As the vote tallies were counted last Tuesday, May 21, at each of the eight public school districts’ polling place, school administrators and staff were given a resounding “yes” as all budgets passed as well as several spending propositions. 

A few budgets stand out among the others, with Liberty displaying overwhelming approval from its voter base with a final count of 987 yes to 69 no. Residents of the district appear to agree wholeheartedly with the roadmap for their $68 million budget, which reflected no change in the tax levy. 

We are encouraged that the Liberty District has such strong support for its children’s education and we hope this vote translates into even more community involvement in school activities.

Others however pose interesting thoughts on the future of the districts, those being Roscoe and Livingston Manor. Is it getting to be time once again where administrators and school boards should ask themselves – is it time to merge? 

We feel that the two districts – which already share a superintendent and many extracurricular programs – would benefit from the merger. We hope it gets back on the table in the upcoming year. 

Having two smaller budgets only handicaps what could be amazing opportunities for students seeking to play sports, take specific courses, partake in music and everything else that would become available to them with a merged district. 

And in Monticello, another big step was taken in their children’s future with the passage of the capital improvement project, which will see upgrades to many of the school buildings throughout the district as well as a massive overhaul to the school’s sports complex, located outside the high school.

We would also like to congratulate all who were elected or reelected to their respective school boards, and we hope they act in their capacities with respect, dignity and keep their students at their top priority in every decision they make. Additionally, we wish the same for the administrations at the helm. 

Obviously, the electorate has spoken, and has given our local educational systems a huge vote of confidence.

Keep up the great work.