Lawrence school district budget passes, Trustee Heshy Blachorsky re-elected

Incumbent Lawrence Board of Education Trustee Heshy Blachorsky turned back a challenge from Ilyassha Shivers 1,393 to 139 to win another three-year term on May 21. Trustee Abel Feldhamer, 1,455 votes, ran unopposed.

The Lawrence school district budget of $101.99 million was approved by a vote of 1,256 to 303. The new budget is nearly 1 percent less that the current fiscal plan. It is the sixth consecutive year of no change in the tax levy.

The tax levy — the amount of money the school district collects in taxes — remains the same at $85.95 million. District officials previously said there will be no cuts to academic programs or staff.

Propositions 3 and 4 for creating a 2024 and 2025 building capital reserve fund not to exceed $5 million each were approved 1,085 to 380 and 1,049 to 379, respectively.

Peninsula Public Library’s $3.357 million budget was approved 1,292 to 252.

Library Trustee Reva Oliner ran unopposed and received 1.462 votes for another five-year term.