GRANTHAM — Voters passed a school budget but turned back a proposal for playground renovations during the first part of Town Meeting Tuesday.
The $10.3 million school budget, which is a 3.2% increase from the previous year’s budget, passed in a 283-79 vote.
For two three-year seats on the School Board, voters elected Lesley Nesbitt (253 votes) and Edward Upson (208). They beat out Christopher Barrett (117) and Tanya McIntire (50).
Voters defeated the major article on the school ballot this year, which asked for $500,000 to renovate the Grantham Village School Playground. The article needed 60% approval to pass but failed with only 198 votes in favor and 170 against.
On the town side, voters elected Maria Dahlman for trustee of the trust funds, with 271 votes over James Aukerman, who got 72 votes.
For two three-year positions as trustees of the Dunbar Library, voters picked Megan Alexander, who got 285 votes, and Patricia Beasley, who got 268, over David Munger, who received 97 votes.
Peter Garland was re-elected to his three-year seat on the Selectboard. For two three-year seats on the Planning Board, voters elected Peter Guillette and C. Peter James.
The second part of Town Meeting, when voters will decide on the town budget and articles, will be held at 10 a.m. on May 15 at Recreation Park.
— Anna Merriman