At its April 23 meeting, the Monticello Central School District Board of Education adopted a proposed budget for the 2026–27 school year. The $106,931,082 spending plan represents a 3.29% increase over the current year’s budget and continues the district’s focus on fiscal responsibility, student success and long-term sustainability.
District residents will vote on the proposed budget and elect four members to the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all district polling locations.
Proposed budget is below tax cap, percentage of the budget funded by taxpayers decreases
The district’s primary goal during the budget planning process is to carefully balance fiscal responsibility with a continued commitment to student success. Monticello CSD strives to minimize tax levy increases while keeping the portion of the budget funded by the tax levy under 50%.
The proposed tax levy is $47.1 million, a 2.68% increase from the prior year. While the district was eligible to increase the levy by a higher percentage (3.99%) under New York State’s tax cap formula, it chose to remain below that threshold, continuing its long-standing effort to reduce reliance on property taxes.
As a result, approximately 44.14% of the proposed budget is funded by the tax levy, with the remaining 55.86% supported by state aid and other revenue sources such as BOCES refunds and fund balance.
Rising costs in several areas, including out-of-district special education placements, transportation, utilities, and insurance premiums, presented challenges during the budget development process. Despite these pressures, the district maintained its commitment to fiscal restraint through careful planning and prioritization.
Meeting Student Needs, Maintaining Strong Operations
The 2026–27 budget proposal reflects continued investment in key operational needs and student services.
The plan accounts for increased costs related to special education placements, transportation for out-of-district programs, and necessary facility upgrades to the heating system at the Duggan Elementary School. These investments are essential to maintaining safe, effective learning environments and meeting student needs.
At the same time, the district continues to align its financial decisions with long-term strategic goals, ensuring resources are directed where they have the greatest impact on students.
Thoughtful Reductions to Preserve Stability
To remain within the tax levy limit, the district identified a series of reductions and cost-saving measures, taking into account declining enrollment and building/department needs.
These include the reduction of six vacant teaching positions, as well as reductions in supplies, contractual services, and instructional materials across the district. All personnel reductions are through attrition or retirement, not layoffs. All current staff and faculty members are accounted for in the proposed spending plan.
By making these targeted adjustments, the district aims to preserve core academic programs and maintain stability in the classroom, while managing overall costs.
Looking Ahead
The proposed budget reflects Monticello’s long-term commitment to financial stability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. Through strategic planning, careful reductions, and continued maximization of funding sources, the district has developed a spending plan that supports students while remaining mindful of the community’s tax burden.
As enrollment trends continue to shift and costs evolve, Monticello remains focused on delivering a balanced budget that positions the district for continued success in the years ahead.
Quick Links
Voter Registration/Absentee/Early Ballots
Board of Education Election
On May 19, voters will also elect four candidates to the Board of Education. Seven candidates are vying for four open seats.
The candidates, as well as the seats they are vying for, in ballot order, are:
Candidate Statements (in ballot order):
Dacey-Ann Natalie Blake
Name: Dacey-Ann Natalie Blake
Place of Residence: Rock Hill
Years of Current Place of Residence: 19 years
Occupation: Financial Controller
I’m running for the school board because I care about our schools and community. With 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, I understand how to manage budgets responsibly and build financial systems that support long-term success. I want our resources to support students and teachers while strengthening accountability.
Helen Jersey (incumbent)
Name: Helen Jersey
Place of Residence: Monticello, NY
Years at Current Place of Residence: 27 years
Occupation: Assistant Controller at Arc Greater Hudson Valley
I am seeking reelection to continue advocating and support student success, support our district staff, strengthen educational programs, provide a safe, and positive environment, and be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. I am a parent of a High School student, a taxpayer and currently serve on the Board’s Audit, Policy, Capital Improvement, Graduation and Budget committees.
