Mid-Hudson School Election: Budget, Candidates on May 19 Ballots

Overview of Upcoming School Board Elections and Budget Votes

Residents in Ulster and Northern Dutchess counties will have the opportunity to vote on school budgets, board seats, and additional spending proposals on Tuesday, May 19. This election is a crucial step for each district as they seek approval for their financial plans and leadership positions.

Kingston School District

The Kingston School District is proposing a $258.08 million budget, which represents a 3.43% increase or $8.56 million. The property tax levy would rise by 4.04% to $130.88 million, an increase of $5.09 million. Three board seats will be up for full three-year terms, while one seat will be for the final year of a vacancy. Candidates include former Trustee Anthony Fitzpatrick, resident Louisa Solomon, former district Trustee Suzanne Jordan, incumbent Erika Bernabei Middleton, incumbent Trustee Marc Rider, former Alderwoman Rita Worthington, and resident Michael Detweiler. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the district’s seven elementary schools.

Ellenville School District

The Ellenville School District has proposed a $71.63 million budget with a 4.41% increase of $3.03 million. The property tax levy would increase by 4.07% to $30.51 million, an increase of $1.19 million. Five candidates are vying for three seats with three-year terms: incumbent Willie Bruce Jr., Cheryl LaSonde, Laura Villegas, Steven Levine, and incumbent Philip Mattracion. Voting will occur from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the high school media center at 28 Maple Ave.

Highland School District

In the Highland School District, the proposed budget is $59.61 million, representing a 3.98% increase of $2.28 million. The property tax levy would increase by 2.68% to $34.82 million, an increase of $907,928. Incumbents Heather Welch and Alan Barone are seeking reelection against Jocelyn Swart and Shawna Newkirk-Reynolds for two board seats with three-year terms. Approval is also being sought to establish a repair reserve fund using $500,000 from the school district’s fund balance. Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school band room at 320 Pancake Hollow Road.

Marlboro School District

The Marlboro School District is proposing a $70.15 million budget, a 4.5% increase of $3.02 million. The property tax levy would increase by 5.94% to $39.01 million, an increase of $2.19 million. Candidates for three seats with three-year terms include Anthony DiRusso, Jennifer DeSantis, incumbent Rhoda Uszenski, incumbent James Mullen, Michael Schreiber, and John Shillieto. Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Marlboro Town Court, 21 Milton Turnpike.

New Paltz School District

The New Paltz School District is proposing a $78.19 million budget, a 2.75% increase of $2.09 million. The property tax levy would increase by 3.86% to $53.48 million, an increase of $1.99 million. Two board seats with three-year terms and one to fill the final two years of a vacancy are on the ballot. With only two candidates, one position is likely to be filled by a write-in candidate. Proposition 2 seeks approval to spend $1 million on various improvements, including a new football scoreboard and classroom renovations. Voting will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school at 130 South Putt Corners Road.

Onteora School District

The Onteora School District is proposing a $66.48 million budget, a 4.55% increase of $2.89 million. The property tax levy would increase by 2.48% to $50.63 million, an increase of $1.22 million. Two candidates are on the board ballot, with one person mounting a write-in campaign for three seats with three-year terms. Proposition 2 would establish a capital reserve fund to pay for additional purchases and repairs. Voting will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the high school at 4166 state Route 28, Boiceville.

Red Hook School District

The Red Hook School District is proposing a $67.38 million budget, a 3.66% increase of $2.38 million. The property tax levy would increase by 3.61% to $42.76 million, an increase of $1.49 million. Two seats with three-year terms are being sought by Paul Byrne, David Mergendahl, Troy Haley, and Robert Tynes. Several propositions are on the ballot, including classroom and bus garage renovations. Voting will be from noon to 9 p.m. at Mill Road Elementary School on 9 Mill Road.

Rhinebeck School District

The Rhinebeck School District is proposing a $42.31 million budget, a 2.01% increase of $833,788. The property tax levy would increase by 2.69% to $36.07 million, an increase of $945,846. There is an uncontested ballot for three-year board seats being sought by incumbents Benjamin Moffat and Rose Ann Serpico. Voting will be from 2 to 9 p.m. in the middle school at 45 North Park Road.

Rondout Valley School District

The Rondout Valley School District is proposing an $82.09 million budget, a 2.02% increase of $1.62 million. The property tax levy would increase by 3.82% to $48.5 million, an increase of $1.79 million. On the ballot for three board seats with three-year terms will be Charles Dinstuhl, Sydney Hymes, incumbent Patricia Meoli, Justin Swisher, and Matthew Nusbaum. Voting will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the district office at 122 Kyserike Road, Accord.

Saugerties School District

The Saugerties School District is proposing an $83.76 million budget, a 4.86% increase of $3.88 million. The property tax levy would increase by 3.15% to $48.84 million, an increase of $1.49 million. Three board seats carrying three-year terms and one for a two-year term are on the ballot. Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the junior high school at 310 Washington Ave.

Wallkill School District

The Wallkill School District is proposing a $96.13 million budget, a 3.06% increase of $2.85 million. The property tax levy would increase by 2.7% to $50.12 million, an increase of $1.32 million. Three board seats with three-year terms are being sought by incumbent Thomas Frisbie, Erin McCartney, incumbent Kathryn Anderson, and Michael McLymore. Voting will be from 12 to 9 p.m. at Wallkill High School, 90 Robinson Drive, Wallkill; Leptondale Elementary School, 48 Mill St., Wallkill; and Plattekill Elementary School, 1270 state Route 32, Plattekill.