Wbg., North Warren, Bolton, Lake George, Johnsburg and Minerva school budgets pass

WARREN COUNTY | Residents of school districts in northern Warren County and in the Minerva area approved school district budgets May 20 by wide margins, despite experiencing rising household expenses. The budgets generally called for modest increases in total appropriations and tax levies. • Warrensburg Central School District's proposed 2025-26 budget of $23.77 million, reflecting a 0.17 percent increase, was passed in a 194-52 vote. The budget specifies a property tax levy of $8.23 million, an increase of $161,335, or 2.0 percent. Three propositions were on the ballot: to lease three 66-passenger school buses for five years at an annual cost of $62,000, to spend up to $56,000 from a capital reserve fund to buy a tractor for snow removal, and to approve Richards Library's 2026 budget of $284,684 with no increase in public funding despite a $6,446 hike. The proposals were passed by margins of 203-43, 205-41, and 186-578, respectively. District Superintendent Amy Langworthy said she and other district officials appreciated the community's support of its students and the schools' programs. "We look forward to continuing to offer opportunities for students to best prepare them for a successful future," she said. Incumbent Laurie Rinke Langworthy retained her school board seat with 188 votes, and Samantha Seeley was elected to another open seat by receiving 72 write-in ballots. • North Warren School District residents voted 229-45 to approve the 2025-26 district budget. The spending plan calls for $15.92 million in expenditures, a 2.88 percent increase. The upcoming school year's tax levy is to be $10.39 million, a 3.01 percent hike. A ballot proposition to establish a 10-year Capital Reserve fund passed 227 to 45. The fund of up to $10 million is to pay toward school building additions, reconstruction, and associated furnishings and equipment. Two unopposed candidates, Paul Buckman and Dan Freebern, received 245 and 228 votes respectively. "We are very happy with our election turnout, and we thank the North Warren community for their continued support," North Warren District Superintendent Caleb Martin said. • Johnsburg Central School District's 2025-26 budget featuring expenditures of $13.22 million, was passed in a 193-57 vote. The spending plan reflects a 2.53 percent increase, and a tax levy of $6.93 million, a 3.17 percent increase. District Superintendent Michael Markwica said the voter turnout exceeded other recent years' elections."We're very pleased with the community support," he said. "I'm proud to work in a community that is supportive of education." Elected to board seats with three-year terms were Chris Jay and Melissa Freebern, both receiving 141 votes. Kim Burgess, who received 134 votes, was elected to a one-year term. Candidates Pete Olesheski and Carrie Mason trailed with 131 and 81 votes respectively. • Lake George School District's $26.04 million budget, reflecting a 2.23 percent increase, was passed in a 35-68 vote. It calls for a tax levy of $22.51 million, an increase of 2.16 percent. It features programming expansion, including career preparation, upgrades to buildings, and boosted facilities maintenance.Superintendent of Schools John Luthringer expressed "sincere gratitude" to voters for their support of students' education. "This budget allows us to continue providing an enriching educational experience for every child," he said, noting the vote reflects support for the district's commitment to "building futures characterized by opportunity and academic excellence." Incumbent school board members Maryanne MacKenzie and Mario Fasulo, and newcomer Mike Fish, unopposed for three board seats, were elected by votes of 358, 367, and 370 respectively. • Bolton Central School District's 2025–2026 budget was passed in a 163-46 vote. A proposition for boiler replacement and upgrades to the transportation facility and its maintenance pit was approved 178-30. Two unopposed incumbent Board of Education members, Michelle Calzada and Denise Johnson, received 177 and 174 votes respectively. • Minerva Central School District's proposed 2025-26 budget passed in an 85-14 vote. The spending plan calls for appropriations of $6,365,854 million, reflecting a 3.14 percent increase. The property tax levy of $4.11 million represents an increase of $161,335, or 4.32 percent. The budget covers the installation of a new marquee sign, replacing basketball hoops in the gymnasium, and paying for the school Resource Officer to work full-time rather than part-time. The district has an enrollment of 103 students, a decrease of eight from the prior year. Incumbent board member Hayley Killon, the only candidate on the ballot, received 75 votes and was elected to a new five-year term. Receiving one write-in vote each were Heidi Kelly, Scott Fish, Bob Mueller, Roy Massena, Pete McNally, Ashley Graves, Andrew McCall, and Stacie McNally.

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Wbg., North Warren, Bolton, Lake George, Johnsburg and Minerva school budgets pass

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