On Tuesday, May 20, Salem CSD residents voted to approve the district’s proposed $17.23 million budget for the 2025-26 school year that carries an 8% tax levy increase and a decrease in spending of 3.69% compared to the current year.

The community voted to approve the Capital Project. This will allow the district to finance much-needed replacements of the Salem Washington Academy roofs.

The community also voted to approve the transportation proposal on the ballot. This will allow the district to lease one 65-passenger bus for a five year lease period at a cost that would not exceed $42,500 annually.

There was one seat on the board of education on the ballot. The community voted for Marissa Perkins to fill the seat. The term for the seat runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. The seat is currently held by Peter Thomas.

• Proposition 1: Proposed 2025-26 Budget YES (466 votes/65.3%) to No (239 votes/33.5%)

• Proposition 2: Lease One School Bus YES (523 votes/ 74.3%) to No (181 votes/ 25.7%)

• Proposition 3: Proposed 2025-26 Bancroft Library Budget YES (534 votes/76%) to No (171 votes/ 24%)

• Proposition 4: Capital Project - Replace our roofs YES (491 votes/ 70%) to No (210 votes/ 30%)

• Proposition 5: One School Board Seats Marissa Perkins (485 votes), Peter Thomas (148 votes)

School budgets can be broken into three components, administrative, program, and capital.

Administrative = 10.2%

• This component includes expenses necessary to manage district affairs including building-level supervision, business office operations, school-to-home communications, the board of education, the superintendent, the district clerk and legal/auditing fees.

Program = 71.2%

• Program covers expenses related to educating students, including classroom instruction, services for students with special needs, library services, the nurse’s office, computer assisted instruction, guidance and counseling services, athletics and extracurricular activities and transportation

  • The decrease in program allocation is reflective of the changes needed to close the budget gap. This includes reorganizing teaching assignments in the English, Math, and Science departments, classroom teachers taking over lower levels of Academic Intervention Services (AIS) and the reduction of a speech therapist, one clerical position, and the social worker role.

Capital = 18.6%

• This component includes all expenses necessary for the operation and maintenance of school facilities. It covers costs such as maintenance and custodial staff, utilities and debt payments for building projects.

Each spring, the Salem Central School District Board of Education adopts a proposed budget for the upcoming school year, which requires voter approval. The budget will be discussed at the budget meetings listed below. A public hearing will be held on May 6, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the High School Auditorium, 41 East Broadway, Salem, NY.

In the 2025-2026 school year, Salem will offer full day pre-kindergarten to students in the community. The program expansion is supported by grant funds available for universal pre-kindergarten programs. Currently, Pre-K students attend a five hour program.

“Research shows that additional school hours improve how students perform in assessments of vocabulary, literacy, and math. Full-day Pre-K will give our students more instruction time, allowing them to explore their interests and reach their full potential,” Damian Switzer, Salem Elementary School Interim Principal.

This year we have one (1) Board of Education seat open. Peter Thomas' term will end on June 30, 2025. If you are interesting in running for the Board please contact the District Clerk, Regina Eastman, at 518-854-7855 or reastman@salemcsd.org for more information. This is a three (3) year term starting on July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028.

• NYSSBA Guide

• NYSSBA The School Board Member Experience

• Nominating Petition

Homeowners who meet certain eligibility requirements through the New York State School Tax Relief Program (STAR) can have a portion of their home’s assessed value exempt from school property taxes. Learn more about the STAR program here.