BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

Voters approved budgets at St. Lawrence County schools and elected school board members on Tuesday, May 21. A proposal for a Massena public library as a school district library failed. Also, in nearby St. Regis Falls, district residents voted down the budget.

Below are results from local schools districts.

• Massena district voters approved a $72.3 million budget that will not raise taxes. The vote was 916-518. The total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $14,831,697 million. The budget increase is about $2.5 million.

The highly-debated library district proposition failed 961 no votes to 502 yes votes.

A proposition for a student ex-officio member was approved 1093-340.

A capital reserve fund for vehicles was approved 939-487.

School Board President Paul Haggett and Vice President Kevin Perretta retained their seats on the Board of Education with 864 and 616 votes each. Richard Marshall received 429 votes, Jamie Crosby 242 votes and David Broadbent 223 votes.

• Ogdensburg City School district voters passed a $55.2 million budget that keeps spending and taxes flat 196-35.

Doug Loffer and Ron Johnson, who were both running unopposed, were elected to the school board with 185 and 207 votes respectively.

Johnson will be serving his fourth term, while Loffer will be serving his first.

The total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $10,598,000 million.  

The budget keeps all of the school’s existing programs.

 Last year a change in assessments and a decision to keep the levy flat led to a substantial drop in the tax rate from $27.49 to $22.29 per $1,000 of assessed value.  

Superintendent Kevin Kendall offered appreciation to those who voted.

• Potsdam Central district voters approved a $41.1 million budget that raises taxes 2.5%. The vote was 359-53. The total increase in the tax levy is $380,073 and the total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $15,436,444.

“Thank you all for supporting our budget vote,” said Superintendent Jerry Griffin. “I never take this night for granted and am always so appreciative of the support from our community.”

Joshua Fiske (320 votes), David DeRushia (244 votes), and Lynzie Schulte (239 votes) won seats on our board of education. Dora Richter netted 219 votes.

“I look forward to working with these three over the coming years,” Griffin said.

“I want to publicly thank Jim Hubbard, who did not run for reelection and is ending his term of office,” he added. “Jim has served the Potsdam Central School District community for several years, and I have enjoyed working with him since my arrival. Jim loves Potsdam and is dedicated to ensuring we do whatever is necessary for our students.”

A bus proposition was approved 362-50.

• Canton Central district voters narrowly approved a $41.8 million budget that raises taxes 6.5%. The vote was 288-261. The total increase in the tax levy is $721,652 and the total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $11,820,319. The 2024-25 budget includes cutting five teaching positions.

A proposition to purchase three school vehicles was okayed 354-191.

Voters elect four members to the Board of Education. Three seats are three-year terms, and one seat is a one-year term. Candidates are Christina Martin , Victor Rycroft, Wendy Todd will all have three-year terms and Sue Toshack will serve a one-year term.

• Norwood-Norfolk district voters approved a $29.2 million budget that will not raise taxes. The vote passed 149-13. The total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $6,534,756 million. The budget increase is $375,263, or 1.3%.

Proposition 2 to authorize a purchase of three student transportation vehicles not to exceed $417,469 was approved 145-16.

Elected to the Board of Education were Robert Barlow (137 votes), James Dillon (130 votes), Stephen Markum and (138 votes).

• Brasher Falls district voters approved a $31.6 million budget that raises taxes 2.2%. The vote was 270-46.

The total increase in the tax levy is $118,642 and the total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $4,536.027.  

Proposition Two asked voters to approve the purchase of three school buses and one student transportation vehicle. It also passed, 254-63.

Voters authorized the creation of a Capital Reserve for future capital projects in an ultimate amount not to exceed $2,500,000, by a vote of 260-50.

There were two vacant five-year seats up for grabs. Julie Carvel-Liberty (182 votes) and Sue Anne Hourihan (124 votes) were elected. Catherine Henry received 117 votes, Lance St. Hilaire 77 votes and Lance Moulton 66 votes each.

