The budget vote and board election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Residents of Gardiner, Shawangunk, Crawford and Montgomery vote at Pine Bush High School; residents of Mount Hope, Wallkill and Mamakating vote at Circleville Elementary School. Hours of the vote are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

A message from Superintendent Joe Lenz

This year’s process has been uniquely challenging. As of this writing, the New York State budget remains unapproved, leaving us to navigate the uncertainty of final proposals from Albany.

Despite this, we have developed a $153,150,596 budget, a responsible 2.20% increase over the current year. The estimated tax levy change is 3.42%, which remains within our tax levy limit.

For a home valued at $400,000, this impact is approximately $202.67 annually, or less than $17 per month. This, coupled with our increase in foundation aid, has resulted in a balanced budget.

To remain fiscally sound, we meticulously reviewed every area of our operations. By analyzing current enrollment and considering retirements and attrition, we successfully reduced a number of positions while fully maintaining the academic, co-curricular, and athletic programs that support our mission. This review included the district office, where we eliminated an administrative assistant position. Notably, through this careful planning, no layoffs were required.

(For more information about the budget, click here for the budget page.)