Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mike Thaine, director of the high school jazz band, leads the group during a lunchtime concert for senior citizens.

Albion students treated about 40 senior citizens to lunch, music and games during the annual senior citizen day, a tradition that goes back to the 1970s.

“We truly celebrate all you have done for the community so thank you,” teacher Sawyer Green, advisor to the High School Student Council, told the senior citizens.

The Student Council organizes the event each year.

Natalie Baron, a high school senior, joined her grandmother Donna Eisermann for songs by the jazz band. Natalie’s brother Zack plays the drums in the jazz band. Natalie and Zack both sing in the chorus and select chorus.

“I love seeing my granddaughter and grandson, and interacting with the kids,” Eisermann said.

The jazz band performs one of their songs, “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.

Students are ready to serve the seniors, who also were invited to check out a student art display.

“Each and everything is just wonderful and beautiful,” said Agnes Piskorowski, one of the senior citizens.

Her friend Donna Laubacher, a former Board of Education member, said she enjoy “mingling” with the students and seeing so many of her friends.

Albion isn’t the only district opening its doors to seniors. Holley Central School hosts a senior appreciation breakfast on Thursday beginning at 9 a.m.

Photos courtesy of Sawyer Green: Albion students play bingo with senior citizens and also joined them in rock painting.

ALBION – Two people were sentenced to state prison today for burglaries in Orleans County.

Judge Sanford Church sentenced Brandon Fuller of Medina and Bryton M. Hitzges of Albion to 2 to 6 years in state prison.

Fuller, 28, admitted to the burglary during a County Court appearance on March 8. He also admitted to having two stolen vehicles and to breaking into a barn.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and third-degree burglary.

Judge Church gave him the maximum as part of a plea deal. Fuller also needs to pay $583 in restitution and an order of protection was issued for one of the victims.

Fuller was most recently charged on Feb. 1 after a high-speed vehicle pursuit from Route 31A in Barre to near Redman Road in Brockport.

His attorney Christian Catalano asked the judge for a furlough in the sentence so Fuller could assist his father in the aftermath of a fire in Medina on April 9 at 613 Main St. Fuller’s father lost his home and business in the blaze.

Judge Church declined the request.

“I can’t justify releasing him for any reason,” Church said.

Hitzges, 20, pleaded guilty on March 8 to third-degree burglary. He admitted to breaking into a West Avenue building in Albion on Dec. 30 to steal items.

He could have faced 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison. Church gave him less than the maximum at 2 to 6 years.

The sentence satisfies other charges against Hitzges. He is suspected in several burglaries to dwellings, garages, sheds and larcenies from vehicles.

He also was ordered to pay $85 restitution for a broken window and an order of protection was issued.

In another case in court today, Trey Hart, 25, of Albion pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal contempt in the first degree. He admitted to violating an order of protection and having physical contact with a woman he was supposed to stay away from.

Hart allegedly struck the woman on Jan. 7, causing severe bruising on her eye and putting her in pain for weeks, said Susan Howard, the assistant district attorney.

Hart could be sentenced up to six months in the county jail and be on probation for five years when he is sentenced on July 12.

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association

ALBANY – A contingent women who are corrections officers on Tuesday stood with the executive leadership team of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association and dozens of state legislators to demand action to protect staff from sexually charged incidents by the incarcerated community.

These types of actions, like sexual assaults, sexual harassment and lewd misconduct continue to rise in the wake of the implementation of the HALT Act, which was implemented in all state prisons on April 1, 2022.

The HALT Act severely limits, or in some cases eliminates, the ability to place incarcerated individuals in Special Housing Units, separated from the general population. State data shows the rate of assaults in prisons have skyrocketed since the law was implemented. Furthermore, the frequency and severity of sexually based incidents of misconduct involving women corrections officers have also increased.

 “The HALT Act has done irreparable harm to the hard-working men and women who work inside our facilities and has also emboldened inmates who look for opportunities to prey on others as there are now no meaningful consequences for their actions,” said NYSCOPBA President Michael Powers. “In the first year of HALT, the inmates’ emboldened actions towards female staff are reprehensible and should not be tolerated in any walk of life. Since HALT, inmates hurl sexually charged obscenities towards female staff more frequently, inmates stalk our female officers as their next sexual target, and in some cases act out by assaulting women COs in a sexual manner.”