• Madrid-Waddington Central district voters approved a $20.9 million budget that raises taxes 2.87%. The budget passed 130-9.

The total increase in the tax levy is $137,517. The budget is 1.3%, or $261,793 higher than last year, school officials said.

A proposition for a 72-passenger bus and one 24-passenger handicap-accessible bus were approved 130-8.

There are two Board of Education seats open this year. Two incumbents, Bruce Durant and Robert Smith, were reelected with 127 and 123 votes respectively.

A vote for a capital overlay project not to exceed $100,000 also passed, 131-7. The project would go toward new windows in the elementary wing.

• Colton-Pierrepont Central School District voters on Tuesday, May 21, approved the district’s $13 million budget proposal for the 2024-25 school year.

Voters also elected a board of education member and approved using up to $11,500 in reserve funds to support the purchase of a 60-passenger school bus.

“We’re grateful to the Colton-Pierrepont school community for their support,” said Superintendent James Nee. “Our COLTS community came through to make sure our students have the resources they need to succeed and learn to be competitive in a global environment.”

The district’s $13,156,711 budget proposal for 2024-25 carries a 3.31% tax levy increase and a 7.6% increase in spending compared to the current year. Voters approved the budget proposal 129 to 35.

In a 145 to 19 vote, residents approved utilization of up to $11,500 in reserve funds to support the purchase of a new 60-passenger school bus.

Colton resident Angela Villeneuve-Bronson was the sole candidate for the one open seat on the district’s Board of Education. Villeneuve-Bronson was elected to the position with 151 votes.

The four-year term begins on July 1, 2024.

• Parishville-Hopkinton district voters approved a $13.2 million budget that raises taxes 2.15%. The budget passed 173-50.

The total increase in the tax levy is $95,463 and the total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $4,532,831.

Propositions also included establishing a $2.5 million capital reserve fund over the next 10 years. Voters approved it 172-48.

Two five-year term school board seats were up for grabs with Matthew Wendig and April Fullerton winning seats with 131 and 99 votes respectively. Both are new members.

• Hermon-DeKalb Central School District voters approved the district’s $14.4 million 2024-25 budget proposal, re-elected two board of education members and approved the purchase of one school bus and one van. The budget proposition passed 157 to 22.

The $14,420,973 budget for the 2024-25 school year increases spending 1.11% ($158,522) and carries a tax levy increase of 2.99%. The budget passed 157 yes; 22 no.

Purchasing one new 65-passenger school bus and one new 8-passenger van at an estimated maximum cost of $250,000 passed 153 yes; 25 no.

Five candidates sought election to two open board of education seats.

Both terms will last five years, expiring June 30, 2029:

• Michael Mac Cue (Incumbent): 94 votes (winner)
• Ronald Smith (Incumbent): 72 votes (winner)
• Rebecca Fenlong: 56 votes
• Kiera Warner: 56 votes
• Dale O’Donnell: 41 votes

Both terms begin July 1, 2024.

A library proposition was also voted on. 

Hepburn Library of Hermon tax collection, in the additional amount of $30,000 for a new total of $40,000 annually: passed 118 yes; 58 no. 

New York state education law allows libraries to place a funding proposition on school district ballots and requires school districts, at the libraries’ requests, to levy and collect taxes for libraries. The Hepburn Library of Hermon is a separate legal entity from the school district, with its own funding and budget.

• Salmon River Central School District voters approved the district’s $38.67 million 2024-25 budget proposal, the purchase and finance of student transport vehicles and a $16 million solar array capital project. Residents also elected three board of education members.

The $38,673,194 budget for the 2024-25 school year increases spending 4.84% ($1,787,107) and carries a tax levy increase of 2%. It passed 89 yes; 39 no

Purchasing and financing student transport vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $800,000 passed 92 yes; 36 no.

A project consisting of the construction and installation of an approximately 16 acre, 5-megawatt solar array at a total maximum estimated cost of $16 million also passed, 78 yes; 48 no

Two candidates sought election to three open board of education seats and were elected:

Agnes (Sweets) Jacobs: 103 votes

Shelley Jacobs: 97 votes

Write-in candidate PJ Burns received 22 votes and was elected to the third open board of education seat.

