On Tuesday, May 21, Monticello Central School District (MCSD) voters approved the district’s $91.2 million 2019-20 school budget 603 yes to 451 no votes. The $91,227,073 budget is below the district’s legal tax cap limit, preserves all existing programs, represents a 0.80 percent tax levy increase and an overall spending increase of 1.56 percent.
“I want to thank each of the Monticello residents who had their voices heard at the polls today,” Superintendent Tammy Mangus said. “The diversity and strength of our academic, extracurricular and social-emotional support programs are the driving force behind our students’ success and growth, and I am grateful for the community’s support. Each one of these innovative programs is integral to a holistic education that empowers our Panthers to build a brighter future for Monticello and beyond.”
Two additional propositions were on the ballot. The results are as follows:
REJECTED 499 yes, to 559 no Proposition 2:The Classroom 2020 Phase II project, an $85.5 million capital improvement project that would have made extensive repairs and renovations throughout the district buildings, including critical repairs at the St. John’s Street Education Center, and reopening the Cornelius Duggan Elementary School (pending NYS approval)
APPROVED 592 yes, to 459 no Proposition 3 – A $10 million capital reserve fund, similar to a savings fund, that would be built over a 10-year period and that could be used in the future with voter authorization to finance needed repairs.
“While we are disappointed in the results of the Classroom 2020 Phase II referendum, the Board is appreciative of all of our constituents who took the time to consider our vision for the future of Monticello Central School District,” Board President Lori Orestano-James said. “We remain committed to our goal of providing a quality education for our students in facilities that are safe and reflective of our values of excellence and community pride, while remaining cognizant of our fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers. The Board will continue discussions to ensure we attain these goals and we hope our constituents will join us in these on-going discussions about our community’s future.”
Five candidates sought election to five open board of education seats and ran unopposed. They candidates, in ballot order were:
· Wendy Galligan-Weiner
· Jennifer Holmes
· Helen Jersey
· Lori Orestano-James
· Stacey Sharoff
Three seats are three-year terms, and these seats will be filled by:
Jennifer Holmes, 557 votes
Lori Orestano-James, 644 votes
Stacey Sharoff, 580 votes
Two seats are one-year terms, and these seats will be filled by:
Wendy Galligan-Weiner, 590 votes
Helen Jersey, 551 votes