Yorktown, Somers, Lakeland School Budgets On The Ballot May 20

YORKTOWN/SOMERS, NY — The Yorktown, Somers and Lakeland school districts will be voting on their 2025 budgets and school boards on May 20.

Yorktown CSD

The proposed spending plan of $123,095,000 is 3.35 percent higher than the current budget.

The tax levy is expected to be increased by 1.74 percent.

"In crafting this budget, we have been mindful of our responsibility to taxpayers," Superintendent Ron Hattar and BOE President Jackie Carbone said. "We strive to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to enhance our students' educational offerings."

Three board seats will be up for election, for three-year terms.

Candidates running include: Reshmi Bose, Cheryl Reynolds, and Lisa Rolle.

Somers CSD:

The proposed spending plan of $113,477,113 is 2.41 percent higher than the current budget.

The tax levy increase is 2.63 percent.

"Our proposed budget aims to support and enhance the educational programs and services that are vital to our students' growth and development," Amanda Kandel, President of the Board of Education, said. "We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and supportive atmosphere."

Three board seats will be up for election, for three-year terms.

Candidates running include: Ifay Chang (incumbent), Rosalind Gallino, Amanda Kandel (incumbent), Chadwick Olsen (incumbent), Michael Rinaldi, Michael Ritacco, and Jozef Vala.

In addition, voters will be asked to vote on a Capital Projects Bond proposition for construction of improvements to school district buildings and facilities.

The May 12, League of Women Voters of Northeast Westchester Candidate Forum can be viewed here.

Lakeland CSD:

The proposed spending plan of $196,915,496 is 2.87 percent higher than the current budget.

The tax levy increase is 1.8 percent.

"We have crafted a fiscally responsible budget that preserves the high quality of our educational programs while maintaining prudent financial management," Superintendent Karen Gagliardi and Adam E. Kaufman, President of the Board of Education, said. "The proposed budget allows us to continue offering a well-rounded and enriching educational expeience for all students."

Proposition 2 on the ballot will ask voters to decide whether the district should purchase 17 new gas-powered school buses and vehicles, for $1.66 million.

Proposition 3 on the ballot will ask voters to approve setting up a capital reserve fund to improve buildings, facilities and athletics facilities and/or the purchase of EV buses and infrastructure; maximum amount of $25 million; maximum term of 10 years.

Three board seats will be up for election, for three-year terms.

Candidates running include: Adam E. Kaufman (incumbent), Michael Marchese (incumbent), and Marianne DiSalvo Kolesar (incumbent).