This may have been the most challenging budget development process that this district has faced, particularly with the loss of state aid. The board worked diligently to develop a budget that contained costs and preserved core academic programs while also responding to community feedback. It was critical that we strike a balance between the educational needs of our students and the ability of our community to provide support.”

The $77.19 budget increases spending by 0.97 percent, or $740,359 for next year. The spending increase is the lowest in at least 25 years. The budget results in a tax levy increase of 3.95 percent. Specific tax rate increases for the four towns within the district are determined during the summer after the New York State Office of Real Property Services sets equalization rates.

A total of 3,305 district residents participated in the vote, marking the largest voter turnout in at least 11 years. The approval rate of 60.73 was slightly higher than last year’s approval rate of 60.71. It also marked the seventh time in the past 10 years that the approval rate has topped 60 percent. The 2,007 yes votes are the most since the 2003-04 budget was approved 2,152 to 996.

Voters also approved a bus proposition to purchase seven buses. That vote total was 1,952 yes votes to 1,343 no votes.

In the Board of Education election, John Buhrmaster and Deborah Oriola were elected to three-year terms expiring June 30, 2014. Board candidate vote totals were as follows:

John Buhrmaster, 2,123 votes

Deborah Oriola, 1,970 votes

Richard Reitz, 1,270 votes