By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Voters in school districts across New York State will head to the polls Tuesday to vote for new budgets and elect some new school board members.
Local school district voters will also have a chance to approve or disapprove school spending.
Timothy Kremer is Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association. The organization represents more than 700 school boards. Kremer said he is worried about the response from taxpayers, especially those in Erie County, who are standing up against any tax increases.
"That concerns me a great deal, and we hear that in a lot of different places," said Kremer. "But residents need to understand that when they vote yes on their school district taxes, they are voting yes on the behalf of the educational community, and the future of the kids. We believe that it has a direct impact on property values in your community."
Kremer said rising health care and pension costs for teachers and district staffers are a big reason why some districts are seeking budget increases.
You can hear the full interview with Kremer by clicking the "listen to this" icon above.