On Tuesday, May 20, residents of the Monticello Central School
District will vote on a $103,522,576 budget for the 2025–26 school
year, elect three members to the Board of Education, and consider the
establishment of a $10 million capital reserve fund that could be used
to offset, and potentially reduce, the cost of future facility upgrades or
emergency repairs.
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 our responsibility to be fiscally accountable to taxpayers with our commitment to supporting student success. We strive to minimize tax levy increases and maintain the portion of the budget funded by the tax levy under 50%. Rising costs in several areas – including out-of-district special education placements and insurance premiums – made it challenging to meet these goals without significant adjustments. As a result, the district made thoughtful decisions on its programs for 2025-26. Thanks to careful planning, the final proposed budget includes a tax levy increase below the allowable tax cap.
Supporting Students, Strengthening Operations
The 2025–26 budget proposal includes the addition of several key positions: a special education teacher at the elementary level, a reading teacher, and an athletic trainer. It also maintains essential instructional staffing by replacing multiple retiring teachers in elementary education, English, speech, and special education. As the district transfers all business operations from Sullivan BOCES to in-house, the budget also includes three new account clerks in the business office who will perform services previously delivered by BOCES – a move expected to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Careful Reductions to Preserve Core Programs
To remain within the tax levy limit, the district will not fill certain vacant or retiring positions, including a science teacher, a driver’s education teacher, a nurse, and several custodial and support staff roles. In addition, the proposed budget includes the elimination of two non-instructional positions, and one administrative position. It also includes reductions in non-instructional areas such as substitute coverage, transportation costs, field trips, and BOCES services.
The proposed budget will continue to include all current extracurricular and athletic offerings.
Looking Ahead
The proposed budget reflects a long-term commitment to financial stability. Through strategic use of fund balance and careful prioritization, Monticello aims to deliver a budget that supports student achievement and keeps schools on solid footing for the future.
Proposition 2: Capital Reserve Fund
Responsible Planning. Real Savings. Community Control.
- Uses existing fund balance
- Saves money by reducing borrowing and interest costs—protecting your tax dollars
- Plans ahead for major repairs and upgrades without affecting classroom programs
- Puts you in charge—every dollar spent must be voter-approved
What is a Capital Reserve Fund?
A capital reserve fund is like a savings account for school districts. It’s created to finance large-scale capital improvements—such as building renovations, roof replacements, HVAC system upgrades, and athletic facility enhancements.
Unlike the general fund (which covers day-to-day expenses like salaries and supplies), a capital reserve fund can only be used for specific, voter-approved projects—both when the fund is created and when money is spent.
Funds are set aside gradually, with no direct tax increase when the reserve is established.
How is it different from other school funds?
The general fund is the district’s main operating budget, covering instruction, transportation, and maintenance.
The fund balance is leftover money at the end of a school year. A portion of it can be transferred to a capital reserve fund (if one exists).
Capital reserves let school districts responsibly use these surplus funds for long-term facility needs—with transparency and local control.
Example of Capital Reserve Fund in Action
In 2024, Monticello voters approved a $31.8 million capital improvement project. A $14 million capital reserve fund helped offset that cost, while $10,460,000 came from state aid. The remaining $7,340,000 will be covered by the tax levy.
Without a capital reserve, taxpayers would have been responsible for $21,340,000.
Can the Capital Reserve Fund Be Used for New Programs or Staff?
No. These funds are restricted to capital expenditures like building improvements. They cannot be used for:
- Hiring or paying salaries
- Launching academic programs
- Buying classroom supplies
Staffing and programming must be funded through the general fund, which is voted on annually.
General Fund vs. Capital Reserve Fund
| Category | General Fund | Capital Reserve Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Daily operations | Long-term capital needs |
| Examples | Salaries, textbooks, supplies | Roofs, HVAC, athletic upgrades |
| Requires Voter Approval to Spend? | No (via annual budget vote) | Yes (to create and to spend) |
| Covers Recurring Costs? | Yes | No |
| Funding Source | Tax levy, state aid | Fund balance transfers (no direct tax impact) |
Quick Links
Voter Registration/Absentee Ballots
Board of Education Election
On May 20, residents will elect three members to the Board of Education.
Two candidates are running for seat 1, which is currently held by incumbent Jennifer Holmes:
- Roberto Bravo Colon
- Melinda Gwiozdowski
Incumbents Ashley Rielly and Victoria LaRusso are running unopposed for seats 2 and 3, respectively.