The terms are five years each, beginning July 1, 2024.

• Voters in the Heuvelton Central School District voted to pass the proposed $18.2 million budget for the 2024-25 school year. With 71 yes votes, and only 23 no votes, the budget passed with 75.5% approval.

The approved 2024-25 budget represents a $1,750,661, or 10.64% increase over the current budget. The increase will support the continuation of programs and positions added in response to the pandemic to best meet the needs of all students.

In addition to the proposed budget, district residents were asked to elect two candidates for two seats on the Heuvelton Central School District Board of Education. The elected candidates were Mark Kearns, with 79 votes and incumbent, Christopher Riordan with 72 votes.

"The Heuvelton community has a tradition of holding the education of children in high regard, and this year is no different,” said superintendent, Jesse Coburn. “The district is entrusted with the education and care of their children, and this budget provides the means to do so, for which we are grateful."

Also on the ballot was a proposition to levy and collect $40,000 in addition to the school district budget to fund the Heuvelton Free Library. This proposition passed with 76.8% approval from voters.

• Lisbon Central district voters approved a $17.9 million budget that raises taxes 1.9%. The vote was 210 yes to 91 no.

The total increase in the tax levy is $75,553 and a total of $4,052,12 will be raised by taxpayers. The budget is 4.19%, or $723,189 higher than last year, school officials said. Voters approved the purchase of two diesel powered, 72-passenger buses by a vote of 219 to 81.

Voters approved Proposition 3 which adds a student Ex-Officio member on the board of education by a 238-60 vote.

Winning five-year term seats Ryan Beshaw (197 votes), Jen Gray (197 votes), and Jennifer Grant  (192 votes).

• Voters in the Morristown Central School District approved the school district’s proposed $11.5 million budget for the 2024-25 school year.

The budget, which passed 116 votes to 76, represents a 0.24% increase over the current spending plan. 

Also on the ballot were propositions to establish a Capital Reserve Fund, and to provide additional funding to the Morristown Public Library. The library proposition passed 98-41 and the capital reserve fund proposition passed 112-32.

Superintendent Staci Vaughn said, “I am deeply grateful for your overwhelming support in passing the school budget. Your vote is a resounding affirmation of our shared commitment to providing the best possible education for our children. Thank you for investing in our community's most precious resource – our youth.”

Residents were also asked to elect three candidates to serve on the school board. Chelsea VanArnam received 125 votes, Jeffrey LaJoy 118 votes and  Scott Ritchie 108 votes. Each elected to begin a three-year term on July 1, 2024.

• Hammond Central School District residents voted to approve the district’s proposed $9.78 million budget for the 2024-25 school year that carries a 4.34% tax levy increase and a 2.67% spending increase compared to the current year.

The proposed $9.78 million budget will fund the continuation of recently added classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities district-wide.

“It is affirming to see that our Hammond community is supportive of our school district's proposed plans,” said Superintendent Lauren Morley. “The Hammond Central School District is committed to providing students with as many opportunities as possible and our 2024-25 budget will allow us to do just that. The Board of Education and our administrative team are grateful for this vote of confidence from the people we serve.”

There were two seats on the board of education on the ballot. The community voted for Donald Ceresoli Jr. and Daniel Pease to fill these seats. The term for the seats runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029. The two seats are currently held by Donald Ceresoli Jr. and Daniel Pease.

The budget passed with 58 yes votes to 18 no votes,

Donald Ceresoli Jr. received 60 votes and Daniel Pease had 62 votes.

The term for the seats runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029. The two seats are currently held by Donald Ceresoli Jr. and Daniel Pease.

• Edwards-Knox Central School District voters approved the district’s $17.8 million 2024-25 budget proposal, re-elected one board of education member, and approved the purchase and finance of three diesel school buses.

