Library proposition passes; three trustees elected
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, residents of the Stillwater Central School District approved the proposed $32,273,515 budget for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 221-109, a 66.97% approval rate. The budget reflects a 1.79% spending increase over the current-year budget and a 6.62% increase in the tax levy, which is within the district’s tax levy limit.
“On behalf of the Stillwater Central School District, thank you to the community for making its voice heard in today’s vote and prioritizing student growth and success through safe learning environments, robust educational experiences and innovative professional development opportunities for staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Joseph Mariano Jr.
“By approving the 2026-27 budget, we’re ensuring a continuum of high-quality programming while maintaining fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. We’re excited to continue building on the progress we’ve made while exploring new opportunities to further enhance the educational experience for all Stillwater students.”
The approved budget preserves all educational programs and services and includes the purchase of three new diesel- and gas-powered school buses—one large bus, one wheelchair-accessible bus and one small passenger bus. It also provides funding for salary increases for faculty and staff, as well as rising costs for health insurance and other employee benefits.
The projected tax levy—the total amount of money a school district raises through property taxes—rises by 6.62% under the approved budget. This is below Stillwater’s maximum allowable tax levy increase of 6.63%, as determined by the state’s tax levy cap formula.
District officials surmise that school tax rates, which represent the amount residents pay per $1,000 of assessed property value, to rise by approximately 4.50%. Final school tax rates will be set in August when municipalities finalize their assessment rolls.
Board of Education election
Three seats on the Stillwater Board of Education were up for election this year, each for a three-year term. The candidates received the following number of votes:
- Darrell Hazen: 207 votes
- Carrie Lilac Sabourin: 197 votes
- Valerie Masterson: 197 votes
Darrell Hazen, Carrie Lilac Sabourin, and Valerie Masterson will fill three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026.
Stillwater Public Library proposition approved, trustees elected
District residents approved a $425,990 budget for the Stillwater Public Library by a vote of 210-120. The library budget is separate from the school district budget and funds library operations. Although the Stillwater Public Library shares the same service boundary as the school district, it is not governed by the district.
Voters also elected the following individuals to the library’s Board of Trustees for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026:
- Andrew Krapski: 179 votes
- Eric Nelson: 186 votes
- Rachel Womble: 232 votes