Warwick Valley voters approve 2025-26 budget, vote yes on bus proposition
![thank you voters]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747791336/warwickvalleyschoolscom/g5hh6ziwnsw3otf5ickb/2025-26BUDGETREMINDERSOCIALSQUARE_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747791336/warwickvalleyschoolscom/g5hh6ziwnsw3otf5ickb/2025-26BUDGETREMINDERSOCIALSQUARE_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747791336/warwickvalleyschoolscom/g5hh6ziwnsw3otf5ickb/2025-26BUDGETREMINDERSOCIALSQUARE_1.jpg","width":650}])
Voters have approved the Warwick Valley Central School District’s $119,137,197 budget proposal by an unofficial vote of 1,013 to 325, a 75.7% approval. Additionally, voters approved a bus proposition, and three community members were elected to the WVCSD Board of Education.
The approved 2025-26 budget includes a tax levy increase of 2.59%, which aligns with the states allowable tax cap for this year. The district has kept the annual tax levy increase at or below the state's allowable tax cap each of the last 13 years and has never exceeded it.
“I would like to thank the community for coming out in support of the 2025-26 budget,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Leach. “The budget manages to tackle prevailing economic concerns while maintaining all current programs and staffing.”
“I am deeply thankful to our community for their continued support. Your trust enables us to uphold our promise of educational excellence,” stated Keith Parsons, President of the WVCSD Board of Education. “Additionally, my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to my fellow board members and our outstanding district administration. Their attention and hard work led to a budget that is fiscally prudent while delivering top-tier learning experiences for every Warwick student.”
Voters also considered a proposition to purchase five buses for the Transportation Department – two 65-passenger propane buses, two 65-passenger electric buses, and one 65-passenger diesel-powered bus – at a maximum cost of $990,392. The proposition passed by a vote of 948 to 387, an approval of 71%. The district will use $364,464 of its bus reserve fund to help offset the cost. Of the total cost, $625,928, or 63.2%, is expected to be returned to the district in the form of state transportation aid. No additional taxes are required to purchase the buses at a net cost of approximately $364,464.
Four candidates, including three incumbents, ran for three open Board of Education seats. The three receiving the most votes will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2025.
- Keith Parsons (i) – 1,022votes
- Paul R. Eagleston – 474 votes
- Daniel Mahoney (i) – 926 votes
- Thomas E. Maslanka (i) – 953 votes