Proposed $127M Katonah-Lewisboro SD Budget On The Ballot May 20

KATONAH-LEWISBORO, NY — The 2025 budget and school board vote is May 20, and three seats are up for election on the school district board.

The proposed spending plan of $127,410,469 is 2.49 percent higher than the current budget.

The tax levy is expected to be increased 3.29 percent.

"We are proud that this budget maintains KLSD's outstanding educational experience while balancing our fiscal responsibility to you, the taxpayers," the Board of Education said. "In response to a loss in state-funding revenue, this budget reflects thoughtful management of expenses while continuing to support rigorous academics, favorable class sizes, and the well-being of our students. It provides the resources to empower all students to succeed while meeting the requirements of New York State's tax levy cap."

Proposition 2 on the ballots will ask voters whether existing funds from the 2024-2025 budget should be applied to electrical infrastructure upgrades. This will allow the district to transfer money from this year's budget to install the electrical infrastructure needed to charge electric buses and other EVs on the middle/high school campus. This will not result in any anticipated cost to taxpayers and will advance the district's efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Proposition 3 on the ballot will be about an energy performance contract for additional state aid. Community approval is needed to qualify for an additional 10 percent in NYS Education Department building aid. This is related to the Energy Performance Contract, through which the district will be installing solar and other energy conservation measures in a project expected to pay for itself over time. This will not result in any anticipated cost to taxpayers and will advance the district's efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Three school board seats are up for election.

The candidates running are: Jon Poffenberger (three-year term); Arwen Thomas Belloni, Carolyn Snell.