CANTON -- Voters in Canton passed the $30,945,031 budget last night and approved purchasing three new buses.

The CCS Board of Education authorized the purchase of three student transportation vehicles, including related furnishings and equipment, not to exceed $320,000.

The bus proposition was approved 292-49.

That the school board authorized to levy an annual tax on behalf of the Canton Free Library in the amount of $45,000, in addition to the existing annual tax of $271,000, for a total annual sum of $316,000. That proposition passed 271-72.

The three seats that were up this year were for Victor Rycroft, Robert Devins, and James Nee, according to school officials. Winning, and keeping their seats, were James Nee with 286 votes; Victor Rycroft with 284 votes and Robert Devins with 265 votes.

The proposed budget of $30,945,031 "will allow the district to retain all current educational programs and staffing, add faculty and staff needed to address the educational and socio-emotional needs of our students, and also enhance our security posture," according to Superintendent William Gregory.

The proposed budget is within the allowable tax cap of 2.67 percent, he said.

The budget includes replacement of the seven positions including elementary, elementary music, special education, science and technology teachers, two teaching assistants and the addition of a mental health counselor and an in-school police officer.

All seven replacements are retirements with the exception of the special education and technology teachers, which were resignations.