Tamika Harris
Name: Tamika Harris
Place of Residence: Rock Hill, NY
Years at Current Place of Residence: 20 years
Occupation: Elementary Assistant Principal
I want to serve on the Monticello school board because I am a committed advocate for equitable education, with 24 years of experience and personal insight as a parent. I value collaboration, transparency, and responsible decision-making, and I am dedicated to supporting all students’ academic, social, and emotional success through student-centered leadership.
Heather Lynne Fassell (incumbent)
Name: Heather Lynne Fassell
Residence: Wurtsboro, NY
Years at Residence: 16 years
Occupation: Pediatric Physical Therapist
I am dedicated to supporting our district’s growth and success and ensuring that our students and staff have the resources they need to thrive. I am passionate about helping Monticello Schools continue to move forward in a positive direction, providing our children with the foundation they need for lifelong success.
Wendy Galligan Weiner (incumbent)
Name: Wendy Galligan Weiner
Residence: Rock Hill, New York
Years at Residence: 28 Years
Occupation: Deputy Chief Clerk, Sullivan County Surrogate’s Court
I want to serve as a member of the Monticello Central School District Board of Education in order to create a shared vision to promote academic achievement for all students through collaboration with students, parents, educators and the community.
Furthermore, and more dear to my heart, is that I was born and raised in Rock Hill, New York and graduated from Monticello High School in 1986, attending both Emma C. Chase Elementary School and Monticello Middle School at St. John Street. I currently have 2 children that recently graduated from Monticello Central School District.
I am also an active member of the community serving as a volunteer in both youth and adult organizations.
As an elected member of the Monticello Central School District Board of Education, I am hoping to make decisions which will ultimately make a difference and/or create positive change for future generations.
Logan Morey
Coming soon!
Roberto Bravo-Colon (incumbent)
Name: Roberto Bravo-Colon
Place of Residence: Monticello, NY
Years at Current Place of Residence: Approximately 8 years
Occupation: Caseworker at DSS
I want to serve on the Monticello school board because I want to serve my community.
Monticello Central School District Budget Calendar
2026-27 Budget Development Timeline
This budget calendar outlines key dates and milestones in the development of the Monticello Central School District’s 2026-27 budget.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| November 6, 2025 | Present budget calendar to Board of Education |
| November 20, 2025 | Board of Education meeting: Adopt budget calendar |
| November 21, 2025 | Distribute budget calendar to administrators and schedule dates for individual budget meetings with Lisa, Theresa and Dr. Evans |
| November 26, 2025 | Principals meeting to discuss budget guidelines |
| December 11, 2025 | Board of Education meeting: Adopt long-range financial plan |
| December 17, 2025 | Staffing discussion at principals meeting (needs, reductions, shifts) |
| January 12-16, 2026 | Individual budget meetings between Central Office and Plant Operations, Transportation, Security and Technology |
| January 22, 2026 | Board of Education Budget Committee meeting, 5 p.m., High School Cafeteria |
| February 2-6, 2026 | Individual budget meetings with Central Office and building principals and Athletics |
| February 5, 2026 | Board of Education meeting topic: Preliminary budget forecast, rollover budget, assumptions and tax levy limit |
| February 16-20, 2026 | Individual budget meetings with Central Office and PPS, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Programs and BOCES |
| February 19, 2026 | Board of Education meeting topic: Plant Operations, Transportation, Security and Technology (completed budgets due to Business Office by February 9, 2026) |
| February 26, 2026 | Proposed staffing recommendations for 2026-27 completed |
| February 27, 2026 | Submit tax cap calculation information and district’s calculation of tax levy limit to OSC, NYSED, and New York State Taxation and Finance |
| March 5, 2026 | Board of Education meeting topic: Building principal budgets with enrollment projections and Athletics (completed budgets due to Business Office by February 13, 2026) |
