The Clymer Central School District budget proposal has been defeated for a consecutive year.

The Clymer Central School District, which needed a 60 percent supermajority approval, saw the community deny the $11,495,924 2019-20 school budget by a vote of 580 to 459, short of the desired rating. The budget carried a 13.29 percent tax levy increase.

“Disappointment,” said Superintendent Ed Bailey when asked about his initial reaction to the results.

The district received a 55 percent approval rating, nixing hopes the budget would be approved.

Last year, Clymer did earn more votes in favor of the budget, 238 to 237, but the turnout, as it was this year, was not enough for a super majority. Upon revote, the community by a vote of 325 to 111 in June 2018.

Now, the board of education is tasked with creating another budget proposal ahead of the June 10 budget hearing and the June 18 budget revote.

“I don’t know,” Bailey said attempting to explain the turnout. “We’re obviously confused as to what the taxpayers want. They voted down a merger and now have voted down two budgets. It puts the board and the school district in a situation where we’re not sure what they want.”

Bailey did not know as of Tuesday night what the board would propose to the community in the follow-up budget proposal. However, Bailey was certain such a proposal would include a tax levy increase less than 13 percent.

“I don’t know at this point. We have to have time to think about the future,” he said.

Bailey, however, was “very happy” with the 580 individuals who chose to support the budget.

“It’s a shame the constitution is written in a way where the minority rules,” Bailey said.

Bailey and school officials have long warned of potential program cuts that would be needed if the 13 percent increase was not approved. The superintendent again warned that any additional cuts to the district will be “hurtful to programs” — actions he did not want to take.