Each of the seven public school districts across Sullivan County have offered up information on their upcoming budget and election votes on May 20. In part two, the budgets of Liberty, Tri-Valley, Sullivan West and Rockland are presented below.

LIBERTY

Liberty Central School District residents will vote on a budget of $68,508,362 proposal for the 2025-2026 school year, and the election of school board members, on

Tuesday May 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Liberty High School Media Center, 125 Buckley Street, Liberty, New York. The proposed $68.5 million budget reflects a spending increase of 0.70 percent, or $474,068 and would fund all current student programs and services. The district expects a slight decrease in state aid, with the tax levy remaining at $17,760,162, the same as the 2024-2025 budget. This is the seventh consecutive year there is no proposed tax levy increase.

There are three vacancies on the school board caused by term expirations of Matthew DeWitt, Timothy Hamblin, and John L. Nichols. The vacancies will be filled by the following candidates: Miriam Rivka Singer, John L. Nichols, Timothy Hamblin, Miriam Heimlich, and Matthew Dewitt. 

Also on the ballot is a $7,494,246 capital project proposal that would add air conditioning to the elementary school to address recent state legislation that sets 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in educational spaces. The capital project proposal would also replace the boiler in the elementary school.

The district is continuing its vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum, and the addition of curriculum management platform Eduplanet will help to map curriculum. Liberty is also expanding partnerships with colleges and universities to offer additional credit-bearing classes for high school students.

“This budget proposal keeps us focused on the elements of our strategic plan so that we can continue to prepare our students to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.

TRI-VALLEY

The annual meeting and election for Tri-Valley Central School District, during which they will vote on the budget and members of the school board, will take place on Tuesday, May 20, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Secondary School Lower Level Gymnasium of the Tri-Valley Central Secondary School Building, in Grahamsville, New York. The proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year is $38,070,773. 

This reflects a 2.14 percent increase over the current year’s budget and will allow the district to advance the district’s academic programs, extracurricular activities, fine and performing arts including musical theatre productions, and athletics. By funding these areas, the district is fostering a strong academic foundation as well as giving them access to well-rounded opportunities that promote growth and success inside the classroom and out in the world.

There are three seats available for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028, for seats currently held by the following Board of Education members: George A. Dean, Timothy Dymond, Travis Hartman. Prospective school board candidates are George A. Dean, Travis Hartman, Robert V. Curry, and Jerry C. Stevens.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Richard Bebenroth explained that this proposed budget reflects a 1.99 percent tax levy increase; this represents a slight increase from the 2024-2025 budget’s 1.41 percent tax levy increase. The school year 2025-2026’s total budget of $38,070,773 can be broken down into $29,483,687 for programs (77.45 percent), $4,417,191 for capital investment (11.60 percent), and $4,169,895 for administration (10.95 percent).

SULLIVAN WEST

Residents of the Sullivan West Central School District will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 20, to vote on the proposed 2025-2026 school budget and elect three members to the Board of Education. The vote will take place from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the district’s three designated polling sites.

The proposed budget totals $43,266,206, supporting district operations, educational programming, staffing, and facility maintenance across the district’s schools. 

“This year’s proposed school budget reflects our district’s continued commitment to delivering a high-quality education while being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers,” said Superintendent Kathleen Bressler. “We’ve prioritized student achievement, safe and supportive learning environments, and programs that prepare our students for success beyond graduation.”  

Registered voters will also elect three Board of Education members to fill the seats currently held by Rose Joyce-Turner, Michael Ellmauer, and Jackie Rutledge, all running unopposed. Each seat carries a three-year term beginning July 1.

Polls will be open at the following locations:

Election District #1: Delaware Youth Center (former Delaware Valley CSD residents)

Election District #2: Western Sullivan Public Library in Jeffersonville (former Jeffersonville-Youngsville CSD residents)

Election District #3: Tusten-Cochecton Library (former Narrowsburg CSD residents)

Copies of the proposed budget and a property tax exemption report will be available starting April 29 at all district school buildings and administrative offices between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. Voter registration is ongoing at the District Clerk’s office through May 15.

“I encourage all community members to learn about the budget and participate in the upcoming vote on May 20,” stated Bressler.

Absentee ballot applications are also available. Requests must be received by the District Clerk by May 13 if the ballot is to be mailed, or by May 19 for in-person pickup.

For more information, visit the Sullivan West Central School District’s website or contact the District Clerk’s office.

ROCKLAND

Voters in the Rockland Central School District will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 20, to vote on the district’s proposed 2025-2026 school budget and a second proposition to establish a capital reserve fund. Polls will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at two locations: Rockland High School in Livingston Manor and Rockland Elementary School in Roscoe.

The proposed budget totals $32,134,980 for the upcoming school year. If approved, these funds will support district operations, academic programs, staffing, transportation, and other essential services. Also on the ballot is Proposition No. 2, which would authorize the district to create a “Buildings and Facilities Improvement Capital Reserve Fund.” 

This reserve, with an ultimate cap of $30 million plus interest over a probable term of 15 years, would be used to fund future construction, renovations, and site improvements for school buildings and facilities. Annual contributions would be made from available year-end fund balances or other legally permissible sources.

For additional details, residents are encouraged to contact the district office or visit the Rockland Central School District’s website.