| March 19, 2026 | Board of Education meeting topic: Curriculum/Staff Development, PPS, Special Programs and BOCES; finalize budget proposal (completed budgets due to Business Office by February 27, 2026). Topic: Instructional and support staffing, benefits and districtwide expenditures; finalize budget proposal (completed budgets due to Business Office by March 6, 2025) |
| April 3, 2026 | First legal notice of school budget hearing and budget; must advertise four times |
| April 9, 2026 | Board of Education meeting: Budget discussion |
| April 15, 2026 | BOCES budget presentation, RPEC Dining Room |
| April 20, 2026 | Deadline for submission of voter-initiated propositions to be placed on the ballot (45 days before the election) |
| April 20, 2026 | Deadline for submission of petitions for Board of Education candidates to be placed on the ballot (30 days prior to budget vote) |
| April 23, 2026 | Board of Education meeting: Budget adoption by the Board of Education (BOCES budget vote) |
| April 24, 2026 | Final legal date for budget adoption by Board of Education |
| April 27, 2026 | Property tax report card due to State Education Department and official newspaper (by end of next business day after budget adoption) |
| April 30, 2026 | Three-part budget document with required attachments made available upon request and distributed in various locations (at least seven days before budget hearing and not less than 14 days before the annual budget vote) |
| May 7, 2026 | Voter registration day |
| May 7, 2026 | Budget hearing; three-part budget document with required attachments available |
| May 13, 2026 | Six-day notice mailed to eligible voters |
| May 19, 2026 | Annual meeting and budget vote |
| May 20, 2026 | Board of Education meeting: Accept results of election and budget vote |
| June 10, 2026 | Sworn statement by candidates for election to Board of Education received by District Clerk |
If the Budget Is Defeated
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| June 2, 2026 | Budget document three-part statement with required attachments made available upon request at each school building, district office, free library and on the district website at least seven days before hearing and 14 days before the budget revote |
| June 2, 2026 | Publish legal notice for budget revote once each week in the two weeks before revote day; first publication 14 days before revote |
| June 4, 2026 | Budget hearing (seven to 14 days before budget revote day); three-part budget statement must be available at hearing |
| June 5, 2026 | Budget notice mailed to eligible voters |
| June 16, 2026 | Statewide budget revote day |
Please note: This vote timeline may be revised if the early mail voting requirement takes effect.
Budget Data
Coming Soon!
Budget Legal Notice
Coming soon!
Budget Newsletter
Coming Soon!
Budget Presentations
February 5 – Preliminary Budget Forecast, Rollover Budget, Assumptions & Tax Levy Limit
February 19 – Transportation, Technology & Plant Ops
March 5 – Chase, Cooke, KLR, SJS, RJK and MHS building level and Athletics/PE Budget presentation
March 19- Curriculum/staff development, PPS (Pupil personnel services), Special programs, and BOCES, and district wide expenditures
April 9 – Staffing, benefits, and first draft budget presentation
April 23, 2026 – Budget Adoption
Voting Locations
Thompson/Monticello – District #1
Robert J. Kaiser Middle School
45 Breakey Avenue, Monticello, NY 12701
Bethel – District #2
Duggan Community Center
3460 Route 55, White Lake, NY 12786
Mamakating – District #3
Emma C. Chase School
28 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wurtsboro, NY 12790
Rock Hill – District #4
Rock Hill Fire Department
61 Glen Wild Rd, Rock Hill, NY 12775
Forestburgh – District #5
Forestburgh Town Hall
332 King Rd, Forestburgh, NY 12777
If you have a question about where you should vote, call 845-794-7700, ext. 70523 or check here on Poll Finder.
Voter Registration/Absentee Ballots/Voting by Early Ballot
For more information about voting in school elections, including how to register and how to request an absentee ballot or an early ballot, please visit the Voting in School Elections webpage.
Voter Registration Day
There will be a Voter Registration Day on May 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at all district voting locations.
Voters may also register in person on any school day between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the District Clerk’s office, located at:
Monticello CSD Administration Building
60 Jefferson Street, Suite 3
Monticello, NY 12701
For more information on eligibility and registration, visit the Voting in School Elections webpage.