According to statistics maintained by the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, in the 12 months that followed the enactment of the HALT Act on April 1, 2022, there were 3,113 total assaults recorded in New York’s correctional facilities. In the 12 months prior to HALT’s enactment there 2,375 assaults were recorded, almost a 33% jump in overall violence. As previously reported, publicly posted state data shows a record number of inmate-on-staff and inmate-on-inmate assaults was set in 2022.

Nearly 16,000 NYSCOPBA corrections officers work across 44 facilities in New York State. Of those active members, over 3,000 are women. In some of the larger men’s maximum-security facilities, women make up a third to nearly half of the security staff. These female officers are tasked with the same responsibilities and expectations of their male counterparts.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York State agency personnel are closely monitoring the rising water levels along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, as lake levels have surpassed 247 feet, following prolonged rainfall throughout the Great Lakes system in recent weeks.

While water levels have yet to reach and are not forecasted to reach the flood stages seen in 2017 and 2019, agencies including the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are coordinating efforts and preparing resources to assist lakeshore communities with potential flooding impacts. Agencies will make sandbags, pumps and other flood mitigation resources available to local governments, as needed, over the coming weeks.

“Residents who live and work along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have faced tremendous challenges in recent years, but by taking proactive measures and coordinating with our local government partners along the lake, we are ensuring our communities impacted by previous flood events have the resources and information they need to mitigate the impacts of potential flooding this year,” Hochul said. “We will continue to work together with our local and federal partners to monitor Lake Ontario water levels and are ready to deploy resources to protect residents and businesses from flooding on the lakeshore.”

Due to recent heavy rainfall in the Great Lakes system, Lake Ontario’s water level is currently above 247 feet and forecasts suggest levels may continue to rise, as the International Joint Commission (IJC) manages water flows in the system to address flooding throughout the region. In recent years, the lowest points along the lake began to flood at approximately 248 feet. The historic maximum lake level is 249 feet.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) is working closely with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other state agency partners to coordinate the availability of flood mitigation resources, including pumps and sandbags, should local emergency management officials request assistance.

This past week, field staff from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) participated in a conference call with local partners from Cayuga, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego and Wayne counties regarding lake levels and discuss the availability of state resources, should flooding become an issue. New York State is also coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on federally-supported preparation efforts in advance of any potential elevated water levels.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Several recent periods of heavy rain have led to above average water levels on Lake Ontario. While there are no active reports of flooding, and the State’s REDI projects have made the shoreline considerably more resilient to high water, we continue to monitor water levels and are prepared to assist shoreline communities with resources, if necessary.”

The following assets are available to deploy from the State’s regional stockpiles to assist shoreline communities:

• 957 Water Pumps
• 1,474 Generators
• 20 Sandbaggers
• 1,589,805 Sandbags
• 403 Traffic Barriers
• 580 Traffic Barrels
• 35,224 feet of Aqua Dam

Peggy Pajak won first place with this oil painting of Buttermilk Falls. It was one of about 100 works of art submitted by 27 artists in GO ART’s annual juried exhibition, “Art of the Rural.”

There was an opening reception for the exhibit on April 20. The art work will be on display until June 3 at GO ART!’s gallery in Batavia, 201 East Main St.  The exhibit features artwork submitted by local artists, all conveying their interpretation of “rural.”

“Art of the Rural has become a popular exhibit with artists and the local community,” said Mary Jo Whitman, GO ART!’s education director. “It is a great opportunity for artists to display their work, as well as for the community to see all of the talent that we have here in our region.”

First place received a cash prize of $200, second place $100 and $50 for third place.

Lynn Wright won second place with a needle felt piece called “Hungry Eyes.”

Patricia Greene of Medina won third place for an oil painting, “Shorthorns.”

