On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, residents of the Stillwater Central School District will vote on a proposed $32,273,515 budget for the 2026-27 school year. This refined spending plan focuses on expanding opportunities for student success while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the Stillwater community. In addition to the budget vote, residents will elect three members to the Board of Education, consider a proposition for the Stillwater Public Library and appoint new library trustees. Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. in the Stillwater Middle-High School auditorium.
The spending plan 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. The proposed budget also allocates funding for salary increases for faculty and staff, as well as rising costs for health insurance and other employee benefits. Overall spending would increase by 1.79%, or $566,159, over the current year, primarily because of higher costs for utilities, fuel, insurance and salaries.
“This year’s budget development process required thoughtful planning and difficult choices, given shifting economic conditions and rising costs across many areas,” Superintendent Joseph Mariano, Jr. said. “Despite these challenges, SCSD remains committed to keeping opportunities for student success at the center of every decision. We are proud to have crafted a fiscally responsible budget that reflects our responsibility to the community while fully supporting all six district goals. This spending plan prioritizes safe learning environments, enhances high-quality educational experiences for students and promotes progressive professional development opportunities for staff.”
If voters approve the proposed budget, the projected tax levy—the total amount of money a school district raises through property taxes—would rise by 6.62%. This increase 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 determined in August when municipalities finalize their assessment rolls.
In addition to the May 19 budget vote, Stillwater residents will elect three members to the Board of Education, each to serve a three-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The candidates are Darrell Hazen, Carrie Lilac Sabourin and Valerie Masterson. Voters will also decide on a proposed $425,990 budget for the Stillwater Public Library and elect three trustees to serve three-year terms during the same period.
Strong schools begin with community partnership and participation and play a continuous role in sustaining high-quality learning environments and a commitment to excellence. Eligible Stillwater voters are encouraged to take part in the May 19 vote to help shape students’ education. Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. in the Stillwater Middle-High School auditorium. Detailed budget information can be found on the “Budget and Finance” page of the district website.