Voters across Rockland County headed to the polls Tuesday to decide on proposed 2026–2027 school budgets, Board of Education races, and several propositions impacting local school districts for the coming year.
Several districts drew significant public attention this election cycle, particularly East Ramapo and Suffern Central, where budget discussions and tax concerns sparked widespread debate throughout the community in recent weeks.
In the East Ramapo Central School District, voters approved the proposed school budget by a vote of 940 to 443.
The district’s budget proposal generated significant discussion leading up to the vote, with supporters highlighting continued educational programming and district operations, while critics raised concerns regarding long-term spending growth and future tax implications.
Board of Education races were also held Tuesday under the district’s federal ward system, with all incumbents winning reelection to new terms.
In the Suffern Central School District, residents approved the proposed 2026–2027 budget by a vote of 1,600 to 780.
The Suffern budget vote became one of the most heavily discussed races in the county this year, with grassroots campaigns both supporting and opposing the proposal appearing throughout Suffern, Airmont, Montebello, Hillburn, Sloatsburg, Tallman, and surrounding areas.
Supporters said the spending plan was necessary to maintain academics, transportation, athletics, arts, and student services, while opponents cited ongoing concerns about taxes and affordability for local families.
Tom Donnelly and Paul Shapiro were reelected to the Suffern Central Board of Education for new three-year terms.
In the Clarkstown Central School District, voters overwhelmingly approved the proposed $271.5 million budget by a vote of 2,908 to 953.
According to unofficial results released Tuesday night, the approved budget reflects a 2.31% budget-to-budget increase and a 2.55% tax levy increase.
Michelle Bondar and Brooke Stone were elected to the Clarkstown Board of Education for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, in the North Rockland Central School District, voters approved the proposed 2026–2027 budget by a vote of 1,096 to 340, with approximately 76% voting in favor of the proposal.
The approved North Rockland budget totals $322,471,272 and reflects a 0.66% tax levy increase.
Incumbents Deborah Gatti, James Kraus, and Peggy Zugibe were reelected to the North Rockland Board of Education for new three-year terms ending June 30, 2029.
In Pearl River School District, voters approved both the proposed 2026–2027 school budget and a major Capital Improvements Bond proposal.
The approved school budget totals $91,695,967 and will continue funding district programs, services, and educational initiatives for students throughout the district.
Voters also approved a $61.4 million Capital Improvements Bond that will fund infrastructure renovations and upgrades across all school buildings. Construction is expected to take place between Summer 2027 and Fall 2029.
Dr. Kathleen Ann Kelley was reelected to the Pearl River Board of Education for a term running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
Additional districts throughout Rockland County, including Nanuet, Nyack, and South Orangetown, also approved their proposed budgets Tuesday night.
Current reported results include:
- East Ramapo Central School District — Budget Passed (940–443)
- Suffern Central School District — Budget Passed (1,600–780)
- Clarkstown Central School District — Budget Passed (2,908–953)
- North Rockland Central School District — Budget Passed (1,096–340)
- Pearl River School District — Budget Passed
- Nanuet Union Free School District — Budget Passed
- Nyack Public Schools — Budget Passed
- South Orangetown Central School District — Budget Passed
Tuesday’s results mark another year of strong voter participation across Rockland County school districts, with residents weighing in on budgets, taxes, capital improvements, and the future direction of local education systems.
