The Bethlehem Central School District proposed 2012-13 budget has passed with approximately 63 percent of the vote. That’s taking into account preliminary numbers.

The votes were 4,035 for and 2,405 against. Based on preliminary numbers, the bus proposition also passed with about 51 percent approval. The votes were 3,244 for and 3,115 against.

According to the district’s website, the $88,203,000 budget carries a tax levy increase of 3.99 percent. That exceeds the district’s “maximum allowable tax levy” of 2.94 percent under the state’s new Tax Levy Limit legislation. Spending in the budget increases 1.5 percent over the current year’s budget.

“We are greatly appreciative to the voters of Bethlehem for recognizing that a BC education is one worth investing in,” said Superintendent Dr. Thomas Douglas on the district’s website. “These were difficult decisions made during this budget process, and we thank the community for their support.”

Students Craving Really Exciting Activities at the Middle School (SCREAMS) has scheduled a trip to Six Flags Great Escape on Sunday, May 20.

Registration will be open to all middle school aged students who live in the Town of Bethlehem or Bethlehem Central School District.

Flyers that detail the event will be available soon on the SCREAMS page of the town website. Click here for more information.

Bethlehem Middle School was announced as one of the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. The list includes 78 schools that span 29 states and Washington, D.C.

According to a statement, the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is a federal recognition program that opened in September 2011. Schools are honored that exercise a comprehensive approach to creating a “green’ environment.

“Science, environmental and outdoor education plays a central role in providing children with a well-rounded education, helping prepare them for the jobs of the future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a statement. “U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate compelling examples of the ways schools can help children build real-world skillsets, cut school costs, and provide healthy learning environments.”