Voters of the Monticello Central School District approved the district’s budget for the 2025-26 school year, approved the creation of a $10 million capital reserve fund, and elected three members to the Board of Education.
The results below are unofficial; final results will be certified and shared at the district’s May 21 Board of Education meeting:
Proposition 1: Annual School Budget 371 yes, 186 no
Proposition 2: Establishment of a $10 million capital reserve fund 392 yes, 159 no
Board of Education Election:
Seat 1:
- Roberto Bravo Colon: 181 votes
- Melinda Gwiozdowski: 310 votes*
Seat 2:
Ashley Rielly: 381 votes*
Seat 3:
Victoria LaRusso: 363 votes*
*Elected
The $103,522,576 budget approved by voters preserves core programs and adds several key positions while remaining below the allowable tax cap. Less than 50% of the budget is funded by the tax levy. The capital reserve fund approved by voters will be established over a period of time using excess fund balance, and could be used, with voter approval, to offset the cost of large-scale capital improvements.
“Our administrative team worked diligently to present a budget that supports student achievement, with a long-term commitment to financial stability,” Superintendent Dr. Matthew Evans said. “I thank everyone who came out today to vote, and appreciate our community’s support.”
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.