Proposed $136M Poughkeepsie School Budget On The Ballot May 16

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The 2023 budget and school board vote — and other propositions in some cases — is May 16, and two seats are up for election on the Poughkeepsie Board of Education.

The proposed spending plan of $136 million is 14.89 percent higher than the current budget. District officials said they were focused on a budget that provides funding for meaningful academic, social, emotional and wellness opportunities to all students while still being great stewards of the district's financial resources.

The tax levy is expected to rise just 2.15 percent, which is below the state's tax cap.

There are also three other propositions on the ballot in Poughkeepsie. Voters will decide whether to allow the Board of Education to take up to $10 million from the district's 2022 Capital Reserve Fund for construction and renovations to district buildings; authorize the borrowing of up to $16 million for construction and renovations to district buildings; and authorize the establishment of a new capital reserve fund in an ultimate amount of $12 million.

Two three-year terms on the Board of Education are up for election. Incumbents Thomas O'Neill and Bob Creedon are running unopposed.

Voters may register online with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, or by mail through the County Board of Elections or at the Office of the District Clerk at 845-451-4900 ext. 4973.

Registered voters may request an application for an absentee ballot by contacting the district clerk's office at 845-451-4900 ext. 4973.

Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or the voter’s designated agent.

Absentee ballots must be returned to the District Clerk's Office by 5 p.m. May 16.