Candidate statements (in ballot order):
Roberto Bravo Colon
- Place of residence: Monticello, NY
- Years at place of residence: 7 years
- Occupation: Case aid at Department of Family Services
- I believe in our children and youths. I believe our children and youths can make the difference for them, their families and community, if we as parents of MCSD community get involved, supporting, encourage, mentor, lead and guide them to be better people for thier self, our community and our country. I believe if we provided to our childrens and youths the right support to prove to themselves they can do it, they will do it.
Melinda Gwiozdowski
- Place of residence: Monticello, NY
- Years at place of residence: 1 year at current, 38 years in Rock Hill
- Occupation: Finance Director – YMCA of Middletown
- As a lifelong resident, I’ve always maintained a deep love and respect for our community. Being elected to the Board of Education will allow me to continue my goal of creating positive experiences for our children by ensurinf high-quality education, and by advocating for all schools and for all students.
Ashley Rielly
- Place of residence: Rock Hill, NY
- Years at place of residence: 19
- Occupation: Special Education Math Teacher
- As a mother of three children aged 15, 13 and 9, and a high school teacher at a neighboring school, I see the need for our community’s kids to have a safe, healthy, challenging and supportive school environment. Literacy, security and after-school programming continue to be a top priority.
Victoria LaRusso
- Place of residence: White Lake, NY
- Years at place of residence: 12
- Occupation: Senior Caseworker for Sullivan County Child Protective Services
- I’m running for re-election to the MCSD School Board because our kids — and our community — deserve a fighter. Every child has the right to a safe, secure classroom where they can dream big and achieve more. I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to stand up and speak out for what’s right. That means protecting parental rights, paying our staff what they deserve, and yes — bringing back cursive because the basics matter. I ask the tough questions. I challenge the status quo. And I never back down when it comes to our children’s future. Let’s keep Monticello safe, strong and moving forward — together.
Budget Calendar
Important dates:
March 6, 2025
BoE Meeting – Topic: Building Principal budgets with enrollment projections
and Athletics.
March 20, 2025
BoE Meeting – Topic: Curriculum/Staff Development, PPS, Special Programs,
and BOCES. Finalize budget proposal (Completed budgets due to Business
Office by March 6, 2025) Topic: Instructional & Support Staffing, Benefits &
District wide expenditures. Finalize budget proposal (Completed budgets
due to Business Office by March 13, 2025)
April 3, 2025
BoE Meeting – Budget discussion
April 10, 2025
BOCES Budget Presentation – RPEC Dining Room
April 21, 2025
Deadline for submission of voter-initiated propositions to be placed on the ballot
Deadline for submission of petitions for Board candidates to be placed on the ballot
April 22, 2025
BoE Meeting, Budget Adoption by the Board of Education (BOCES budget
vote)
April 25, 2025
Final legal date for budget adoption by Board of Education
May 1, 2025
3-part budget document available upon request and at various locations
May 8, 2025
Budget Hearing
May 6, 2025
Voter Registration Day
May 20, 2025
Annual Meeting and Budget Vote
May 21, 2025
BOE Meeting accept results of election and budget vote
Budget Data
Budget Legal Notice
Budget Newsletter
The budget newsletter will be mailed out to all Monticello CSD residents during the week of May 12. Read a digital copy of the budget newsletter here
Budget Presentations
Feb – 20 – Preliminary Budget Forecast, Rollover Budget, Forecasts
Feb. 20 – Buildings and Grounds, Transportation, Technology, Security
March 6, 2025 – Chase, Cooke, KLR, RJK and MHS building level budgets and Athletics/PE
March 20, 2025 – Curriculum/Staff Development, PPS (Pupil Personnel Services), and BOCES, Instructional & Support Staffing, Benefits and District Wide expenditures
April 3, 2025 – BoE Meeting – Budget Discussion
April 22, 2025
Budget Adoption Presentation (Please note that the livestream of the April 22 budget meeting did not fully record due to technical issues)
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
For more information about voting in school elections, including how to register and how to request an absentee ballot, please visit the Voting in School Elections webpage.
Voter Registration Day
There will be a Voter Registration Day on May 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at all district voting locations. The last day to register to vote in this election will be May 15.
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.