Seaford voters approved the district’s proposed 2013/14 budget Tuesday by a healthy margin.
The $60.4 million spending plan, which represents a 4.58 percent increase over the district’s current budget, was passed by 743 votes, 1,664 to 921. The tax levy increase of 3.59 percent is the maximum the district was allowed under the state’s new tax cap law.
The overwhelming passage of Seaford's school budget comes on the heels of the board of education striking a deal with the United Teachers of Seaford for a one-year pay freeze that preserved 8.8 full-time teaching positions that were initially slated to be cut at the middle school.
"I think it was the spirit of cooperation between the United Teachers of Seaford and board of education that produced this positive result," said Seaford Superintendent Brian Conboy. "I am very pleased."
Had the Seaford budget failed Tuesday followed by another rejection of a revised plan next month, the district would have been forced to make $1.6 million in cuts.
Also on the ballot Tuesday were incumbent school board candidates Jeanmarie Wink and Bruce Kahn, who ran unopposed and received 1,646 and 1,500 votes, respectively.
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