On May 16, Livingston Manor Central School District voters approved the district’s nearly $19.4 million 2023-24 budget proposal, two capital projects and the establishment of a new $10 million capital reserve fund, as well as elected two new school board members.

Voters approved:

• A $19,365,346 budget for the 2023-24 school year that increases spending 3.05% ($573,373) and carries a tax levy increase of 3.08%: 256 yes; 97 no

• A $21 million capital project to address building systems upgrades, maintenance and security updates: 244  yes; 117 no

• A $7 million capital project to repair the pedestrian bridge and flood walls: 248 yes; 112 no

• Authorizing the establishment of a 10-year, $10 million capital reserve fund: 251 yes; 105 no.

“We appreciate the support of the Livingston Manor voters on the budget and the vital repairs and improvements needed to our historic building and grounds,” Superintendent John Evans said.

Four candidates sought election to two open board of education seats. Candidates and the number of votes they received are:

• Nicole Park: 167 votes

• Jill Smith: 204 votes

• Shawn Dutcher: 151 votes 

• Amy LeRoy: 138 votes

The candidates with the two highest vote totals, Nicole Park and Jill Smith, will fill the three-year terms and begin service on July 1.

Original story:

Livingston Manor Central School District voters will go to the polls May 16 to decide on a $19,365,346 budget, two capital project proposals, a measure to authorize a $10 million capital reserve fund, and candidates for two school board seats.

"Our budget proposal maintains our high quality programs, while keeping our tax levy increase at the tax cap," Superintendent John Evans said. "The two capital project propositions would improve the health and safety infrastructure for our students and the overall efficiency of our school building."

The budget proposal calls for a spending increase of $573,373, or 3.05%, over the current school year’s budget. Most of the increase can be attributed to recurring expenses that rise each year. While state aid increased slightly this year, the district is facing a shortfall of $934,138. To close the gap, district leaders are proposing a tax levy increase of 3.08%, or $284,138, which meets the district’s calculated tax levy limit, or cap.. The remainder of the gap will be closed by appropriating $650,000 in fund balance.

Also on the ballot are two capital project propositions: a $21 million building project and a $7 million proposal to repair the pedestrian bridge and flood walls. More details on the proposals were distributed in April and are available at https://www.lmcs.us/page/capital-project-2023.

The final proposition on the ballot would establish a new capital reserve fund of $10 million over the period of 10 years. Reserve funds allow districts to save incrementally for the future, mitigating the financial impact of major, non-recurring or unforeseen expenditures. They also can reduce or even eliminate a district’s need to raise taxes.

Voters will also be asked to elect two people to serve three-year terms on the school board. Four candidates submitted petitions: Nicole Park, Jill Smith, Shawn Dutcher and Amy LeRoy.

The annual budget hearing will be at 6 p.m. May 2 in the LMCS old gym. At that time there will also be an informational forum on the capital project proposals featuring representatives from SEI Design Group and Schoolhouse Construction Services, who Livingston Manor has been working with on these projects. Candidates running for school board will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and talk to attendees.

Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 16 in the Livingston Manor Central School District gymnasium at 19 School St.

Qualified voters may request an absentee ballot by contacting District Clerk Marlyn Peters at marlyn.peters@lmcs.us or 845-439-4400, ext. 1201. May 9 is the last day for absentee ballot applications to be received for those mailing their completed ballot. May 15 is the last day for absentee ballots applications to be received for those who will deliver their completed ballot in person. Absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk by 5 p.m. May 16 in order to be counted.

Voters must be 18 years old, U.S. citizens, a district resident for at least 30 days, and be registered to vote at their county board of elections or with the district. Registration may be done weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the LMCS main office before May 11.

*The final tax rates for 2023-24 will be determined in the summer when final assessments and equalization rates become available. Each town assesses properties differently, which is why there is a wide variety in the estimated tax rate. The state assigns an equalization rate for each town that creates an assessment value equal to its full market value. This process is intended to ensure that each town pays its fair share of school taxes based on the town’s fair market value.

New York law requires school districts to present their budgets divided into three expenditure categories — program, administrative and capital — and compare them to the previous year’s costs. Livingston Manor’s three-part budget is as follows:

2022-23 Budgeted — 2023-24 Projected

$14,622,601/77.8% of budget — $14,973,177 / 77.3% of budget

Includes salaries and benefits of all teachers and staff who deliver pupil services (guidance, health, library/media, etc.), textbooks, co-curricular activities, athletics, and transportation costs.

2022-23 Budgeted— 2023-24 Projected

$2,343,511/12.5% of budget — $2,427,550 / 12.5% of budget

Includes salaries and benefits of administrators, supervisors, and administrative clerical staff, public information, printing, curriculum and staff development, school board costs, general insurance and professional fees.

2022-23 Budgeted — 2023-24 Projected

$1,825,861/9.7% of budget — $1,964,619 /10.1% of budget

Includes salaries and benefits of maintenance  and custodial staff, debt service on buildings, utilities, equipment, and court-ordered costs.

2022-23 Budgeted — 2023-24 Projected

$18,791,973 — $19,365,346

In New York, school leaders begin developing their school budget proposal long before the public vote in May. Each budget proposal is unique, but the planning process is similar for most schools. 

May 2: Annual budget hearing, capital project information session, meet the candidates event, 6 p.m., LMCS auditorium.

May 9: Last day for absentee ballot applications to be received for those mailing their completed ballot.

May 10: Last day to register to vote with the district.

May 15: Last day for absentee ballots applications to be received for those who will deliver their completed ballot in person.

May 16: Voting will take place between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. in the new gymnasium.

• Total proposed budget: $19,365,346

• Spending change: $573,373 (+3.05%)

• Tax levy change: $284,138 (+3.08%)

Legal Notice

Capital project information

Budget Proposal summary

Full budget proposal

Click here for a printable version of our budget flyer

New York State Education Law requires the Livingston Manor Central School District to provide the following documents related to the school budget:

• Three-part budget statement

• Property tax report card

• School academic report card (with enrollment data)

• District's fiscal accountability summary

• Salary disclosure requirements

• Exemption reporting for taxing jurisdictions

• 2022-23

  • Total Budget: $18,791,973

  • Budget Change: $657,016 (+3.62%)

  • School Tax Levy: $9,227,503 (+2.68%)

• 2021-22

  • Total budget: $18,134,957

  • Budget change: $759,855 (+4.19%)

  • School tax levy: $8,986,480 (+1.49%)

Budget archive

Budget 101

What you need to know about the tax cap (video)

Printable information on tax cap