We want to hear from you! An optional and anonymous exit survey will be available at the polls on the day of the vote. Community participation is appreciated, as it provides an opportunity to hear directly from families and supports ongoing understanding of community perspectives.
1. When is the revote?
The budget revote will be held from 6 a.m.- 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 at the Main Street Administration Building, 227 Main Street, Goshen.
2. Why is there a revote?
On May 19, district residents voted down the proposed $101,050,451 budget for 2026-27. The Board of Education opted to place a revised spending plan in front of voters on June 16.
3. What is the total spending plan?
The proposed spending plan that will go to voters on June 16 is $101,033,650 – a net reduction of $16,801 from the original plan rejected by voters on May 19.
Administration/non-student Related Reductions
- The superintendent salary line item was reduced from $285,000 to $260,000.
- Administrative salaries were reduced by $48,477 (including the elimination of a proposed Director of Technology position).
- Reserved funds were reduced from $1,296,501 to $1,223,189. A reduction of $73,312.
- Legal costs were reduced by $46,500.
Student Centered Additions and Investments
- Instructional changes include increased funding to support staffing retention and expanded course offerings. This includes $34,000 for additional teaching assignments at Goshen High School, as well as continued support for a social studies teacher and a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA).
- Instructional supplies increased by $24,200.
- Web hosting and benefits increased due to reinstated benefits for the Social Studies teacher and a $4,000 increase for Capital Region BOCES to host the district website until the district transitions to ParentSquare.
- Music equipment funding increased, including:
- $4,000 for Goshen High School
- $2,500 for C.J. Hooker Middle School
- $2,500 for Goshen Intermediate School
- $1,000 for Scotchtown Avenue School
- Theater production funding at Goshen High School increased by $4,000.
- High school art supplies increased by $3,900, plus an additional $4,000 for C.J. Hooker Middle School.
- Co-curricular club funding increased by $5,000 at both GHS and CJH to support new clubs and activities.
4. What is the tax levy increase?
The tax levy increase was reduced from the district’s tax levy “cap” of 3.06% to 2.80%, reduced by $148,746.
5. How is the district balancing the budget?
The district will offset the proposed budget by applying $3.75 million in fund balance and $1,223,189 in reserve funds – a decrease of $73,312 from what was originally proposed.
6. Why did the superintendent salary increase by $40,000 dollars in the original proposed budget that went before voters on May 19? Is the superintendent salary line item the same in the revised budget vote on June 16?
During the 2024-25 school year, the superintendent’s base salary was $242,000, with a total cost to the district of approximately $323,000 when benefits were included.
For the current school year, the interim superintendent’s base salary is $260,000. Because the interim superintendent is retired, the district does not incur costs for health insurance or retirement benefits. The district’s only additional expense is its required FICA contribution, resulting in a total cost of $279,890.
After careful consideration and in response to community feedback, the revised proposed 2026–27 budget includes $260,000 for the superintendent position in anticipation of hiring a permanent superintendent. This reflects a $25,000 reduction from the amount included in the original budget proposal.
7. Has there been a superintendent search update?
On June 1, the Board of Education provided an update on the superintendent search process. The Board shared that it has been working with Orange-Ulster BOCES to conduct the search at no cost to the district.
As part of the process, a Board subcommittee was formed to assist with the search. To date, three rounds of candidate screenings and interviews have been completed. However, the Board has not yet identified a candidate who is the right fit to serve as the district’s next permanent superintendent.
Interim Superintendent Thomas Bongiovi has withdrawn his candidacy for the permanent superintendent position. Mr. Bongiovi has agreed to continue serving as Interim Superintendent through a six-month appointment while the Board continues its search for a permanent superintendent.
The Board emphasized that meaningful progress has been made throughout the search process and remains committed to finding the best candidate to lead the district. While they will continue the search, the Board’s priority is to ensure that the individual selected is the right long-term leader for the Goshen Central School District.
8. In the scenario where a Superintendent is selected and their base salary plus benefits come in under the projected budgeted amount, what happens to the remaining funds?
