On Tuesday, May 20, residents of the Averill Park Central School District supported a $69.5 million budget for the 2025-26 school year by a vote of 947 (yes) to 482 (no), as well as a proposition for a bus purchase.
The budget of $69,503,900 calls for an increase of 4.34% from the 2024-25 school year and a tax levy increase of 2.41%, which is under the tax cap. The approval of the bus proposition, by a 939 (yes) to 487 (no) vote, allows the district to purchase six (6) new large, diesel school buses as part of the district’s long-term bus replacement plan. The district is eligible to receive approximately 71 percent reimbursement from the state on the purchase of these buses.
“Thank you to the Averill Park CSD residents who voted on the 2025-26 school budget. Our staff and Board of Education worked hard on developing a budget that is fiscally responsible and maintains a strong academic program for our students despite rising healthcare costs,” Superintendent Dr. James Franchini said. “This budget will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission of meeting the needs of and providing opportunities for every student every day.”
Residents also elected Samantha Hicks, Christopher Phillips and Meghan McGarry to the Board of Education. Candidate vote counts are below, in the order they appeared on the ballot:
- Samantha Hicks – 991
- Christopher Phillips – 971
- Allison Masse – 521
- Meghan McGarry – 999
Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you to those who worked long hours to ensure an accurate result.