Voters in Glens Falls have decided not to move forward with a school district merger plan. As YNN's Erin Moran tells us, many who voted Wednesday were hoping for that outcome.

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GLENS FALLS, N.Y. -- The people have spoken. Abraham Wing School District will not merge with the larger Glens Falls City School District.

Superintendent John Godfrey said he's glad voters who headed to the polls made an informed choice.

“My goal really has just been to get good information out to the public, good information out to all our residents, invite them to the various meetings we've had, invite them into my office and I think we've been quite successful with that,” Godfrey said.

The proposal would have increased taxes for those living within the district and that potential hike brought many out to vote against the plan.

“The reason is all taxes. Living where I used to live and living here now, half the size house and almost double the taxes. So it all comes down to taxes,” said John Potter, a resident of Glens Falls.

Lindy Gooden, another resident of Glens Falls, said, “I know that with taxes, for us, there would be a large increase for the Abe Wing residents. For Glens Falls, it's not going to affect them that much.”

To try and offset some of those tax hikes, the proposed larger school district would have received $27 million in state aid over the next 14 years. But those against the plan said the well being of students and their education is more important.

“This school here is wonderful and it houses a lot of kids in this area that need this school,” said Donna Girard of Glens Falls.

Gooden said, “The smaller classroom setting, the neighborhood supports and you coming into this school and the teachers knowing you, the principal knowing you. If there's a problem, they have no problems calling you. I have even gotten thank you letters from the nurse. To me, the money shouldn't be the issue. The issue should be what is best for our kids.”

The final tally Wednesday night was 248 resident voting no and 74 residents voting yes.