Lansingburgh Voters to Decide School Budget, Elect Board Members May 19 | The Locally Times
On May 19, Lansingburgh residents will cast ballots on the 2026-27 school budget and elect four Board of Education members, directly impacting local property taxes and the quality of student education.
On Tuesday, May 19, Lansingburgh residents will make critical decisions that directly impact their property taxes and the future of local education. Voters are scheduled to cast ballots on the proposed 2026-27 school budget and elect four members to the Board of Education. This annual referendum, mirroring a regional trend among Capital Region school districts, shapes the resources available for students and the district's educational programs. ## Key Dates and How to Get Informed Lansingburgh's annual budget vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. This vote will determine the district's spending and revenue for the 2026-27 academic year, alongside the election of four new Board of Education members. To inform residents, the district will distribute the 2026–27 Knightline Budget Newsletter online and via mail, offering an overview of proposed spending. A more detailed 2026–27 Proposed Budget Statement will be available online and in hard copy at the District Office (55 New Turnpike Road) starting May 5. Community members can also attend a public budget hearing on Monday, May 11, at 6:00 PM at Turnpike Elementary School, which will include a presentation on the budget and an opportunity to learn about Board of Education candidates. ## Who Can Vote and How Participation in the May 19 vote requires individuals to be legal U.S. residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and to have resided within the Lansingburgh Central School District for at least 30 days prior to May 19. New voters can register at the District Office on Monday, May 11, between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. In-person voting hours are 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at two designated locations: Lansingburgh High School Gym for Voting District 1 (north of 101st Street to south of 118th Street), and Turnpike Elementary School Gym for Voting District 2 (north of 118th Street, including Pleasantdale, Northern Drive, Corliss Park, Miami Beach Estates, Highpointe, Brunswick 7, and Speigletown). For those preferring early mail ballots, applications are available from the District Clerk starting April 20. Completed applications for mailed ballots must be returned by May 12, while applications for ballots picked up in person are due by May 18. All early voting ballots must reach the District Clerk by 5:00 PM on May 18. ## Looking Back: Last Year's Financial Picture While the specific financial details of the 2026-27 proposed budget are not yet public, the Lansingburgh Central School District's 2025-26 budget offers a recent financial benchmark. Approved by voters on May 20, 2025, that budget totaled $66,606,450, marking a $1,864,896 increase in spending from the 2024-25 school year. The estimated tax levy increase for 2025-26 was 0.50%, staying just below New York State's allowable limit of 0.53%. The prior year's vote also saw the election of three Board of Education members: Michael Drinkwine and Michael Cusack for five-year terms, and Daniella Richards for a two-year term to fill a vacancy. The district's website confirms the 2026-27 proposed budget statement will be released before the May 19 vote, enabling residents to review financial specifics and tax implications. Currently, details on proposed spending increases or decreases for the 2026-27 budget are not available, nor are the names of candidates for the four Board of Education seats. ## Your Voting Guide: Quick Answers **When and where can I vote in person?** In-person voting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Lansingburgh High School Gym and Turnpike Elementary School Gym. **How can I learn more about the proposed budget?** The 2026–27 Proposed Budget Statement will be available online and at the District Office starting May 5. A public hearing is also set for May 11 at Turnpike Elementary School. **What are the deadlines for early mail ballots?** Applications for early mail ballots can be requested from April 20. Completed applications for mailed ballots are due by May 12, while applications for in-person pickup are due by May 18. All early voting ballots must be received by the District Clerk by 5:00 PM on May 18.