Artists who received honorable mentions include:

• Judy Wenrich, Suspicion – Mixed Media
• Julie Lambert – Coleman – Harmony – Handmade Paper
• Deborah Isaacson – Five Cardinals – Acrylic
• Adrian Morris – Famine Woman – Oil
• Jon Dayton – Evening View – Photo
• Bryan Wright – Night Birds – Metal on Wood
• Patricia Greene – Sheep – Oil
• Mary Bryant – Nature’s Painterly Sunset – Mixed Media
• Bradeen Erakare – Cows – Gouache

BARRE – A Medina man was killed in a motor vehicle accident on Monday on Route 31A in Barre.

Timothy R. Sands, 56, of Medina was pronounced dead at the scene. He was a passenger in a 2019 Honda Odyssey minivan driven by Todd D. Sands, 56, of Medina.

Sheriff Chris Bourke said the vehicle was heading eastbound on 31A when it went off the south shoulder of the road. It then came back across both lanes of traffic and exited the north side of the road where it struck a tree.

Both the driver and passenger were ejected from the vehicle, Bourke said. Todd Sands, the driver, was transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

“The accident remains under investigation and alcohol is being looked at as a possible contributing factor,” Bourke said.

‘The goal is to have engaged young voters who will roll back their sleeves and help their communities.’

Photos by Tom Rivers: These Holley seniors are among a group from Holley pursuing the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness. They include, in front, from left: Julia Scroup, Lily Sprague, Ava Quincey and Rosie Emery. In back: Elise Quincey and Casey Onisk. Other students pursuing the Seal include Ryan Blodgett, Morgan Blosenhauer, Erin DeFrank, Emma Downey, Sarah Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Ryan Frank and Aidan McFadden. Last year in the debut of the program three students met the requirements for the Seal.

HOLLEY – A group of students at Holley are part of a new program in the state that seeks to develop citizen leaders.

Holley students have been working hard on the Seal of Civic Readiness that not only builds knowledge of the government, but pushes students to put their knowhow into action.

Holley students seeking the Seal have been writing letters to the editor, advocating for a sustainable environment, running an outreach program for veterans, and leading an awareness walk about acceptance of the LGTBQ community, among the many efforts to be leaders on issues of importance to them.

Holley last year was among the pilot school districts in the state to offer the Seal of Civic Readiness. There were only 50 school districts in the state in the pilot program, and Holley and Elba were the only districts in the four-county GLOW region in the initial year of the program. The state wanted a cross-section of rural, suburban and city school districts to “test” the program in the beginning.

“The goal is to have engaged young voters who will roll back their sleeves and help their communities,” said Mike Crissman, a social studies teacher and department chairman at Holley.

He is among the team of teachers developing the curriculum for Holley students to meet the standards of the Seal, and also for a Senior Capstone Project. The students, in addition to their coursework and capstone project, also need to do at least 20 hours of an internship. They need to keep up on current events and are quizzed weekly on what’s happening in the country.

Students who meet all the criteria for the Seal of Civic Readiness have that distinction noted on their high school diplomas. It also gives them added skills and knowledge to be citizen leaders, and likely will help them stand out in the college admission process, said Nick D’Amuro, Holley social studies teacher.

The state debuted the program last year and pilot districts learned from each other on the strengths of the program and areas that need improvement. Three Holley students completed the program last year: Thomas Dobri, Aiyana Galanti and Breanna Girangaya.

They needed to demonstrate time-management skills, assess sources of information, utilize critical thinking and media literacy, and take civic action in their own community.

These Holley teachers are working with students to earn the Seal of Civic Readiness. From left include Nick D’Amuro, social studies teacher; Mike Crissman, social studies teacher and department chairman; and Kayla Thrower, U.S. history and Participation in Government teacher.

The districts have flexibility in shaping the program and don’t have to follow the same blueprint.

This year there are 14 Holley students in the program: Ryan Blodgett, Morgan Blosenhauer, Erin DeFrank, Emma Downey, Rosie Emery, Sarah Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Ryan Frank, Aidan McFadden, Casey Onisk, Ava Quincey, Elise Quincey, Julia Scroup and Lily Sprague.

The students have done extra work in their Participation in Government/economics classes. Their research papers are longer, for example.

