Sarah Trafton is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Windham-Ashland-Jewett school board has withdrawn a special capital project proposition from consideration by voters in May. The project would include roof and building envelope repairs and security upgrades, including cameras, fencing and lighting of entrance ways. “Due to the continued uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, Windham-Ashland-Jewett has postponed the ongoing capital project vote until 2022. While these repairs are needed, the district continues to balance need with keeping the tax levy impact minimal during this time of uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic,” according to the district's budget proposal. The $12.7 million budget for the 2021-22 school reflects a 1.23 percent increase in spending from 2020, a maximum spending plan. The tax levy would grow by 1.58 percent and is under the state tax cap. The district will appropriate $250,000 from its reserves to keep the levy in check. Residents will also vote on a proposition to establish a Bus Purchase Reserve Fund, of up to $300,000 to be used to purchase school vehicles and equipment over a five-year period. The more than $156,000 remaining in the 2015 Bus Purchase Reserve Fund will be transferred to the new fund. The most significant increase in the spending plan is $181,000 for employee benefits; followed by $32,000 for special education programs; $17,000 for instruction; and $12,000 for central services, which includes utilities, custodians, and trash and snow removal. The board will hear public comment on the proposed budget at 6 p.m., Tue., May 11. The annual budget vote and school board election will take place from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tue., May 18. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.