The People Have Spoken: Communities Rally for Education Across Washington & Warren Counties

Well, the votes are in, and what a resounding endorsement for local education it turned out to be! Voters across Washington and Warren counties, it seems, came out in impressive numbers this past Tuesday, May 21st, emphatically stamping their approval on annual school budgets. It’s a powerful testament, really, to how deeply communities here value their schools and, crucially, their children’s futures.

You see, from the bustling halls of Queensbury, where a significant majority—76.5% of those casting ballots, to be precise—gave their enthusiastic nod, to the more intimate settings of Bolton, which saw an astonishing 97.8% approval (just two dissenting votes! Can you imagine?), the story was largely the same: a powerful, collective 'yes.' It wasn't just about the main budget figures, either; those ancillary propositions, like new school buses – an absolute necessity for safe student transport, let's be fair – also sailed through in most districts. It’s truly heartwarming, isn't it, to witness such widespread, unwavering support?

Take Queensbury, for example. Superintendent Kyle Gannon shared his heartfelt appreciation, acknowledging the sheer dedication of so many: staff, administrators, the school board, and of course, the voters. A budget of nearly $67.5 million, up just under 5% from last year, secured by 670 votes to 205. And the bus proposition? A definite go. It really speaks volumes.

Over in Glens Falls, it was a similar scene. The community there backed a $53.3 million budget with a solid 71.4% approval—882 votes in favor against 353 opposed. And their bus proposition, vital for modernizing their fleet, passed without a hitch. Dr. Dan Ward, the superintendent, emphasized what this means: continuous improvement, maintaining high-quality programs, and a stable tax levy. Truly, a win-win.

Moving along the landscape, Hudson Falls saw a robust 76.8% approval for its $40.5 million spending plan, with 450 voters saying yes and just 136 saying no. Even their bus purchases got the green light. And down in Argyle? An impressive 81.8% of voters backed their budget, alongside a proposition for new buses. Honestly, it’s almost poetic how consistently these communities choose to invest.

Lake George, a jewel of the region, saw its budget pass with an overwhelming 84.4% approval (342-63), and yes, the bus purchase proposition was also a clear winner. Up in Hadley-Luzerne, their budget garnered a 78.1% thumbs-up. Fort Ann residents were also firmly in the 'yes' camp, with 80.3% approving their budget and their bus proposition.

It’s not just the larger districts, mind you. Smaller, close-knit communities showed up just as strongly. Greenwich saw 75.9% approval. Whitehall, 79.2%. Hartford, a phenomenal 82.4%. North Warren, 81.7%. Warrensburg, with 75.5% backing their budget and bus purchases. Corinth, an 80.7% approval for their budget and buses. And then there's Bolton – a truly remarkable 97.8% approval, a testament to what a tight-knit community can achieve. Fort Edward also secured a strong 85.9% approval, including their bus proposition.

Saratoga Springs, a bit further afield but equally significant, passed its $145.7 million budget with 68.7% approval, alongside a bus proposition. Ballston Spa and Mechanicville also saw their budgets pass comfortably, with 73.8% and 81% approval respectively. And finally, South Glens Falls rounded out the strong showing with a 77.3% approval for its budget and buses.

You know, for all the discussions and occasional debates that precede these votes, when it comes down to supporting the bedrock of our communities – our schools – folks really do seem to come together. It’s more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; it's a profound declaration of faith in the future, and for that, we can all breathe a little easier, and perhaps, even feel a swell of pride.