On Tuesday, May 19, residents of the Averill Park Central School District supported a $73.2 million budget for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 1,015 (yes) to 447 (no).
The budget of $73,273,010 calls for an increase of 5.42% from the 2025-26 school year and a tax levy increase of 3.99%, which is under the tax cap.
Residents also approved a bus purchase proposition by a vote of 1,007 (yes) to 454 (no). This will allow the district to purchase three (3) 65-passenger school buses, three (3) 30-passenger buses and two (2) sport utility vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $899,826.
Additionally, voters approved a Capital Project proposition 1,114 (yes) to 351 (no). This referendum allows the District to use already approved funds from the 2021 Capital Project that came in under budget to connect Algonquin Middle School to municipal water.
“Thank you to the APCSD residents who voted on the 2026-27 school budget,” Superintendent Dr. James Franchini said. “Administration and the Board of Education worked hard to develop a budget that is mindful of student needs, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability.”
Residents elected Doug Kelley and Jennifer Olsen to the Board of Education. As there were no official candidates on the ballot, write-in candidates were elected to fill the two (2) open seats. The candidate with the most votes, Doug Kelley, will fill the seat of Ann Morone, who was appointed to the BOE in January, once they are able to take the oath of office. The other seat will begin on July 1, 2026. Below are the top four write-in candidates and their vote totals. Numerous other individuals received minimal votes.
- Doug Kelley 835
- Jennifer Olsen 796
- Ali Masse 120
- Crystal Stockin 118
Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you to those who continue to work long hours to ensure an accurate result.