A key part of the Seal is the Senior Capstone project and a presentation that must be 10 to 15 minutes about that project. It is a chance for the students to delve deeper into a topic that interests them, D’Amuro said.

Lily Sprague, for example, has organized a walk-in time at the Clarkson Town Hall on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. when veterans can learn about and be connected to services in the community. (D’Amuro serves as a member of the Clarkson Town Board.)

Casey Onick organized a “Day of Silence” walk on April 14 around the junior-senior high school campus. There were signs of people killed around the country who were targeted for being gay or transgender. Onick, who is president of the Gay Straight Alliance at the school, wanted to send a message that “transphobia kills” and “homophobia kills.”

Onick said the students seeking the Seal haven’t been shy about “stirring the pot” with controversial issues.

“Some people can’t handle having their views challenged,” she said.

She would like to see more awareness about LGTBQ issues in the schools “to minimize hate.”

Another student, Rosie Emery, investigated whether social media has been positive or negative for the LGTBQ community. She sees social media as helping to connect people who may feel alone or ostracized, but the social media messages also can direct hostility to those who are gay or transgender.

Some of the students have written letters to the editor that have been posted on the Orleans Hub about gun control, including support for having armed security in schools while another opposed teachers having guns. A student advocated for more resources devoted to root causes of kids being in foster care. Another said pharmaceutical companies shouldn’t be able to use propaganda with TV ads in promoting drugs.

Elise Quincey spent time at a local manufacturing plant to talk with company leaders about whether they feel the country is moving fast enough to stem the impacts of climate change. She also interviewed a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology about the issue.

Quincey said the company and the RIT professor are concerned there isn’t enough willpower among citizens and elected officials right now to make the needed changes to slow the impacts of climate change. She wants to study sustainability and political science in college.

“It’s definitely made me more engaged in the community,” Elise said about working on the Seal of Civic Readiness. “

Her twin sister Ava Quincey polled teachers in grades 4 to 6 for their opinions about technology in classrooms, including student use of computers, iPads and robots. Quincey also did an internship with a fifth grade classroom from November to January. She is planning to attend Geneseo as an education major.

Crissman, the Holley department leader, expects to see the state mandate that all 700-plus districts offer the Seal for students. He sees students with more confidence, who are ready to step out and advocate on issues of importance to them.

Kayla Thrower, a Holley teacher, said she is impressed with the students’ civic knowledge and civic participation.

“All of the Seal kids are taking it to the next level,” she said.

LYNDONVILLE – The school district will be presenting a $16,939,491 budget to the public for a vote on May 16. That budget increases spending by $1,234,538 or by 7.9 percent from 15,704,953 in 2022-23.

However, the tax increase would be 1 percent or by $46,187 to $4,664,927. The district projects the average tax rate among the four towns in the district will increase from $16.32 to $16.48 per $1,000 of assessed property.

The budget calls for a state aid increase of $1,702,433 or up by 17 percent. That will help the district with an 8 percent increase in the consumer price index.

Voting for the budget will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer at the school.

Lyndonville is the smallest of the five school districts in Orleans County. Lyndonville is projecting student enrollment will stay at 560 in 2023-24.

The district’s cost-per-pupil was $21,217 in the 2020-21 school year, more than the $18,955 county average and less than the $23,468 state-wide average, according to Lyndonville’s financial transparency report.

The vote on May 16 also includes:

• A proposition to purchase one 64-seat passenger bus and one mini-bus, not to exceed $275,000. The bus will be purchased from the bus reserve.

• A proposition to collect $124,808 for Yates Community Library, which is up 4.7 percent or $5,625 from $119,183 in 2022-23.

• Election of a member of the Board of Education. Jerod Thurber, a current member, is the only candidate for a three-year term.

Isaac Despard, a sophomore in Jeff Qamoos’s class, shows a plastic pilot helmet he designed and built. Despard used an Ender 3-D printer to make the pieces for the helmet which he modelled after one in the video game Titanfall.

ALBION – The task of changing the colors on the light fixtures for the Orleans County Courthouse dome will get easier and safer for the County Department of Public Works.

