Oceanside budgets pass; Grim-Garrity re-elected

The final vote counts for Oceanside school district and library budgets, as well as the Board of Education election.

Rebecca Melnitsky/Herald

Oceanside overwhelmingly approved its school and library budgets May 19, and Board of Education Trustee Kim Grim-Garrity was re-elected to her seventh term.

The $144.4 million spending plan for the schools, 1.52 percent larger than the current budget, was approved by 74 percent of voters, with a count of 1,445 to 495. The district’s tax levy will increase by 1.56 percent, or $1.8 million — the district’s allowable increase under the state tax cap — to $118.8 million.

“I’m so proud of the community,” said Superintendent Phyllis Harrington. “And I appreciate all of the support.” She said that the budget was fiscally responsible and maintained all programs, and that its large majority showed that it was supported by the community.

In a contested school board race, Grim-Garrity received 1,292 votes, while challenger Austin Graff garnered 574. “I’m glad that the Oceanside community has faith in me to be behind them once again,” Grim-Garrity said. “It’s an honor.” She also said it was a good night because both the school and library budgets passed.

Graff congratulated Grim-Garrity on her win. “I’m going to be staying involved,” he said. “And it’s not the last you’re going to hear of Austin Graff.”

Seth Blau, who ran unopposed for his second term on the board, received 1,213 votes.

The $4.54 million library budget was approved by 77 percent of the vote, with a count of 1,463 to 427. The library tax levy will increase by $53,328, or 1.23 percent.