On Tuesday, June 20, voters in the City School District of Albany approved a proposed revised budget for 2006-07 of $169,873,460 by a tally of 2,738 to 2,246, a margin of 492 votes out of 4,984 cast.

With the support of the community, the district will now move forward in implementing its educational plans for 2006-07, which include strengthening student assessments, student enrichment opportunities and alternative education programs.

The proposed revised budget kept educational programs intact, and carried an estimated 7.09 percent tax rate increase.

After voters defeated the initial proposed budget in May, district officials submitted the revised budget to voters in part to avoid the restrictions of a contingency budget, which include a requirement that the district cannot spend money associated with the community use of its buildings.

"I am delighted the community has supported this budget," Superintendent Eva Joseph said. "The approved budget supports a strong educational plan for next year, one which leaves our academic programs intact, funds exciting new initiatives, and also avoids restrictions on the community's use of our schools."

For more details about the budget that was approved on June 20, please visit www.albanyschools.org/budget.