On Tuesday, May 19, school districts held their annual budget and board of education votes.
SOUTH COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
For South Country Central school district, the budget failed to pass with a vote of 1,529 in favor and 2,747 opposed.
The transportation proposition passed with 2,211 in favor to 1,105 opposed.
Elected to the school board were Kenyanah Augustin with 1,645 and Linda Brown with 1,953. Candidate Michael Kellerman had 1,230 and John Muglia had 1,558.
In a statement, the current trustees and president of the school board thanked the members of our community who participated in today’s budget vote and shared their voices throughout this year’s budget development process.
“We understood from the outset that asking residents to approve a budget that was asking for a school tax increase of more than 13% was a significant request. Throughout the process, we heard and understood the concerns expressed by members of our community regarding the financial impact such an increase would have on them,” said the board.
“While the proposed 2026-2027 budget was developed with the goal of maintaining the educational programs, services, and opportunities our students deserve, we acknowledge the outcome of the vote and the message communicated to us by the community.”
The board said, alongside district administration, they would carefully review and discuss all available options moving forward. In the coming days, they will determine whether to present a revised budget to voters on June 16 (the day designated by the NY State Education Department for a second school budget vote) or proceed with a contingency budget for the 2026-2027 school year.
“We remain committed to transparency throughout this process and will continue to keep the community informed as these decisions are made.”
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