Columbia County voters approve all school budgets

Voters also approved a proposition to purchase three buses and two minivans. The approved budget includes adding new staff, continuing to invest in technology, and purchasing of new curriculum materials.

“None of this would be possible without the support from our district residents,” Ichabod Crane Superintendent Suzanne Guntlow said. “Without all of you, we would not be able to accomplish our ultimate goal, which is to provide a high-quality, equitable education to all the students at Ichabod Crane every day. Next year’s approved budget allows our students to continue to learn in safe and supportive environments, where they can persevere, build resiliency and relationships, and ultimately prepare for life after Ichabod Crane.”

“We are grateful for all those who came out to the polls today and continue to support our district and public education year after year,” Board of Education President Matthew Nelson said in a statement. “Creating a budget is a collaborative, exhaustive and transparent process. I am proud of the approved budget, and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition in the next school year.”

ICC voters also elected three members to the board of education — Christopher Scoville (537 votes ), Megan Pelizza (567) and Kelly Firmbach (752).

“On behalf of the entire Board of Education, I extend congratulations to Christopher Scoville, Megan Pelizza and Kelly Firmbach on their election to the Board of Education and thank Melissa Miller and John Chandler for running this year,” Nelson said. “The Ichabod Crane Central School District is fortunate to have so many residents willing to serve the students and families of this district and we are grateful for their contributions.

Chatham Central School District voters approved the $34,372,292 budget in a tally of 321-116. The budget included a 1.98% tax levy increase under the District’s 3.52% limit set by the New York State property tax cap.

“We are extremely grateful that the community continues to support the Chatham Central School District in so many ways, including the overwhelming support of this year’s budget vote,” Superintendent Sal DeAngelo said. “This is a clear indication that the community has faith in the Chatham board to provide its students with the best opportunities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

Dawn Friedman received 357 votes, Marianne Pierro received 352 votes and Matthew Fisch received 332 votes to win election to the Chatham Board of Education. There were 13 write-in candidates.

“I am thankful for those who voted for me,” Friedman said. “I look forward to serving my term on the Chatham School Board of Education.”

In Hudson, the $54,509,530 budget was approved by a vote of 258-84. There was no tax levy increase.

In addition to adopting the budget, the top two vote-getters on the Hudson City School District Board of Education candidates were elected to three-year terms. Calvin Lewis received 251 votes and Kjirsten Gustavson received 266 votes, with 44 additional votes counted for write-in candidates.

“We are very excited to see the proposed 2023-24 budget featuring a 0% tax levy increase passed last night, along with the re-election of Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Gustavson,” Superintendent Lisamarie Spindler said. “A huge thank you goes out to our district voters for their support of our scholars, staff and administration team here at Hudson City School District.”

Voters in the Germantown Central School District voted 272-108 to approve a $16,904,170 budget calling for a tax levy increase of 2.69%, which is under the tax cap.

In the school board race, Andrea Foley received 210 votes, Lester Olsson received 271 votes and Lynn Polidoro received 203 votes.

The New Lebanon community voted 216-59 to adopt a $13,808,114 budget for the 2023-2024 school year. This budget addresses some of the district’s facilities and transportation needs. In addition, residents approved a proposition that would allow the district to purchase two 66-passenger buses.

Sharon Powers, Kyle Kuffel and Thom Rigg were elected to the Board of Education. Powers and Kuffel each won a three-year term and Rigg won a two-year term that expires in 2025.

Taconic Hills Central School district voters overwhelmingly approved a $38,392,035 budget 557-119, reflecting a 3.26% decrease from last year’s budget.

There were several propositions at stake during the election. Proposition 2 received passed 507-163, which asked voters to allow the district to purchase school vehicles and buses for student transportation, one pickup truck with plow and a sander, and one diesel bus at a maximum cost of $251,000.

Proposition 3 received a vote of 432-251 for the purchase of zero-emission buses. Proposition 4 for charging infrastructure for zero-emission buses was approved and Proposition 5, which is an amendment of the capital reserve fund, received 478-190.

The district also voted on their school board elections to fill five- and three-year terms, respectively. Richard Viebrock (378 votes) and Ronald Morales (329) were both elected to five-year terms. Margaret Hallisey, a write-in candidate, received 290 votes for the three-year term.

For complete school election results, visit HudsonValley360.com.