Voters chose to reject the purchase and finance of one electric school bus, by a vote of 76 to 79, according to a BOCES represenative. The Edwards-Knox administration and board of education will meet in the coming weeks to discuss their next steps related to this specific proposition, officials said.

The $17,849,727 budget for the 2024-25 school year ncreases spending 5.12% ($869,885) and carries a tax levy increase of 3%. The budget passed 119 yes; 36 no.

Purchasing and financing of three new diesel school buses at a total cost not to exceed $508,000 passed 139 yes; 17 no.

Purchasing and financing of one new electric school bus and related infrastructure, expending a total of $437,291, utilizing at least $257,250 in anticipated grant funding with a total cost to the district not to exceed $180,041: failed to pass 76 yes; 79 no

One candidate sought election to one open board of education seat.

The term will last five years, beginning July 1, and expiring June 30, 2029. The winner John “Jack” Zeh (Incumbent) received 128 votes.

• Gouverneur Central district voters approved a $44.1 million budget that raises taxes 2.03%. The vote passed 210-59. The total increase in the tax levy is $140,638 and the total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $7,066,189. The budget is $1,529,580, or 3.59% higher than last year, school officials said.

Laurie Roberts, Nickolas Ormasen, and Laura Spicer, and Lisa McGregor were elected to the school board with 224, 184 and 195 votes respectively Lisa McGregor received 168 votes and Roland Roderick received 106 votes.

The fourth highest vote-getter is elected for one (1) vacant term commencing in May, and expiring on June 30, 2025, to succeed Lisa McGregor.

• Clifton-Fine district voters approved the district’s a $11.6 million budget 2024-25 budget proposal that raises taxes 1%. The vote was 120 yes to 15 no.

The total increase in the tax levy is $44,083 and the total amount being raised by taxpayers this year is $4,452,399. The budget is the same dollar amount as last year, school officials said.

A school psychologist will increase her time in the school to four days per week, previously it was 2-3 days.

Voters approved funding for one electric bus by a vote of 93-42.

School board candidates vying for three-year terms for three seats include incumbents Lynne Backus, Roger Benjamin and John Perrault. All three were reelected.

• Harrisville Central School District voters approved the district’s $11.77 million 2024-25 budget proposal, re-elected two board of education members and approved the purchase of two school buses. The budget proposition passed 66 to 11.

The $11,774,879 budget for the 2024-25 school year increases spending 1.82% ($210,228) and carries a tax levy increase of 3.99%. The budget passed 66 yes; 11 no.

Purchasing two new school buses at a total cost not to exceed $315,990 passed 63 yes; 15 no.

Two candidates sought election to two open board of education seats and were re-elected:

• Kathy Felio (incumbent): 72 votes
• Tennille Schmitt (incumbent): 65 votes

The terms are five years each, beginning July 1, 2024.

• St. Regis Falls Central School District residents voted to reject the district’s $9,948,815 proposed 2024-25 budget with 107 voting in favor and 120 voting against it.

The proposed plan calls for a $287,168—or -2.81%—decrease in spending over the current year’s budget and carries a 2.12% tax levy increase.

Voters also voted on two propositions on Tuesday evening, one to purchase one school bus and one passenger van was defeated with 104 votes in favor, 126 against and one to establish a $375,000 capital reserve fund to offset minor construction costs, was approved with 116 in favor and 113 against.  

In addition to the budget and propositions, two candidates were elected to the board of education. Community members elected Maggie Engels to a five-year term with 169 votes and Lisa Jimenez to a four-year, one-month term with 113 votes. A third seat had a two-way tie with 76 votes each for Rick Yaddow and Michelle Brockway for a two-year, one-month term.  Additional information is forthcoming about a run-off election and next steps with the defeated budget.

Also at a board meeting the evening of the budget vote, the St. Regis Falls CSD Board of Education created the new Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services position and appointed Kate Cruikshank to assume the role. This position will also be effective July 1, 2024.

The district will be posting a vacancy for the Prek-12 Principal that was vacated earlier this year.