With few articles to consider and only 32 registered voters in attendance, the deliberative session of the Allenstown School District Meeting wrapped up in just a half hour.

No changes were made to the wording of any articles, so it will now go to residents to decide whether to follow the recommendations of the School Board or force them to make cuts under a default budget when voting takes place March 11.

The school district operating budget, warrant article 1, asks taxpayers for $9,954,853. If approved, it’s expected to raise the tax rate by $3.20 per $1,000 of property value. Voting no will result in a default budget of $9,838,008, which will still raise the tax rate, but by about $280 per $1,000 of property value.

School Board Chairman Tom Irzyk presented an explanation of the budget figures, pointing out that special education, certified staff, health insurance and other budget lines increased by $781,342.

Warrant Article 2 asks for approval by voters of a collective bargaining agreement between the Allenstown School Board and the Allenstown Paraprofessional Association for a four year-contract. Approval would raise the tax rate by about 20 cents.

Warrant Article 3 asks for $10,000 to be taken from surplus for a building maintenance fund, and Warrant Article 4 asks for $10,000 to be taken from surplus for the Facilities Acquisition Capital Reserve Fund. Neither would affect the tax rate since the money comes from surplus.

Voting will take place on these articles on Tuesday, March 11, at Allenstown Elementary School, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.