The County Legislature approved paying Suburban Electric of Albion $4,510 to provide and install replacement color changing fixtures for the dome.

The county frequently will illumine the dome in different colors to highlights causes in the community. It was lighted up in green to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Girl Scouting and green to show support for veterans shifting to civilian life, blue and red for the Buffalo Bills, red for Red Ribbon Week, six different colors in June 2020 in honor of the graduating classes from the five local school districts, pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, purple for Domestic Violence Awareness, and blue and yellow in support of Ukraine.

“The lighting on for the Court House is a project that is a one-time equipment purchase that allows our employees to safely change the color of the lighting,” said Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer. “The new system should be installed within the next 30 days or so.”

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – Academic honors seniors were recognized Thursday, May 4, at the annual Honors Convocation held in the high school gymnasium.

The dinner hosts graduating seniors with a cumulative weighted grade point average of 90% or higher, along with their families, administrators and board of education members.

2023 academic honors students are Nicholas Andrews, Natalie Baron, Samantha Basinait, Natalie Bertsch, Clara Bolton, Hailey Crawford, Dallas Ecker, Keyonna Hamilton, Samantha Hand, Nicholas Harling, Amari Jones, Maya Knaak, Ulises Ledesma, Abigail Mancuso, Vincent Molisani, Audrey Pask, Sarina Payne, Jamie Penna, Jessica Penna, Daisy Perez Reyes, Corleone Plain, Grace Plank, Brianna Sample and S’koi Sanders-Smith.

The honors students were called to the stage individually by board of education members, received their certificate, and then were adorned with their honors cords from their parents/guardians.

Gary Simboli, a retired vocal teacher and musical director at Albion, gave the keynote message to the honor grads.

Mr. Gary Simboli, ’81, was the guest speaker for the evening. Simboli worked at Albion for 35 years and was involved in Signor Prize, served as a summer reading and math specialist, directed Swing Choir, Acapella Choir, Women’s and Men’s Select Choir and supported numerous student groups.

As the advisor for the high school drama club, he produced 69 stage shows in addition to directing music for graduation, Senior Tea and accompanying for multiple other events and groups. Simboli was named Educator of the Year by the district for the 1997-1998 school year. His commitment and service to the Albion Central School district and the local community is still felt today.

In his speech, Simboli reflected on resilience, telling the Class of 2023 how they have shown great perseverance while being faced with the Covid-19 pandemic throughout their entire high school careers. He shared personal stories of his own resilience and how they shaped him and led him to where he is today.

The class of 2023 is set to graduate on June 23 with a rain date scheduled for June 24.

Display about ‘Victorian Mourning Art’ expands to 120 artifacts

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will open for the season on May 13 with a special event, “Celebrating Mothers.”

The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with a focus on mothers. Mothers are encouraged to visit the Museum for a complimentary tour of the campus and receive a free flower, while the supply lasts. The floral gifts are courtesy of Mary Lou Ames, Albion florist and owner of Homestead Wildflowers at 14395 East County House Rd.

In addition, there are still some seats left for “An In-depth Look at Victorian Mourning Art” at 6:30 p.m. May 19 in the Upper Gallery.

The exhibit of Victorian Mourning Art and Sundries was put in place the spring of 2022. No formal talk or program on this topic and exhibit was given, Farley said. During the past year, former director Bill Lattin has collected more than 20 more examples of this type of genre. A new display panel with these items has now been added to the exhibit. This brings the number of artifacts on display to more than 120.

At 6:30 p.m. on May 19, Lattin will highlight some of the more unusual pieces in his collection with a 45-minute presentation, including questions from participants. A portfolio of 12 close-up pictures to be discussed will be distributed. A catalogue of the entire exhibit is also available.

Many of the artifacts displayed are truly one-of-a-kind mourning art pieces, according to Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Museum. These were often created by family members as keepsakes for a departed loved one. Some even with hair. However, as the title suggests ‘and sundries,’ there is indeed much more.

Mass-produced items, such as prints and knick-knacks were readily available, and a few select items from the undertakers’ profession are also on display.

Space is limited and those attending are asked to RSVP by calling (585) 589-9013.

