Budget Vote and BOE Election

About the Annual School Budget Vote

In New York State, local school boards must annually develop a balanced school budget proposal and put it up for a public vote on the third Tuesday in May. This year's school budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Polls will be open from 1-8 p.m. in the Hermon-DeKalb Central School Cafeteria.

Residents will vote on a proposal that maintains all current academic programs and is set to match the state’s tax levy cap. Our district aims to cultivate well-rounded students who are prepared to face global challenges as caring, conscientious, and creative citizens. The 2025-26 budget will fund after-school programs, sustain our athletic mergers to support student-athletes, and allow high school students to earn college credits before graduation.

District expenses may include salaries and benefits, curriculum, staff development, facilities maintenance and operation, transportation and debt service. Revenue includes state funding, federal funding, property taxes and appropriated fund balance.

The 2025-26 budget proposal includes a spending increase of $140,907, or 0.98%, over the current year's budget, driven by rising costs of goods and services. As a result, we are proposing a tax levy increase of 1.72%, or $48,202. The tax levy increase is at our tax cap and will require a simple majority (50% + 1) to pass.

Budget Breakdown

Instructional
The program covers expenses related to educating students, including classroom instruction, services for students with special needs, library services, the nurse’s office, computer-assisted instruction, guidance and counseling services, athletics and extracurricular activities, and transportation.

Capital
This component includes all expenses necessary for the operation and maintenance of school facilities. It covers costs such as maintenance and custodial staff, utilities, and debt payments for building projects.

Administrative
This component includes expenses necessary to manage district affairs including building-level supervision, business office operations, school-to-home communications, the Board of Education, the Superintendent, the District Clerk, and legal/auditing fees.

Instructional: 73.8%
Capital: 18.3%
Administration: 7.9%

Budget Total: $14,561,880
Tax Levy Increase: 1.72%

Voters Elect Three Members to the Board of Education

Each of the three new board of education terms will begin July 1, 2025. The first two seats carry five-year terms, and third carries a two-year term. The two candidates who receive the most votes will receive the five-year terms. The two five-year term seats are currently held by John Wright and Jaclyn teRiele. The two-year term seat is currently held by interim member Christopher Stransky, who was appointed after Board Member Jordan Deleel stepped down.

Also on the Ballot...

Bus Purchase

The district is seeking approval to purchase two 65-passenger buses at an estimated maximum cost of $340,000. State transportation aid is a significant part of our transportation program, returning us 90% aid on each bus, part or service we purchase.

Capital Reserve Fund

The district is seeking approval to create the "2025 Capital Reserve Fund”. This reserve will be used to pay for future capital improvements to district facilities and sites. The $2,000,000 in funds will come from New York State Aid, budgetary appropriations, and unassigned fund balance.