If the superintendent’s total compensation (salary plus benefits) comes in under the budgeted amount, any remaining funds are added to the district’s fund balance, which serves as a reserve for unexpected costs and one-time expenses. This savings ensures the district can respond quickly to emergency or unforeseen circumstances without disrupting the operating budget or student services.
9. Why has the legal budget line increased compared to the current year, and will there be a capital project next year that is impacting the proposed budget?
District legal issues have declined, reducing the overall need for legal services. In addition, the use of legal counsel is at the Superintendent’s discretion. If the Superintendent is able to monitor and manage outreach internally, as has been occurring, the need for outside legal outreach decreases, which in turn reduces associated fees. Each time legal counsel is engaged, costs are incurred.
However, as the district prepares for a future capital project, legal guidance such as a “bond council” will be needed at certain stages of the process to ensure compliance and proper oversight, and those costs are included in the budget line.
Potential capital projects that have been discussed include additional roof replacements at Goshen High School, replacement of the C.J. Hooker Middle School tennis courts, asbestos removal and remediation at Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School, Goshen Intermediate School, and C.J. Hooker Middle School, as well as potential improvements to the Main Street building. In addition, a financial advisor is engaged to support the capital planning process and help maximize cost efficiencies and funding opportunities for district facilities. However, in the revised budget up for vote on June 16, legal fees are reduced by $46,500 as a result of contract renegotiation.
10. Why are board meetings no longer live streamed?
The decision to discontinue live streaming reflects a cost savings of approximately $3,000–$4,000, which previously covered staffing and equipment needed to livestream meetings.
Additionally, live meetings can sometimes require follow-up legal review depending on public statements made during proceedings, which contributes to additional legal costs. In Goshen, meetings are recorded and typically posted within 24-48 hours to ensure accuracy and allow time for proper processing and review. Recording and posting meetings after review helps ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency.
11. If enrollment is decreasing, why is the total spending increasing?
While overall enrollment has decreased, an overall trend seen through NYS school districts, student needs and operational costs have continued to grow due to inflation and the current economic state. The District must continue to provide programs, services, and support for all students while also addressing increases in contractual obligations, transportation, employee benefits, utilities, and other mandated expenses.
12. Where can I find budget information, and how is the district keeping the public informed about updates and changes?
Budget information is available on the district website at www.gcsny.org. Each year, residents receive a budget newsletter and budget notice by mail, providing an overview of the proposed budget, tax levy impact, and voting information. In addition, all Board of Education meetings are open to the public, recorded, and posted on the district’s YouTube channel for community members who are unable to attend in person.
Budget presentations, supporting documents, Board meeting agendas, minutes, and other related materials are available through BoardDocs, ensuring residents have access to information throughout the budget development process.
Ahead of the June 16 budget revote, a revote budget postcard and notice will be mailed to residents to provide updated information and voting details. On June 8, the district will hold a public hearing, in-person at GCSD Main Street Building.
As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to transparency and community engagement, an anonymous, optional exit survey will be available to voters on June 16. The survey is intended to gather feedback, better understand community perspectives, and support ongoing conversations about how the district can continue to improve communication and align with community priorities.
13. How do I get an absentee or early mailing ballot?
Absentee and early mail ballot applications are available in person through the Office of the District Clerk. Voters must submit an application and be approved before receiving a ballot. Completed ballots must be received by the District Clerk by the applicable election deadline in order to be counted. For online application forms, voting deadlines, and additional information, visit the district’s voting webpage at www.gcsny.org/budget-finance/voting/ or contact the District Clerk’s Office at (845) 615-6720.
14. What happens if the revote is defeated?
If the second vote is rejected by voters, the Board is required to adopt a contingent budget, resulting in a 0% tax levy increase. This would require the Board to eliminate an additional $1,603,658 from the proposed budget. This would limit the district’s ability to meet key goals and could result in reductions to:
- Select transportation services
- Elective courses with low enrollment
- Select academic competitions, clubs and extracurricular activities
- Athletic opportunities
- Field trips
- Staffing levels that support smaller class sizes and individualized student support
- Community use of facilities would also no longer be permitted without fees