Elwood Budget Vote Turnout On Par with 2010 Re-Vote

By a vote of 1,779 to 1,129, voters approved a $53.9 million budget Tuesday, which reflects a 5.56 percent increase over last year’s budget. Most programs have been preserved and class sizes maintained.

However, full-day kindergarten has been reduced to a half-day program and approximately 18 full-time employees will be eliminated.

That vote came after months of heated discussion as the Board of Education proposed two other very different scenarios:  a 13.33 percent budget which kept all programs intact, and a 3.74 percent levy which eliminated sports, the arts, co-curricular activities and 30 staff positions.

Last year, taxpayers voted down a 7.21 percent levy in May. A total of 2,324 residents cast a vote, with 1,236 against, and 1,088 voting yes. 

The re-vote in June approved a 4.94 percent levy as 2,955 residents turned out. At that time, 1,970 residents approved, with 985 opposed.

Tuesday night’s turnout of 2,908 residents was on a par with the 2010 re-vote, despite the higher levy this year, which equates to a $229.41 tax rate per $100 of assessed value -- an 8.91 percent increase. Even though 164 more residents voted “no” this year, and 191 less voted for approval, “yes” still carried the day.

Polls at were open till 10p.m., and were busy right up until the very end. There were three voting machines, and one “maxed out” at 995 votes just after 9p.m.  That was a first, according to district clerk Peggy Pietzek. There was some concern that paper ballots might need to be used Tuesday night, but in the end they weren’t needed.

Loretta Hamann, a 40-year resident assisting at the information table, was impressed by the turnout. “I’ve never seen anything like it," she said.

Trustee Dan Ciccone was also impressed by the response and called it a real testament to the Elwood community. “It was a very difficult decision but they knew they had to rise up and support the children,” he said.

Two new board members were elected in a tight race. Bill Gutekunst and Michael LaMena each won 1,382 and 1,375 respectively.  Jim Tomeo, a 21-year-old resident and recent graduate, came in third with 1,227 votes. Jack Schwartz received 1,113 votes.

Gutenkunst, who takes over Michael Kaszubski’s seat, said he appreciated all the support. “I look forward to making a positive impact on the board and the district.”

LaMena takes over for Trustee Patty Matos, who had been running for another term but dropped out of the race May 11. After the results were announced Tuesday night, LaMena was already looking ahead. “Now the real work starts.”