Plan builds on existing programs, expands programming
On April 28, the Rockland Central School District Board of Education approved a $32 million budget proposal to go before the voters of the newly formed district.
The district was formed following the voters’ approval of the merger of the Livingston Manor and Roscoe central school districts in December.
The $32,134,980 budget proposal builds on current programs and offers expanded programming for all grade levels utilizing existing staff. The budget proposal includes more than 40 additional electives for middle and high school students, many with the potential for college credit, two transitional classrooms, more targeted PK-6 academic intervention services (AIS) in math and English Language Arts (ELA) and more robust daily specials rotation at the elementary level, as well as expanded extracurricular clubs and activities for all students PK-12.
For more details on the additional educational opportunities, visit https://tinyurl.com/25-26enhancements.
The budget represents an $903,510, or 2.89% increase, of the two districts’ combined 2024-25 budgets. The proposal includes a tax levy of $14,955,556, a decrease of $843,687, or -5.34%. To help decrease the tax levy, the proposal uses one-third of state incentive aid ($1,077,516), $836,171 in fund balance, and $220,483 in reserves. The 2024-25 true tax rate per $1,000 is $10.71 for LMCS and $9.11 for RCS with a combined rate of $10.03. The estimated true tax rate for 2025-26 would be $9.50 per $1,000. This is based on current assessed values and equalization rates, which will change for 2025-26.
“We believe this proposal provides our students with the expanded educational opportunities and the fiscal responsibility proposed in the merger studies,” Superintendent John Evans said.
Also on the ballot will be a proposal to establish a $30 million buildings and facilities capital reserve fund over 15 years.
There will be no board elections as board elections took place in February.
A public hearing will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, in the Roscoe auditorium.
Qualified voters may request an early voting or absentee ballot application by contacting District Clerk Marlyn Peters at Marlyn.Peters@lmcs.us or 845-439-4400, ext. 1201. May 13 is the last day for applications to be received for those who will be mailing a completed ballot. May 19 is the last day for absentee ballot applications to be received in person and the completed ballot delivered by hand. Ballots must be received by the district clerk by 5 p.m. May 20 to be counted.
Those who wish to vote must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a district resident for at least 30 days and registered to vote at their county board of elections or with the district. Registration with the district may be done weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Rockland Central School District main office at Livingston Manor before May 15.
Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Livingston Manor and Roscoe school gymnasiums. Residents of the former Livingston Manor Central School District will vote in Livingston Manor, and residents of the former Roscoe Central School District will vote in Roscoe. To confirm your polling site, call District Clerk Marlyn Peters at 845-439-4400, ext. 1201.
Under New York state law, if the school budget is defeated, the board of education has two options: hold another vote in June on either the same budget or a revised budget, or adopt a contingent budget without a second vote. If residents defeat the proposed budget during a second vote, the board must adopt a contingent budget. A contingent budget contains no tax levy increase and would eliminate all non-contingent expenses, such as certain student supplies, certain equipment purchases and community use of school facilities that results in a cost to the district.