Also new this year is the exhibit of 19th Century coverlets from Orleans County at the Visitors Center. Both the coverlet exhibit and Victorian Mourning Art exhibit can be viewed during regular Museum hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Mary 13, or other times by appointment, said museum director Doug Farley.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Bob Harker, director of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, addresses the crowd at Saturday night’s gala at Elba Fire Hall.

ELBA – More than 100 supporters attended the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern’s first gala since Covid on Saturday night at the Elba Firemen’s Recreation Hall.

The evening began with a prayer by board president Sister Dolores O’Dowd, who also paid tribute to Mary Grace DeMarse, a long-time board member who died in December. Many donations to the basket raffle for the evening were made in memory of DeMarse, who loved the annual fundraising event and would keep her eyes open for basket items all year round.

GOMOC’s director Bob Harker welcomed guests and thanked those attending for their support.

“Ministry of Concern doesn’t rely on tax dollars,” he said. “We rely on you. We are totally grant and donation supported. We have to do fundraising like this to pay the bills or we couldn’t do what we do for those in need. That’s why events like this are so important.”

He said they were thrilled to be able to have the first gala in three years and thanked Marie Gabalski for helping to organize the event.

Sue Metzo of Medina attended with a table of MAAC volunteers. She said they all enjoyed comedian Moody McCarthy.

“He was very interesting and did down-to-earth stuff,” Metzo said.

She said MAAC supports the Ministry of Concern, and they all work together. For example, when Ministry of Concern has a family who needs pots and pans, their volunteer will contact the MAAC Thrift Depot and ask if they have any.

“We do great things to help each other in Orleans County,” Metzo said.

Harker added he was very grateful to the people who supported the gala and GOMOC this year.

“It frees us to help people in a real way,” he said.

The evening also included a basket raffle, live auction, 50/50 drawing and dinner catered by Chap’s Elba Diner.

The Ministry of Concern is known as “The agency of last resort,” for having the ability to help people in need in various ways.

In addition to Sister O’Dowd, the agency’s board includes honorary director, John J. LaFalce; vice president, Bruce Schmidt; secretary, Teresa Gaylard; treasurer, Karen Kinter; and Jane Balbick, Jack Burris, Jennifer Metz, Phil Pies, Karen Tennity and the Rev. Colleen O’Connor.

Besides Harker, staff are office manager, Carol Whalin; advocate/furniture program coordinator, Lisa Taylor-Rowland; furniture program driver, Fran Gaylord; and furniture program assistant, Charlie Downey.

ALBION – The school district once again won’t be increasing the amount of money it collects it taxes. The district’s proposed $41,814,847 budget sets the tax levy at $8,449,039, the same as the current 2022-23 school budget. This is the 15th time in the past 17 years the school taxes have either stayed the same or gone down.

Wayne Wadhams, president of the Board of Education, said the budget provides well-rounded, student-centered educational programs while being responsive to the financial realities of the community.

“It has been our long-term goal to either decrease or keep the tax levy unchanged,” Wadhams said in the district’s budget newsletter. “We continue to strive to ensure a strong financial base that can withstand swings in state funding in order to ensure continuity and improvement in instruction and programs.”

The budget goes to a community vote on May 16. Districts residents 18 and older are eligible to vote if they have lived in the district for at least 30 days before the vote.

Voting will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the elementary school, conference room A near the community entrance at the back of the school.

There will be a public hearing on the budget Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the high school LGI.

The district’s budget increases spending by $3,516,157 or 9.2 percent. A 10.3 percent increase in state aid or by $3,045,607 to $32,473,384 will offset most of the increase. State aid covers about 78 percent of Albion’s total school budget.

The vote on May 16 also includes the following propositions:

• Authorization to spend up to $550,000 from the school’s bus purchase reserve fund to purchase buses.
• Authorized to collect $654,510 for Hoag Library.
• Authorization to establish a transportation reserve fund to acquire school buses and similar vehicles in the future.
• There is also one seat on the Board of Education up for election. Mary Brown isn’t seeking re-election to a five-year term. Porsche Taylor in the lone candidate on the ballot.