ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York's maple syrup production surged this year, thanks to better weather for the sweet crop.           

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says production was up 59 percent, from 360,000 to 574,000 gallons.           

Sap flow was held down in 2012 because of the relatively warm weather in late winter and early spring. Federal experts say the colder early spring slowed budding on the trees and extended the season.           

They say only Vermont produced more syrup than New York.           

A total of 3.25 million gallons was produced nationally, up 70 percent from 2012.

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Voters in three local school districts will go back to the polls Tuesday.

Last month, budgets were defeated in Niskayuna, Middleburgh, and Cairo Durham.

All three districts had submitted spending plans with tax increases above the cap.

The school boards have revised their budget proposals, making additional cuts that will bring them below the cap.

If the revised budgets are defeated Tuesday, the school districts must then impose a contingency budget with no tax increase.